Glen, Pneumonia is really just Bronchitis that is a bit farther down in the lungs (in the alveoli, not just the bronchus). Pneumonia has closer access to the blood stream (in the capillaries of the alveoli) and has a greater affect on oxygen exchange between air and blood, therefore can be more dangerous (sepsis and low oxygen levels respectively) than bronchitis. If your oxygen levels were low, but rebounded to your normal after treatment, then you had pneumonia (most likely). Remember, the difference between pneumonia and Bronchitis is mostly semantics in that the treatment is essentially identical. Same or similar meds, etc. If your oxygen levels are always lower at night due to s. apnea, then dangerously low oxygen levels are even easier to occur with lung infection. If your blood pressure dropped too low (and caused your unconsciousness), then sepsis may have been present as well. If your BP is normally low (common w/ SCI), then its even easier to drop BP levels to "pass out" levels- even without sepsis. Your mucous plug theory would likely cause elevated CO2 (ventilation issue) but usually doesn't cause low oxygen levels unless the plugging is very significant. I am glad to discuss your meds if you are concerned. It sounds like your docs have nailed everything perfectly. The nebulizers help clear secretions/ mucous and the infection. If you docs have done something particular to cause you to doubt them, let me know if I can help clear up thise doubts. You deserve the best. Your courage alone deserves honor. In Him, Bo The information contained in this email and any data files attached to this email are to be considered confidential and for the sole use of the intended recipient. Use, disclosure, or dissemination of the information contained in this email by persons other than the intended recipient is prohibited by law. If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete the original from your system. All emails are confidential and use of this email or any of it's contents in anyway not beneficial to HealthFirst is strictly forbidden. _____
From: Eric W Rudd [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, April 13, 2011 7:44 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] but at least I'm here to ask this question can u raise the head of the bed? or use pillows to elevate ur upper body? Eric W Rudd [email protected] ----- Original Message ----- From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Sent: Wednesday, April 13, 2011 2:50 PM Subject: [QUAD-L] but at least I'm here to ask this question Whow, what a wild ride. I have not been feeling good for the last few weeks and on Saturday evening after getting into bed I felt short of breath. My wife was in the kitchen, and ask if I was okay, but was able to take on much conversation. As the moments when on it was clear I needed to call an ambulance. After losing consciousness, I finally came to in the ambulance as we went to the hospital. Well, one doctor thinks pneumonia the other bronchitis. Thinking was that my airway got clogged with mucus and I could not breathe. Now, the stupid doctors have me on or medications that I can name, a nebulizer and oxygen while I sleep. I've never had any issues like this in the past, and I don't expect to have another, but then again that may change. Can anyone give me a little insight into the following: Does anyone use oxygen while they sleep? The doctor says I have sleep apnea and that I need it. My injury is C-5/6. Anybody have issues with a lot of mucus eventually shutting off your breathing? Also would like to hear what medications you are on Thanks, Glenn Henry
