I was hospitalized the end of December with Pulminary Failure. I had no idea I had COPD. After lowering my Co2 from 75 to 55, they put me on 2% 24/7 oxygen. Saw the pulmonologist. Told me go off the oxygen in the day when resting and use it at night and when excercising. Had a panel done (venous blood) and my Co2 was 40 (normal is 32). Pulmonologist said that has nothing to do with the arterial test. Did my research and it does eventually end up in the lungs. Have been using Trelogy once a day but lately I've noticed my oxygen level has been 95 and up at rest. Am doing the parsed lip breathing. Unfortunately I had extreme panic/anxiety disorder before getting COPD and now it's even worse! I take a benzodiazepam (1 mg. Lorazepam 3 times per day). I see a therapist for my anxiety disorder and do relaxation therapy but my main concern is why my oxygen level goes way up when I'm at rest and have no oxygen on. I do fine on the 1% portable, but my condenser is at 2%.
Of course I'm thinking the worst so I will be meditating and doing my pursed lip breathing.
Should I be concerned with this? I don't go back to the pulmonologist until May. (Am also a breast cancer survivor of 7 years and had to go for ultrasound, etc. yesterday - stress level is high.
Can stress affect Co2 retention? I can't seem to get a straight answer out of any of these doctors in Florida! Is anyone else going through this?