COPD & Emphysema Support Group

COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...

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kberber 04/04/2013

I wanted to ask a question. I have emphysema State Three two points from Stage Four. I am on spiriva and rescue inhaler if needed. I noticed for about three weeks my pulse ox was 95-96% and I felt really good. This week it has been 90-91% and I do not have much energy. Is this part of the disease to have good days and bad? My breathing is ok but I have noticed I get winded more easily when my pulse ox is lower. Does anyone know what causes these changes?

Thank you,

Karen

deleted_user 04/04/2013

Karen -
While the O2 level can vary a bit from day to day, a sudden drop in SPO2 accompanied by other symptoms is usually indicative of a problem. It could be anything from allergies interfering with your breathing to the onset of a lung infection. Might be a good idea to get in touch with your doc and see if they want you to come in...

Hugs,
Dennis

http://www.webmd.com/lung/copd/tc/lung-infections-and-copd-topic-overview

kberber 04/05/2013

Thank you Dennis. I am feeling pretty good today and my pulse ox is up to 95%. I think I will call the doctor. I know I am not having an excaberation. I have had four of them and always get very sick and cannot breathe.

Thank you for your advice and hope you are having a good day.

Karen

gro100 04/05/2013

I also have good and bad days with no other symptoms. I and trying to figure it out myself. I know the barometric pressure really effects my SOP2. I also find that I feel better during certain times of the month.
I am also starting to believe that what I eat and the amount also has alot to do with the way I feel. These are just a few of my opinions I am new to this.

Gary

deegran 04/06/2013

I asked this same question last year after being diagnosed. My easy answer is yep. It is part of the disease. Some of the replies I got that really helped me: If you do too much on the good days, you kinda pay for it the next day or two. Some cleaning products make it harder to breathe. What Dennis said about allergies. If there is lots of dust in the air. There are lots of triggers and figuring out yours takes time and may I add, it sucks. Hugs. DeeDee

bjrapp2020 04/06/2013

Yep, we have good days, bad days, and really bad days.....So while this is normal with copd, on your bad day, make sure you are not getting sick.
I can be feeling on top of the world, ready to party, then a day or so later feel like --------. feel bad...
It could be I did to much, or I came in contact with some irritant that inflammed my lungs (which could be anything small enough to inhail) or a number of things. So on bad days, check other symptoms and make sure it is not an exaberation coming on.(SIC)
I keep a booklet with my daily vitals by my bed, and on bad days, note how I am feeling, (congested, headache, ect. ) this seems to help .

deleted_user 04/30/2013

Karen I am sorry you are having such a hard time now.

This is one of the mysteries of this disease. I know I can feel good in am and by pm hit rock bottom. I know the weather plays a big factor in this.

Right now we are having a lot of rain and this does a number on my breathing. It makes it very hard and my numbers get very low.
God bless

deleted_user 04/30/2013

Hi Karen, you can place me in the good day and bad day category. I won't repeat what the others have said since it is really good advice. It's been just over a year since my diagnosis, and I am still learning when it's time to get medical help. I like Brenda's idea of keeping a journal of symptoms and vitals. I think I'm going to do the same.

Take care of yourself, and hope you feel better soon.

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