RE: Hypoxic- No Apneas- Pressure Too High?
It appears that you need a full multi-disciplinary workup with emphasis on cardiology/electrophysiology, pulmonary function, renal function, and a look at your sleeping position (orthostatic hypotension). You may wish to get an echocardiogram (with or without stress) and a BNP (B-type natiuretic peptide) blood test to rule out extra fluid.
You may also wish to ask your doctor about taking a daily aspirin or some form of anti-coagulant to deal with the potential for red blood cells to clump into a clot.
I know it sounds strange, but tell your doctor if you are taking V***** as it has been known to cause headaches and is a vasodilator. Mountain climbers use it to combat hypoxia and altitude sickness.
I found that I had an arrhythmia (PACs and PVCs) that produced many of the same symptoms.
Have you considered a short trial of supplemental oxygen injected in-line or into the mask?
Wishing you the best of luck on your quest.
"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." -- Marcus Aurelius
RE: Hypoxic- No Apneas- Pressure Too High?
One other possibility that would be easy to check. The accuracy of your pulse ox could simply be wrong.
RE: Hypoxic- No Apneas- Pressure Too High?
Hi Beardog,
welcome back.
You said you had a referal to an endocrinologist??
Are taking testosterone replacement therapy?
Testosterone can cause polycythemia. I use it and I have be been kicked out of 2 blood donation drives because my hemaglobin is too high (21.1)
Still did not catch your age, elevation or other related lung/ throat problems or age of your mask??
Scotty
RE: Hypoxic- No Apneas- Pressure Too High?
Welcome back Beardog,
Definitely sounds like something is amiss there. The fact you're having bad headaches corresponding to the low Sp02 numbers would point toward the pulse oximeter not being too badly out of whack, if it is. Still worth checking it out to see if it has gone out of calibration.
Desats to the levels indicated are definitely cause for concern and should be checked out and on a more urgent basis than 3 months down the road, IMHO. Something seems amiss for sure...and at those levels, it may be something more significant.
Also, Scotty, I had to do a double take as to where you live! When I donate, the number they check here is iron / hemoglobin is typically in the high 150s, but it is the difference in units between Canada (g/L) and the US (which uses g/dL). On your scale I'd be in the high 15's
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