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Anyone using an oximeter

(14 Posts)
Megs36 Sat 15-Jan-22 10:01:02

Respiratory therapist told my husband his measurement should be at least 88 but some comments (Mr Google) say below 90 is abnormal. He has emphysema/fibrosis,has had bad flare up since beginning of December.

silverlining48 Sat 15-Jan-22 10:07:23

We have one and found it useful especially now but my understanding is it needs to be over 95 .
Maybe with your dh condition it can be lower but do seek further advice as this is important.

MayBeMaw Sat 15-Jan-22 10:12:00

Mine also regularly measures me at 88/89% and I feel fine.
On other days I am in the mid 90’s. In my case I suspect it is because it is not a particularly hi- spec device (aka cheap) and may be under-measuring.
When DH had a thing to check his Bp he was advised to take it to the surgery to have it calibrated.
With your DH’s breathing issues, perhaps it would be an idea to have your oximetry checked.

lemsip Sat 15-Jan-22 10:15:30

Yes I use one every day. goes to 98 I'm happy.. I had a really bad cough and cold during December and was shocked at how it dropped to 93/94...... fortunately I am fit and well

as your husband has emphysema/fibrosis his will be much lower but it is important that he checks it. Ask your doctot about the levels in oh case. Also, make sure the finger tip is on the red light and not bent , so switch it on before inserting finger is my tip

silverlining48 Sat 15-Jan-22 10:18:33

Mine is a cheap too but has never dropped below 95.
One day when the surgery isn’t a fortress (well i can dream ) I will get ours checked.

EllanVannin Sat 15-Jan-22 10:20:51

Below 96 needs checking.
I haven't got one but each time I've been admitted to A&E in the past with an A/fib episode it's been 98 and has been that for as far back as I can remember, so that's fine by me.

Kali2 Sat 15-Jan-22 10:21:05

A reminder that oximeters do not work as well with people who have darker skin.

Megs36 Sat 15-Jan-22 10:22:56

Thanks all for comments and advice.?

silverlining48 Sat 15-Jan-22 10:26:04

Always remove nail varnish too ...

EllanVannin Sat 15-Jan-22 10:29:12

Forgot to add I'm a smoker too so must have a decent pair of bellows. Must be the sea air ,and a good mixed diet helps.

Have only ever had 2 chesty coughs in 81 years, one in the 90's after a long-haul flight ( other people's germs ) and the other in December 2019 when I had Covid. Colds are a rarity I'm glad to say.

FannyCornforth Sat 15-Jan-22 10:52:05

Megs don’t worry!
Go with what the Health Professional has said.
88 will be ‘normal’ for your husband.
My husband had pulmonary fibrosis and has been told the same.
As I said, don’t worry smileflowers

FannyCornforth Sat 15-Jan-22 10:55:52

My husband’s goes down after exertion, but then goes up again swiftly.
When he’s been in hospital he has had a wristband on that says his count should ideally be between 88 and 92

EllanVannin Sat 15-Jan-22 11:08:43

Amazing how different GP's and hospitals have differing versions of what the normal blood oxygen should be. Obviously in a fit adult it's 97--100, but if there are chest/ lung problems then a set figure below the norm will be the norm for them.

FannyCornforth Sat 15-Jan-22 11:12:44

Yes, that’s it EV