Just had hysterectomy, worried about oxygen levels…..

Hello everyone and hope you all are having a good day.

I went in for a hysterectomy last Thursday and they were prepping me for surgery and put that thing on my index finger that reads your oxygen levels and it read 95. In the years past it has read 99-100. This worried me a little as I don't understand why it wasn't where it has been. The nurse didn't say anything so I guess it wasn't nothing to be alarmed about.

But….after my surgery a lady came in and gave me a plastic thing that you suck air out of. She told me it helps keep ppl from getting phenomena. Its breathing exercises. So I was to suck air in from this machine ten times and then she would read my oxygen level. It did this and coughed every time I blowed out as instructed and my oxygen level was down to 91. She then proceeded to tell me that was borderline and that if it went any lower she would get me some oxygen. WTH.

This has raised my anxiety levels quite a bit and I know if I go to making a big deal about it (going to see a doc) my hubby will probably not approve because he will say there is nothing to worry about. But this level is not normal for me. I do have asthma but it is on the lower end and not very bad at all and I don't treat myself for it.

I don't necessarily have health anxiety, but I used to and definitely don't want it to come back. Please help.

Hi TPIG,

I'd say S.C. gave you great advice. I would call to check if you are concerned. I can tell you though that it is better for your number to be closer to 97-98 than 99-100. My therapist checks my oxygen regularly and 99-100 indicates hyperventilation. Maybe the number closer to 95 is an improvement. Either way, I'm sure it'll make you feel better to hear from your doctor.

Hugs!

Your lungs R part of them may not have been fully infkated after your surgery (assuming you got totally knocked out & put on a respirator). Pain meds can lower the pulse, this causing a low oxygen reading. The fact it was in the lower range after surgery isn't uncommon & they didn't keep you or put you on oxygen so my guess is all is well.

If you're having shortness of breath or anything, get it checked. 94 isn't hideous. Mine runs from 95-99. (My BIL has the pulse reader at home bc of his lung disorder. I like to obsessively check it when I'm there hehe). I'm also a smoker.

Best wishes-
Lisa

The past is gone-

Forgot to wish you all the best with healing and forgive my typos. I use my iPhone to post on here and sometimes I get fat fingers, ha!

Just for the record, not a medical professional, just play one in my own life of health anxiety, lol! (I did grow up in a family of nurses & doctors. I blame them for my health anxiety).

All the best-
Lisa