Oxygen Levels at High Elevation

[CowTown]

Does anyone live at high elevation and check O2 levels? I'm wondering what the normal ranges are before and after exercise.

I bought a puls-ox and I can't tell if it is incorrect, or if I'm really this low. The one I bought was about $200, so I'm thinking it should be correct and reliable, but it's not one of the larger machines that are used at the hospital. I don't know if my numbers are okay, bad or incorrect.

At sea level I'm usually 96-98%. Where I live, 6,200 ft, before I exercise it says I'm around 90-92% (pulse 110-120), then right after I exercise I'm anywhere between 82-88% (pulse 150-160) Does this sound right for the elevation?

 

[anonymous]

Sounds about right, I know there is a noticable drop off at high elevations. Below 90 is not too good though.

 

[lovingBenandCambree]

I have a pulse ox and I live at about 6500 ft resting I am anywhere between 90-94%. At sea level I am always above 95%. When I exercise however I have to have oxygen. I exercise with at least 1.5 litres and sometimes up to 2.5 litres. If i don't use it I would be in the 80's% as well. I would talk to your doc about getting it for exercise. Also you may want to check it while you sleep. I need it then as well. Good luck! I know that is not fun .

Emilee

 

[CowTown]

I talked to my doctor today and mentioned my oxygen levels. They want me to set up an appointment for a Desaturation Level test next time I'm in the PFT office. They can apparently calibrate a machine to my elevation and see what my levels are that way. Maybe I do need it for exercise. What a buuuuuuuummer!

 

[JustDucky]

Kelly, I am glad that the doc is doing that test for you...I know it sucks, but the O2 will make a difference.

I know with altitude changes, some people do require O2 even if they don't require it at sea level. I chat with a gentleman who lives in Colorado. His doc is located at a high elevation, he lives at sea level. He has emphysema and doesn't usually require O2 when at home, but his sats drop enough for him to require it while traveling to higher elevations.

When I was on O2, I for one required more O2 when I was on an airplane, flying on an airplane is the equivalent to being 6,000 to 8,000ft above sea level (at least that is what my pulmo told me). Iwas already on 2 liters of O2, he told me to jack it up to 4 liters while flying to Vegas.

Good luck with your test Kelly, I do hope all goes well with you! Hugs, Jenn <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">