Need help understanding SpO2 Report, Please?

[RogueStar]

I am a newbie here. Started getting my health under control last year. I don't have insurance. Finally found a ANP that wouldn't rip me off for being 'self insured'. Found out I had high blood pressure 238/135 and diabetes. I've been taking meds for that and BP is at 130/80 now. Lost 35 lbs.
She sent me home with a recording oximeter for an overnight test 2 weeks ago. Didn't get any answer from her so I bought a CMS50D+ and did my own test. I suspected I had low o2 reading by what I saw when using the ANP meter. I called the office and they said the report indicated a 'mild' sleep apnea. I printed out my test and from what little I have been able to decifer, I think I have a 'critical' situation. Could some you you folks look at my report and tell me what you think? Thanks!

[potholerepairman]

Hello, Wish I could help with your readings , someone a lot more knowledgeable than me will do that or send you to some one who can.I bought the same oximeter a week or two back,was curious how you taped it to your finger to stay on for those six hours? Was going to try mine out while sleeping this weekend.Good luck

[ScrappinMom]

Well, I'm definitely not an oximeter expert, but 58% (your lowest) is VERY bad...roughly half the oxygen you should have.
Also, your total time at less than 88% was 67.2 minutes. Also very bad for you. If you got similar results with your NPs oximeter, I can't believe they think you only have a "mild" problem. I would take your own reports in right away. I do agree you have a critical situation.

On a brighter note, CONGRATULATIONS on bringing down that blood pressure and losing 35 pounds! That is fabulous!

[RogueStar]

Hi potholerepairman,

This method worked very well. I just put teh meter on my left had 'pointer finger'. Applied one strip of tape from the base of the finger up one side, around the meter and back the other side to the base of the finger. On the sides, not top and bottom. Then wraped a layer of tape around the finger just below the meter and around the side tape. I'll post pictures if you need it.

[potholerepairman]

Hi potholerepairman,

This method worked very well. I just put teh meter on my left had 'pointer finger'. Applied one strip of tape from the base of the finger up one side, around the meter and back the other side to the base of the finger. On the sides, not top and bottom. Then wraped a layer of tape around the finger just below the meter and around the side tape. I'll post pictures if you need it.

hello RogueStar,I am not the most mechanical person but your description works wonders and now will not place tape on the top which was worrying me a lot.thanks a million I know you were looking for answers and I felt like a bum asking in your topic.

[provider]

Hi! Congrats for taking control of your developing disease states. First, show this report to your practicioner.

I am not an MD, but interpret these reports frequently. Being below 88% for around an hour indicates moderate to severe desaturations. Secondly, the number of events and the noted sawtooth pattern of your sats and heart rate spiking radically indicate a high likelihood of sleep disordered breathing, i.e. OSA.

Your blood is not properly oxygenated and you breathing is severely interrupted while you sleep. I would suggest a sleep study or at least a CPAP Auto titration.

[RogueStar]

potholerepairman,
Glad my description helped. No problem asking questions, that is what this is all about, isn't it?

provider,
I sent a copy of the report to my ANP. Still didn't hear anything so I called and talked to a nurse there.
Apparently they were all impressed with the quality of the report I provided and said it definitely showed OSP better than their report. I may get an appointment next week to discuss. The nurse did say they will want a sleep study. I told her I can't afford that. An online Auto CPAP machine is cheaper than a sleep study.

When I took their oximeter home, I had to sign a form warning me that the data cable is fragile and costs $350 to replace. Just the cable. I bought the CMS50D+ at Walmart online for $149 for meter, cable and software that seems to work better than their device.

Thanks for replies.

here is more detail...

[jxl]

Hi RogueStar,

It is definitely not "mild" apnea, it looks serious (provided that your oximeter gives a correct scores). If you can - check it against another oximeter to see if the readings are correct. May I ask you some questions? (I'm not a doctor, just experienced patient )
Do you snore? How do you wake up in the morning - do you feel well rested? Do you have lungs problems? Heart problems?
Some MDs think that doing a polysomnograph study is just a waste of money for the most people. Of course, if you have the money, it's good to have all the tests. Otherwise - you can monitor your state and progress with oximeter, while trying different settings on bi-level device. The goal is to have your oximeter readings above 90 (preferably 94), to wake up rested in the morning, and to have dreams (that means you have been at R.E.M. state of sleep).

[SuperGeeky]

RogueStar, prop up pillows or something to make sure you sleep on your side. It might reduce the Apnea or at least the severity of the Apnea.

Take the Ellsworth Sleep Scale online to assess your Excessive Daytime Sleepiness. Until you get the proper medical care, be careful about driving, other activities requiring alertness. Find someone reliable to assist you with managing the Doctor and other affairs effected by the Sleep Disorder.

My guess, you need prompt medical care. ASAP! I wouldn't think in terms of weeks, unless finances dictate otherwise. I would give considerable focus on how well my heart is working...

Take care,

SG

[SuperGeeky]

Eh Hem!!! Rogue Star, how are you doing???

BUMP!!

SG

[jweeks]

My guess, you need prompt medical care. ASAP! I wouldn't think in terms of weeks, unless finances dictate otherwise. I would give considerable focus on how well my heart is working...

