02 of 77 while walking around....

[Lillytan]

Ok, I just did four minutes of walking up and down my corridor and around my apartment with my pulse oxymeter attached to my finger.....my 02 dropped to 77 and my heart rate went up to 115. I just can't see how this is a good thing at all and just wish that I could get some understanding as to what this all means, and a dr who would listen to me when I say I get short of breath.

[Bealings48]

Doesnt sound good to me.

[Hidden]

Think you need to get yourself sorted out, Bealings. Speak to the BLF nurse on Monday. Someone will come along with the number. As for your GP, try and find one that is sympathetic, if you can. All the best, annieseedxx

[phillips1 in reply to Hidden]

The BLF number is: 03000 030 555

Bobby

[scrobbitty]

Unless the oximeter is secure and attached properly, your reading might well not be completely accurate. You need to do the walk test under proper supervision to get the proper results. Try not to worry about it, it's the weekend, rest and speak to your G.P. or if not happy with him/her see about changing to one who does listen to you.

[Hidden]

hi dosnt seem rite that,take it easy and ring Monday or if your uneasy go a an e,what have they diagonised u with take care

[Hidden]

heart pulse rate will rise when exercising that is normal. For me I range between 112 and 125, which is 75 - 80% cardiac fitness for my age according to my exercise instruction.

Below is a guideline on how to ensure accurate reading for the finger oximeter.

•Ensure the device is giving you an accurate reading. There are some scenarios that will result in either an inaccurate reading or no reading at all. A good way to determine whether the reading is accurate is to compare the pulse rate on the device to the pulse rate you get by taking the patient's pulse manually. If they do not correspond, the likelihood is that you are not getting an accurate reading. Some common reasons for an erroneous reading include: •Nail polish, if the device is clipped on a finger

•Excessive movement by the patient

•Hypothermia or a cold injury to the extremities

•Anemia (not enough iron in the blood)

•Carbon monoxide poisoning

•Certain types of seizures

•Shock (hypoperfusion) associated with blood loss or poor perfusion

•Remain still. As noted above, excessive movement can result in an inaccurate reading. Try to remain relatively still while the device is in use.

•Assess the results. A normal reading for a person breathing room air is in the high 90s; a reading of anywhere from 96% through 99% SpO2 is typically not cause for alarm. A reading of 95% SpO2 or lower could indicate hypoxia and should be investigated. A reading of 90% or less indicates significant hypoxia and requires immediate action.

A pulse oximeter will also record your heart rate. Normal heart rates are as follows, depicted in beats per minute (bpm):

•Elderly Person (75+): Normal - 90

•Adult: Normal - 60-80 / Rapid - 100+ / Slow - below 60

•Adolescent: Normal - 60-105 / Rapid - 105+ / Slow - below 50

•Child (5-12 years): Normal - 60-120 / Rapid - 120+ / Slow - below 60

•Child (1-5 years): Normal - 80-150 / Rapid - 150+ / Slow below 80

•Infant: Normal - 120-150 / Rapid - 150+ / Slow - below 120

Having a monitor on hand can be convenient when exercising as well. You want to be sure that when you work out, you're keeping a healthy heart rate. Now that you know how to read a pulse oximeter, you can check to make sure that you and your family have normal heart and pulse rates while exercising or when at rest.

howtodothings.com/health-an...

Also worth checking your oximeter accuracy against one used by a medical professional

[Hidden]

My Oxygen SATS have started to drop to 72 and sometimes lower on any form of activity. I have Severe COPD and have been on Ambulatory Oxygen for two years now, previously using a Portable Concentrator. Because my stats have been going so very low, I was reassessed and I now use 5 litres of Oxygen (nothing when just sitting around). The concentrator couldn't give me sufficient oxygen so I am now using Cylinders. Trouble is, I only get one hour 40 mins out of each cylinder. I also was given an emergency appointment to see my Consultant last week.

If you are not already seeing a Respiratory Specialist, ask to be referred to one. You would be given a Lung Function Test which would determine what treatment you should receive.

[Hitchcock]

Good advise, above. Also, practice good breathing techniques. Inhale thru your nose. Exhale for twice that time, tighten your tummy which pushes your diaphragm up. This helps empty your lungs of CO2. CO2 is the culprit. Damaged lungs have difficulty emptying out the byproduct of respiration. talk to your doctor--keep it up! Exercise is critical, in my opinion.

[Puffthemagicdragon]

I agree, Exercise, exercise, exercise !