1. Community
  2. Chest and lungs
  3. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

High pfts, symptoms

Posted , 10 users are following.

maryterese
maryterese

Hi,

I have also read about the coils and anxious to hear more. I am in the States.

I am writing g about my pft's and my symptoms. My recent fev1 was 94, FVC 96. Will not know rest of details for two weeks. They said mild obstruction. I have only begin to feel symptoms lately. Sob not too bad. What is upsetting is waking up sometimes with a headache (I grind my teeth also) and not sleeping well, so feel very tired sometimes. Like. Heaviness. Oxygen was 98 at doc's, I have my own pulse ox (from pharmacy) and it seems my oxygen fluctuates from 93-97. This is a big drop. The dr got 98 but wonder if mine is accurate.

The usual numbers go up to 96-97, but I do see the drops. Mostly in the morning. I do not have a partner now so do not know if I may have sleep apnea.

I am really worried about the oxygen. Any comments? Thanks!

0 likes, 61 replies

61 Replies

Next
  • karen78573
    karen78573 maryterese

    Posted

    Hi there Maryterese! please don't fret! I alsohave a fingertip oximeter and from what i've learned is that if the oxygen level persistantly stays below 94 0r lower for atleast ten mins I think five is long enough then you need to be worried also if it occurs nearly every day this is when to seek help I ask one of our GPs at our surgery so I hope this information is off helpto you & others reading this forum!
  • karen78573
    karen78573 maryterese

    Posted

    Hi maryterese! just to quickly clear up some confusion on what I've written even if it stays persistantly low in one day even & doesn't go back up to an acceptible level above 95% as I was told then you still should seek help either see your doctor or go to a walk in clinic if it's seriously low from 90 & lower & doesn't go above 95% then A&E!
    • maryterese
      maryterese karen78573

      Posted

      Karen, I am not sure yet about how long the levels stay the same. They fluctuate a lot. I would say 94 for a couple of minutes, 95 maybe 4-5 min, then up to 96 or 97 consistently. However, it does fluctuate back to 95 here and there. I cannot imagine needing oxygen at this stage. I am considered mild and do not feel se lever sob. I get around fine. Docs here in Florida say they do not get concerned until it goes to 90, I have heard this many times. I am going to urgent care tmrw to see what they say. I think they will refer me to pulmonologist. Thanks, I am pretty worried.
    • maryterese
      maryterese

      Posted

      I meant do not feel severe sob
    • maryterese
      maryterese

      Posted

      Also just checked and it was 98 consistently. Still going to check it out. Thanks!
  • kathy70567
    kathy70567 maryterese

    Posted

    Hello I am in Florida USA and my Fev 1 is in the 70% I have a very heavy weight on my chest I get sick alot like I throw up when I do to much cleaning or running from store to store or to Moms house and I am tired alot I go to a lung Specialist on March 2 so will know if there is any lung damage but my Alpha 1 came back negative so I didnt get COPD from my family eventhough my dad died from it and my doctor said I got it from my job and the chemicals I was around I am in Stage two it is progressing I have the smokers cough do you have that also I never smoked at all.  So I just try to watch what I do. 
    • maryterese
      maryterese kathy70567

      Posted

      Kathy,

      Sorry to hear what you are going through. I know that chemicals can cause COPD. That is really tough. I feel badly that it makes you sick, also.

      I do have a cough but it is infrequent (now). My symptoms at this stage are kind of unusual I think.

      Take care.

  • DawnDedee
    DawnDedee maryterese

    Posted

    Hi Maryterese,

    I have suffered severe breathing troubles since birth and am now 56. Severe asthma, now added, COPD and a touch of emphysema and never smoked.

    What I have learned throughout my life is that in the mornings we naturally can have less oxygen levels and a tighter feeling in my chest because we breathe in a shallow fashion while sleeping.

    What helps me in the morning is a nice steamy bath or shower and a hot drink. Exercise will get me going too. Small fluctuations in the 90's, as you have described, are not serious unless your doctor says it is, of course.

    One question you might consider asking your doctor would be to know at which number, fluctuations, you should be concerned about. Then you will know when to obtain medical help.

    Hope this helps.

    💛 Dawn, USA

    • maryterese
      maryterese DawnDedee

      Posted

      Thank you, Dawn. I am sorry you have COPD on top of asthma. I heard that if you have asthma and did not smoke it can turn into COPD. It sounds like you do pretty well but I am sure it is tough.

      I wake up at 4am every night lately with a bad headache. Pulse ox says 92-95. Then after I take a hot!! Shower and have coffee, it goes up to 96-98 and headache usually gone.

      I think that is a good point to ask dr about what levels are bad esp in the morning. Obviously shallow breathing is one factor. I don't get SOB when I wake up so it is strange.

      Thanks again, wish you and everyone well.

    • maryterese
      maryterese DawnDedee

      Posted

      My mother has copd and will not quit smoking. Her pulse ox is low and she may have to go on oxygen. If she quits will her oxygen or pulse ox improve?? It is 90.
    • DawnDedee
      DawnDedee maryterese

      Posted

      Lungs have some capability of healing themselves, but it most likely depends upon various factors. Perhaps age, amount of permanent damage and how well a person takes care of themselves. Unfortunately , It sounds like your mother wants to keep on smoking.

