Low oxygen levels anyone?? Help!!!

I have unfortunately been a smoker for several years and when I had sleep study done I didn't stop breathing but oxygen levels were in the 80's when I laid on my back...I am now trying to quit smoking before surgery and was wondering if anyone knows if they oxygen levels will ever go back up again?? or have I done permanent damage?? Anyone that has any knowledge on this that could be shared with me will be greatly appreciated!! Jen in Tn

my oxygen levels drop when I sleep too. My pulmonolgist said it was from my sleep apnea and I have a cpap machine with oxygen attachment to wear at night. I cant tolerate the cpap machine however so I dont use either one. I am a smoker too and I know it does interfere with oxygen in your blood...so if you dont have any issues with apnea I would think quitting smoking would, if nothing else, IMPROVE your oxygen levels. From what my doc says its not an irreversable thing and can be back to normal with (in my case) weight loss. Hope this helps in some way. Love and Peace, Mary Brake

Thank you so much Mary for responding...my pulmonolgist had said that same thing but I never realized just how dangerous it was to have such low oxygen levels until I had read other posts on the board!! I've been quit for about a month and continuing to fight it...I really want this surgery and a healthier life...I am on c-pap and hate it as I keep pulling the mask off at night while I sleep...hard for me to get used to and I would much rather it Thanks again!! Jen in TN

I know exactly what you mean about pulling it off. I do the same thing. I struggle to fall asleep with it on and then once I do I still take it off while Im sleeping and dont realize it till I wake up and its on the floor. Then for some reason I cant bring myself to put it back on. Has your doctor said how this may affect you during surgery? My pulmonologust didnt wanna approve me at first because he is afraid of breathing/oxygen problems after surgery. But I figure they do this surgery on people with apnea everyday, they must be able to prevent this kind of complication if theyre aware of it ahead of time. If you have any suggestions for how to kick the cigarettes send them my way. LOL. I have NO will power and I keep puffing away. Gotta fight one demon at a time I guess.

The sleep apnea itself is not a problem during surgery as you will be intubated which keeps your airway open. The problems come up after surgery with pain meds and after-effects of anesthesia. You will be more likely to stop breathing than people without apnea. That's why those of us with sleep apnea usually require hospitalization when others might go outpatient or need intermediate care unit or ICU when others go to the floor. We need someone to watch our breathing and oxygen levels. Pulmonary problems caused by smoking are another issue. Smokers tend to have a harder time waking up after surgery and possibly may need to stay intubated on a vent for a period. This greatly increases risk of surgery. These problems depend on the extent of damage to your lungs, a factor of how long and how much you've smoked. This is probably the main concern of the pulmonologist. Quitting will definitely help, whether you already have permanent damage or not. Caryl

Hi, I quit smoking three and a half years ago, my advice would have to be herbal tea. Green tea helps to clean the nicotine out of the system and the sooner that happens the better you will feel, still won't make it easy but hopefully it'll help. Working on a hobby or something to keep your mind and hands busy can help too. It will get easier, so keep it up. If you want to talk you can e-mail me. [email protected] I'll keep you in my prayers, Billie

A quitting idea: I quit smoking a couple of years ago without even trying. It was a side effect of an antidepressant I was taking (Wellbutrin). It took awhile to realize it, but I was "forgetting" to take my smoke breaks after about 2 weeks of being on Wellbutrin. I didn't crave a cigarette in the middle of paperwork, etc. The usual habit times (after eating--with a ****tail) were still a struggle after a few months, but not so strong that I had to have a cigarette!!! I've been off the Wellbutrin for over 18 months now---the BEST thing is, when I did cave to a craving and tried a cigarette--it tastes AWFUL!!! You might talk to your doctor if you're open to trying meds.....it worked for me and it wasn't even my intent---just a NICE side effect! Linda