Hi,

I'd consider suggesting something even more urgent. In fact, I think I'd consider suggesting that he might not want to attempt to sleep until he can get on some type of oxygen therapy, and then get into a sleep center as soon as humanly possible. I recall that the techs freaked out during my first sleep study when I dropped below 70%.

-john-

[RogueStar]

jxl,
I hooked-up my wife the following night and her readings were all above 95%, so I feel very confident the meter is working correctly. I remember when using the ANP's meter I would wake up and see O2 in the 60-70% range. It scared me, that is why i bought my own oximeter, so I could monitor while waiting for the ANP.
Do I snore? I used to snore alot when heavier during daytime naps and at night. Not much now. My wife tells me very seldom.
Wake-up? I go to bed around midnight to 1am I usually wake up feeling pretty good after 6 hours of sleep or so feeling like its time to get up. I usually start watching the news in bed and fall back to sleep and wake up again an hour or so later. I am self-employed so I get up when I feel like it. Weekends I get up around 9:00-9:30am.
Lung problems? Not that I know of. In years past I would annualy get a severe chest cold that would take months to shake. Lots of coughing and would produce yellow phlegm. Currently I have a cough where I cough a couple times a day til I spit up that same yellow phlegm then the cough goes away for hours. I smoked several cigerettes a day more that 20 years ago. Recently I had an occasional cigar (less than one every month or two) but have quit that as well.
Heart? High Blood pressure as I mentioned in original post.
Dreams? Oh Yes! Sometimes wild and crazy. I think they are fun and actually enjoy them.

SuperGeeky,
I just took the Epsworth (not ellsworth) Sleep exam and scored a 16.

jweeks,
I feel the same way you do. last night I slept lightly as i kept spot checking my o2. About half way thru the night I sat up to sleep in sitting position. I would wake right after falling asleep and felt out of breath. Checked o2 and would see it climbing back up from 78 or so.

I looked at cpap.com and was looking at the PR System One REMstar Auto CPAP Machine. I wish I could just by one and feel better. Instead I have to wait weeks and weeks and pay thousands of dollars I just don't have right now. If my ANP requires a sleep study to give me a prescription I'll have to look into the used market and give up professional care.

Very discouraged with the medical monolopy.

thanks for all your help and input. I can't tell how much it al means to me. I had a post all set to go last night but the site went down and i lost it.

[SuperGeeky]

Rogue Star, I don't know what part of the country or world for that matter your located. I'd hook up to someone who his healthy and reliable, ask them to make phone calls to a Social Worker or some Agency that can help you with your Medical Care.

I would put money way at the bottom of priority. Being a penny wise and pound foolish can be easy to slip into under these circumstances. Severe Sleep Apnea can cause you to sink into a spiral of self-neglect, depression and hopelessness. And, poor judgement like driving a car while not fully rested. I've done it too many times.

Your Excessive Daytime Sleepiness score is high and indicates need to call a doctor immediately. Also, there seems to be duel billing system in the Medical Profession. One for the Insurers and a different billing system for folks the Doctors, Nurses would like to see you get urgent care.

If you have a reclining chair, like a Lazy Boy, think about sleeping in it. It might minimize the Apnea. Last resort, scratching some dough together to buy a 'Data Enabled' machine off of Craigslist. But that is absolutely last resort!!!

This is very complex stuff and you quite possibly have a very complex combination of illness. Tomorrow is already too late, think in the moment...


Stay safe my friend,

SG

[elg5cats]

Rogue Star, I don't know what part of the country or world for that matter your located. I'd hook up to someone who his healthy and reliable, ask them to make phone calls to a Social Worker or some Agency that can help you with your Medical Care. I would put money way at the bottom of priority. Being a penny wise and pound foolish SG

You said you are self employed......depending upon where you live and the level of your income/assets from "business" will determine if you are eligible for any state assistance (assuming you are living in the US). If you have minimal income, and minimal assets, you may be eligible for medicaid. Otherwise, you'll likely be on your own even if you see a social worker/social service agency. Not too much community funds available for sleep related assistance. You Pulse OX reports definitely looks very concerning. Might want to ask the ANP to write an RX for a machine, purchase software and get started if you can't do the sleep study.

elg5cats

[elg5cats]

I am a newbie here. Started getting my health under control last year. I don't have insurance. Finally found a ANP that wouldn't rip me off for being 'self insured'. Found out I had high blood pressure 238/135 and diabetes. I've been taking meds for that and BP is at 130/80 now. Lost 35 lbs.
She sent me home with a recording oximeter for an overnight test 2 weeks ago. Didn't get any answer from her so I bought a CMS50D+ and did my own test. I suspected I had low o2 reading by what I saw when using the ANP meter. I called the office and they said the report indicated a 'mild' sleep apnea. I printed out my test and from what little I have been able to decifer, I think I have a 'critical' situation. Could some you you folks look at my report and tell me what you think? Thanks!

Just another thought................you might want to use your pulse ox while you are at rest, awake and compare.......to see if your desats are only at sleep.........just a thought!!!!

elg5cats