      After spending my life breathing abnormally, when I see someone smoking, I just want to smack the cigarettes out of their hands because I would love to have healthy lungs and it is difficult for me to watch people destroying their healthy ones.

      Surely something positive would come out of your mother quitting smoking, but only a pulmonary specialist can measure this.

      Take care and keep seeking knowledge about your condition so you, as with me, can learn how to manage the disease.

      Hugs

      💛 Dawn, USA

    • karen78573
      karen78573 DawnDedee

      Posted

      Morning DawnDee! Hi I hope your ok I haven't been online much lately, have not been too well & there always seams to be something holding me back when I want to get online & that's even when my children are in bed asleep, never mind! I'm not sure what to do about my home spirometry readings they are of concern & have been to the doctor about this matter, he said it's good to keep a check & I showed him my piko-1 digital spirometer & explained that I'm always now in the red zone compared to last year when first diagnosed! Was thought to be in the elementary stage of c.o.p.d the reading then was something if I remember rightly 68% upn to 70% + but then a month or two months later I had a repeat test done  which put me at  stage 2 I however didn't  get the reading comparing too the first set of readings and also wouldn't know what zone I was in either!

      My spirometry readings are very veriable some times it can be anywhere from fev-1 60% to  98% & sometimes above & the pef can range from 159 to 225 but is usually 159 but I'm always in the red zone on the spirometry device even after changing the batteries I even went as far as buying a new digital emini wright peak flow meter which also shows me to be constantly in the red zone! Surely there must be something not right the doctor said it might be an infection but it's still the same without an infection, the doctor just said keep an eye on it! I suffer from low oxygen aswell for two days flat mostly from 94% & staying down as low as 87%  then back up to 94% today hasn't been too bad its upto 97% though I'm freezing cold have had me coat on since getting back from the school! what would you advice or could I just be worrying over nothing!? I'd like to say with all you have been through with your  illness you are a very strong minded Person! I admire your strength  to fight this rotten disease & the will to live & continue to stay strong, Truely amazing! 

  • jude65855
    jude65855 maryterese

    Posted

    YOu may well sleep apnea, but lung congestion is not helpful to good sleep patterns,.   I still have around 70% lung function remaining but most nights wake up after 4 or 5 hours and can only get back to sleep if I sit in my old comfortable armchair and get another few hours there, then maybe an hour in the afternoon.

    Tiredness is definitely a factor with emphysema:  the physio at my lung rehab group said it's commonly called the "tired disease".   Lung rehab wd be good if you can find a group to go to:  you will learn how to manage your breathing and life generally to conserve energy and enjoy life more.  I highly recommend it.

    Grinding your teeth ... aren't there mouthguards for that?  

    I don't know about oxygen, I've been told that here in Australia that's a bit of a last resort:  certainly in the rehab group I went to there were people who'd had COPD for years who couldn't move more than 5 steps without an oxygen tank.  However, even at that late stage of COPD they still found the rehab group helpful.

    • maryterese
      maryterese jude65855

      Posted

      Jude

      I do not know my exact function yet but the numbers were good. I imagine it could be about 80.

      At first I thought the headaches were from the teeth - I do have a mouth hard but still happens occasionally. Now that I hear you say you wake up like I do , maybe it is the lung congestion. And yes, I am always tired. It is tough. I have decided that I will take naps when I can.

      So frustrating and I am supposedly mild. !! I don't know if I have sleep apnea. I do not wake up out if breath. I will talk to my pulmonologist about it and about the rehab. I admit I am still kind of in shock and very anxious although I have suspected for a while. I do not have a partner anymore, so it is hard to be alone.

      As far as oxygen they like to wait until 90 I think here in the US. Insurance won't pay till it is 88. My biggest fear is going on oxygen. I hope my low numbers in the morning are not worrisome for that.

      Was in Australia almost 20 yrs ago on business trip. Got to Sydney, Canberra and Byron Bay. Loved it!

      Thanks for your help.

    • maryterese
      maryterese

      Posted

      Did you go to pulm rehab early?

      Does Mucinex help lung congestion at night. It clears congestion and mucus, you must have similar drug. I have very little mucus now but will. Try it out anyway.

    • jude65855
      jude65855 maryterese

      Posted

      I knew what you meant by mouth hard!   I'm single too, which is sometimes difificult, but to be honest my sleep pattern would probably drive even a housemate nuts!   Basically I sleep when I need to pretty much, and as I do casual work to supplement the pension & can choose my own hours, I regard myself as very lucky.

      My sleep apnea was diagnosed after a night in a sleep clinic with lots of wires & electrodes, all very interesting, and mine is mild.  I do have a machine a friend gave me but haven't set it up yet, because I think the fact that I have to sit up to stop coughing is why I wake up, not necessarily sleep apnea..

      Glad you loved Australia - it's the only country I've seen but I love it too, especially as I live in beautiful mountains near a beautiful river

      Take care of yourself and get yrself to pulmonary rehab ASAP - trust me, it's worth it 

    • maryterese
      maryterese jude65855

      Posted

      I also have a pretty flexible schedule so am lucky, too.

      I can understand about the mask. If you need it you will do it. I don't think I have apnea.

      I will check in with theodicy when I see him. Thank you. You have a very positive attitude. Australia is a beautiful place to live!

Back to top
Next

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.