Question Low Hemoglobin vs %Sats

[Guest guest]

I have a question as it relates to low hemoglobin vs O2 Sats.

I have a degree in Clincal Lab Science and may have learned this

many, many years ago. But, figured that some experts here may have

an answer for me.

I have anemia of chronic disease due to my Stills disease (+meds) and

over a week I dropped over a gram of hgb from 11.0 to 9.5. During

that time I noticed that my sats actually seem to had improved by the

numbers, but how I feel has been worse. For instance, when doing a

power walk with the dog my sats were running about 91, but when my

hgb has gotten lower the sats are 95-96 with the same feeling of

tiredness and breathlessness.

I know that I would be more tired due to the transfer of less O2 in

general because of the lower hgb at the tissue level. The question I

have relates to the transfer of O2 in the lungs. Since there is less

hgb to satuarate, does the %Sat increase in the blood?

It could be that the sats seem improved because, with the

pulseoximeter, I am more aware of how I feel vs the levels and work

with my body and not against it. So, this is a curiosity question

more than anything. BTW - I do take Epogen for the anemia when the

hgb drops. This last week was the first time since Jun that I have

needed it. EPO is getting harder and harder for approval lately from

the insurance companies. FDA has increased the wording and need for

non dialysis patients. Used to be I would get it when hgb was 12.0

0r lower. Then the cutoff was 11.0. Now it is 10.0 before they will

approve, in many cases. Next option I guess would be transfusions.

I guess that is so much safter,lol.

tom