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sophiacharm Asked March 2020

My 84-year old mother with dementia and PAD sleeps most of the day; confused; immobile; is drowsiness related to low oxygen level?

I posted a month ago when doctors recommended angioplasty on right lower leg. Only one artery was opened with "some improvement" per doc. Her other arteries (tibial; distal; popliteal) in left leg are occluded; and the popliteal and distal arteries in the right leg were not touched during the angioplasty. Since the procedure, I notice increasing drowsiness; confusion; aphasia; etc. She had these symptoms prior to the angioplasty, too. I was out of town for two weeks, and when I returned, the nurse said that she also cried and yelled a lot (which is also part of her symptoms). I wonder if she has poor oxygen flow, and if death is near. Anyone have advice on what to expect next? My plan is to contact Hospice (we had an initial consult prior to the angioplasty), and get them involved in palliative care.

JoAnn29 Mar 2020
The nurse should be able to check her oxygen levels. Like said, u can buy a meter for about $40. 95 is normal, 90 is low, 80 is really low. A member did mention that for someone suffering from COPD their normal will be different.

I would say that blood flow to the legs would be hampered but I think oxygen levels are based on how oxygen is absorbed into the blood. That depends on the lungs and heart and hemoglobin levels.

GardenArtist Mar 2020
If you think oxygen flow is an issue, get an evaluation by a pulmonologist ASAP. 

Do you have a pulse oximeter to get a quick measurement of her SAT rate?

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