Experiencing Oxygen Levels Below 80: A Request for Guidance
A 42-year-old woman, weighing 120 kg and of British descent, is seeking assistance regarding her health concerns. She uses a wheelchair for mobility due to a series of medical conditions, including Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and a history of tongue cancer, which resulted in a hemiglossectomy along with a neck dissection performed in 2013. Additionally, she has been diagnosed with complex PTSD and underwent the removal of a subarachnoid spinal cyst in 2012, with tethering identified at spinal levels T4/T5 and T6/T7. Importantly, she does not suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or sleep apnea, and there are no known issues concerning her heart or lungs. The reason she is reaching out for help is that she feels overwhelmingly fatigued. Even the most basic actions, such as getting up to answer the door, cause her heart rate to escalate from a resting rate of 70-80 beats per minute to as high as 170 beats per minute. While her oxygen saturation at rest is generally between 97-99%, it sometimes plummets into the low 80s. Fortunately, it recovers after a period of rest, once her heart rate stabilizes. Despite her attempts to push through these challenging episodes, she frequently wakes up having lost consciousness. She notes that the symptoms associated with POTS should not typically cause such drops in oxygen levels. Recent medical imaging, including a full spine MRI and abdominal and chest CT scans, revealed no clots. However, her blood test results have been deteriorating, and while her doctor acknowledges the troubling trends, no action is being taken. She has shared a link to her blood test results for reference but is unable to include images here. Despite her reliance on a wheelchair, her primary focus remains on maintaining her conscious awareness and ensuring proper breathing. She is open to any suggestions or advice that could help improve her situation.
Answers (1)
6/15/2025, 8:31:03 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned given the seriousness of your symptoms. Monitoring oxygen levels, heart rate, and managing fatigue, especially with your complex medical history, is very important. Let's break this down to address your main concerns: ensuring stable oxygen levels, managing fatigue, and maintaining awareness.
Explanation:
You mentioned that your oxygen levels can occasionally drop into the low 80s, with significant fatigue and increased heart rate during exertion. This combination could be indicative of your POTS symptoms, where changes in position or physical activity can lead to physiological changes such as increased heart rate and decreased circulation efficiency. It's crucial to manage these symptoms to maintain your health and well-being.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Monitor Your Symptoms:
- Keep a daily log of your oxygen levels, heart rates during various activities, and periods of fatigue. This will help identify patterns and triggers for your symptoms.
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Hydration and Salt Intake:
- Increase fluid intake, as staying hydrated can help with blood volume and circulation. Talk to a healthcare provider about increasing your salt intake as well, a common recommendation for POTS to help increase blood volume, but make sure it fits into your overall dietary needs.
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Use of Compression Garments:
- Consider using compression stockings or abdominal binders, which can help improve blood flow and support circulation. They can reduce pooling of blood in the lower body, potentially lowering your heart rate upon standing or exerting.
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Energy Conservation Techniques:
- Implement strategies such as breaking tasks into smaller steps, resting before and after activities, or using adaptive tools to limit exertion. Prioritize activities that require less energy or can be done while seated.
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Frequent Breaks:
- When engaging in any physical activity, like moving from your wheelchair or standing, take breaks as needed. This can help manage heart rate spikes and reduce the risk of fainting.
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Discuss Blood Test Results Actively:
- Since your blood test results are deteriorating and you feel they warrant action, continue to advocate for yourself by discussing these concerns with your healthcare provider again. If needed, seek a second opinion or consider discussing referral options to a specialist in autonomic disorders or a hematologist to address your blood results comprehensively.
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Stay Connected and Informed:
- Engage with support groups or forums with similar health challenges. Sharing experiences and tips can provide emotional relief and practical advice.
It's essential to approach your situation with caution and continue to listen to your body. Please keep documenting your symptoms and maintain open communication with your healthcare providers to ensure they are aware of the ongoing concerns regarding your health. Let me know if you need more specific tips or resources on any aspect!
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