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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Does Prolonged Decreased Oxygen Level Affect The Body?

I underwent surgery to repair a foot fracture. The surgery had no complications and I was sent to recovery with normal vital signs. I was given the upper limits of normal amounts of pain medication in recovery and then discharged to the floor after a short time. I was placed in my room where the nurse did receive report on me, which included the diagnosis of sleep apnea and obesity. The nurse did not put any monitroing equipment on me, including no pulse ox. I was not looked upon for the next 55 minutes. I was found 55 minutes later with a Oxygen level of 66%, bluish in color and not responsive. A code was called and I was given Narcan to arouse me. My question is what effects did this prolonged decreased oxygen level have on my body, (brain, organs etc)?
Wed, 28 Jan 2015
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Radiologist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

The temporary effects of mild hypoxia or decreased levels of oxygen are
1. temporary memory loss
2. reduced ability to move your body
3. difficulty paying attention
4. difficulty making sound decisions

Since you has oxygen saturation of 66 percent after surgery due to anesthesia, there would be mild hypoxia only at that time. There will not be any long term side effects of the situation.

The memory problems, inability to move body, attention related difficulties and inability to make sound decisions are present only for the duration of hypoxia and are corrected when the oxygen saturation rises and there is no risk of any long term adverse consequences due to the incident. Please do not worry.
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How Does Prolonged Decreased Oxygen Level Affect The Body?

Hi, Thanks for writing in. The temporary effects of mild hypoxia or decreased levels of oxygen are 1. temporary memory loss 2. reduced ability to move your body 3. difficulty paying attention 4. difficulty making sound decisions Since you has oxygen saturation of 66 percent after surgery due to anesthesia, there would be mild hypoxia only at that time. There will not be any long term side effects of the situation. The memory problems, inability to move body, attention related difficulties and inability to make sound decisions are present only for the duration of hypoxia and are corrected when the oxygen saturation rises and there is no risk of any long term adverse consequences due to the incident. Please do not worry.