carbon dioxide toxicity

[katyf13]

Mike woke up because of a horrible headache early this morning. He had pulled off his o2 during the night because it was bothering his nose. It was like a band around his head at the temple level. He took an ibuprofen, drank a bottle of gatorade, put his o2 back on and I rubbed it for a while and he soon felt better and fell back asleep. I'm at work now and I keep calling him and waking him up to make sure he's ok, he feels better now. We were worried it might be CO2?? I looked it up online and couldn't find much... does anyone know the symptoms of toxicity?? We figure it may have been a migraine, brought on by the o2 falling off (he wears it every night and sporadically throughout the day) or dehydration (the gatorade helped) but CO2 scares the bejeezus out of me... any ideas?!?

 

[EnergyGal]

I would tell him to get surgical tape or that thin tape that peels off easily and tape a little piece along the side of the nasal canula so it stays in place and does not fall off. In the middle of the night it can fall off and in my case it almost cost me my life. The nasal canula fell off and I went into respiratory failure so get the tape and he will be safe.

Yes probably his Co2 is elevated which is normal in end stage CF. Breathing out the trapped air helps instead of short breaths. Take in long deep breaths and blow out as much air as he can slowly through pursed lips.This is a good exercise to do.

If his C02 was so elevated he would be on Bipap so do not worry but I would call his doctor and get him a satuation monitor. Some insurance companies pay for these.

 

[katyf13]

thanks Risa! He has the monitor and his levels were good so that's why we didn't panic. The tape is a good idea!!

 

[EnergyGal]

You are welcome <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> something to keep in mind.

When eating sugary foods or foods high in carbs your Carbon dioxide levels can often rise. You might get a burst of energy at first but then later crash from the increased amount of C02. It is important for a person with COPD not to eat too many sweets. If you have to eat sweets please include enough protein to offset the carb increase.

Foods high in carbs or refined sugars can cause a headache as well. So there are many variables why people get headaches.

This is something good to have on hand. It is called Migraine stick. you can buy this at whole foods. Apply at the first sign of a headache. I roll it on over my temples and sinus areas. It helps me so much and thankfully I hardly have to use it.

 

[EnergyGal]

I believe migraine stick contacts essential oil of lavender and eucalyptus.

 

[AmyKins]

I have this problem, thats why I sleep with a bi-pap. The only way I can describe is like my head is going to explode & then really tired all day- its an intense pain and it goes down my neck. I would DEF. suggest having the doc check his blood gas if it continues. I had this a week ago & I went into the hospital for a couple days till I could get my CO2 down. A bi-pap def. helps with blowing off the CO2, but don't let it go too long.

 

[farbeyond1]

I want to thank you all for the support you've given me and Katy. The connection we all have together on this site has really made life much easier to tolerate during difficult times. I'm not online as frequently as many of you, but that doesn't mean that your not in my thoughts. You're all a great bunch of people, and I above all really appreciate the help you've given the love of my life with understanding my illness better.

I am a lucky man to have her, she's made me a better person. I love you Katy, thank you for taking such good care of me.