TAH Sent home from hospital on oxygen at night

I stayed in the hospital for 5 nights. My oxygen levels kept dipping into the 80's (85-89%) whenever they would remove the oxygen. They tried to wean me off, but I kept falling asleep whenever I didn't have oxygen on. I just couldn't keep myself awake. I would fall asleep mid-sentence.

They ended up doing several extra tests to make sure there wasn't something seriously wrong: CT scan of lung for pulmonary embolism, Echo ultrasound of heart to make sure valves were okay. All tests came out normal.

So I was sent home with the order to use oxygen at nighttime and if I felt I needed it during the day. The home health care people delivered a machine that concentrated Oxygen from the air. I've been wearing it every night and used it quite a few times the first few days I was home. I am now 11 days post op and just using it at night only at this point.

They told me 1-2 weeks. I have no way to measure the oxygen levels in my blood. I'm sure part of this had to do with being anemic went I left the hospital. I know I need to build up red blood cells to carry oxygen. I've been eating pieces of deli roast beef and taking pre-natal vitamins (ironic!).

Has anyone else been sent home on Oxygen? How long did you need it? I go to the clinic for staple removal on Wed, Jan 22, so I can ask more then. Any similar experiences or input or insights appreciated. Thanks!