Breathing Problems or hypoxia

Recenty, I had breathing problems but I thought they were because I was not using my inhalers. So I started using them again. but they were not working, but I still used my regular one-- albuterol sulfate, and my steriod inhaler.

I also bought a oximeter, (you put it on your finger)to check on my oxygen levels, only because it might explain some of my breathing problems.

For a few weeks, my oxygen levels were go from 96 to 91, which is normal. Through the internet I learned that anything above 90 is normal.

So I thought it was odd that my oxygen level was in the 80's for about 2weeks. I had more breathing problems but didn't know why. Then on November 3, 2018, I oxygen level dropped to 77. My symptoms were I was experiencing lightheadedness, I moved very slowing, as if I had no energy. But when I arrived at my dialysis center, I was immediately put on oxygen. After 3-4 hours there, I went home and fell asleep. Around 5pm, I woke up but didn't feel like eating, but couldn't think clearly. So I tested my oxygen level with my oximeter. My oxygen level was at 77 again. I called my insurance company (I live in the US) and the doctor told me to go to a hospital immediately.

At the evaluation room at the emergency room, my blood oxygen was 91, so I was put in a wheelchair and rolled into an examining room. There my oxygen level dropped to 84. I was immediately put on oxygen. The doctors ran blood tests, an x ray was performed in the room and a catheter foley was put in my arm, so that drugs could be added, if necessary. Plus a oximeter put on my finger.

About 10 minutes later, there was a beeping sound, which meant my oxygen level dropped again, so they increased the oxygen to 2 liters.

About 1-2 hours later, the doctor told me that I had pneumonia. There was more fluid in my left lung than my right lung. I thought how could I get pneumonia again , I had it last year. I was told , lack of oxygen can cause brain damage, liver problems, and heart problems, or death. So I would suggest you get a oximeter, if you have breathing problems. Plus I have numerous other health problems which may have caused me to get pneumonia again this year. Good luck to others who might have low oxygen levels

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