Hi, I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, a possible gallbladder problem being investigated. I had a blood panel done because I have had protein in my urine 3 times this year, weird case of severe dehydration (severely concentrated urine), and stomach /back problems that seemed like gallbladder issues. So the doc did blood panels... it came back as this

Most blood work was normal, sodium was at the low end of the normal range at 137, kidney and liver work came back normal, but my carbon dioxide in my blood was 18! It's supposed to be at least 22! I have had shortness of breath issues, but the doc won't investigate it further because the other tests were normal.
So what am I supposed to do about low Co2? It's got to be low for a reason? I don't hyperventilate by the way, a common cause of low Co2. It appears my kidneys and liver are fine, don't have any lung issue that I know of. I am always tired, back is always hurting, but have trouble sleeping at night ( wake up many times). I just don't know what to do if my doc doesn't think it's of any significance?

Hi, i have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, a possible gallbladder problem being investigated. I had a blood panel done b/c i have had protein in my urine 3 times this year, weird case of severe dehydration (severely concentrated urine), and stomach /back problems that seemed like gallbladder issues. So the doc did blood panels... it came back as this

most blood work was normal, sodium was at the low end of the normal range at 137, kidney and liver work came back normal, but my carbon dioxide in my blood was 18! it's supposed to be at least 22! I have had shortness of breath issues, but the doc won't investigate it further b/c the other tests were normal.
So what am I supposed to do about low Co2? It's got to be low for a reason? I don't hyperventilate btw, a common cause of low Co2. It appears my kidneys and liver are fine, don't have any lung issue that i know of. I am always tired, back is always hurting, but have trouble sleeping at night ( wake up many times). I just don't know what to do if my doc doesn't think it's of any significance??


If a Doctor doesn't think this is of any significance, why are you worried?

Make another appointment and ask him/her what you're "supposed to do about low Co2."

Or get a second opinion.

I care because it's obviously causing me breathing issues. The clinic I go to notoriously does not investigate things it should, because I have no insurance. I have a feeling of not getting enough air during the daytime, and at night I wake up many times, usually feeling as if I am not breathing right. I can't get a second opinion, as I have no insurance and the clinic I go to is sliding scale.

Medications, stress, anxiety, over the counter antacids can affect your blood oxygen level.

I've thrown protein in my urine for 20 years and cannot pass a physical without an explanation from my Physician - it's just how my body works.

For some reason my oxygen levels are fine, they put that thing on my finger and it is reading like high 90s. It's just the Co2 that is the issue. I'll just ask for a retest next time I'm there, make sure it's evened out I guess.