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Diabetes Q&A | Type 1 | In 2002 i broke my leg.I was operated o
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10/30/09 03:14 PM

"In 2002 i broke my leg.I was operated on. My blood oxygen fell to 72 -84 for 5 straight days. Can this cause ongoing brain damage? I never recovered."
Asked By: bearbull33  
Category: Type 1

Background Info Hide
I have been a type 1 diabetic for 42 years and suffered a broken leg in 2002 and was operated on and had a stainless steel plate and 11 screws put into both sides of my right leg. I was in the hospital for 8 days with good control of my blood sugars ( I use a Minimed pump ) . While in the hospital I was in severe pain and could not get any pain relief as I had been using various pain medications for several years for painful diabetic neuropathy .Also while in the hospital I was over hydrated and went from 165 lbs to 201 lbs and swelled up horribly . Durring 8 days in the hospital a finger monitor was on the whole time to measure my oxygen levels. It fell into the low 70's and stayed there for 4 days. The O2. levels never went back up . I really didnt know this at the time. The problem is that I have suffered ongoing memory and personality changes. I discovered the O2 problem years after when I got my hospital records. Can sustained O2 levels in the 70's range cause brain damage?

Expert Answers (1)

12/18/09 07:09 PM

There is evidence in the literature that sustained low blood oxygen levels can cause delayed damage such as what you describe; including unstable gait and personality changes. You may wish to see a specialist for further evaluation and possible treatment options. Good luck.
Answered By: susan sloane
Accreditations: B.S.,Rph.,C.D.E.,Nutritionist
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