Saturation no.s in lower extremities (big toes)

[Fleurbaby]

Hi everyone,

Could someone please interpret my no.s for podiatrists meeting the other day?

82% left foot, 84% right foot!

I asked her why, other doctors have ignored or "sniffed" at my many, many attempts to get my lower extremities measured!

I have believed all along, that they are measuring the wrong end! I have insisted, that my toes & legs are not getting the proper amount of oxygen! The podiatrist said I am not in the best shape, and referred me to orthopedic centre immediately for diabetes socks and shoes!

Now! My worry is, my lower legs and feet, have been swollen, some days quite badly, before my water pills seem to get control, but, not fast enough!

I am going to contact my doctor later.

[O2Trees]

I've never seen this asked before Fleurbaby so perhaps no-one here has an answer. I don't either but just to see I have taken a reading with my pulse oximeter of both my big toes and they were between 93% and 94% with the left one slightly more than the right. I did wonder if the readings would be lower, given the toes are much further away from the heart and lungs, but they are pretty much in line with my resting sats.

So that made me think, as you don't actually say: are your 82% and 84% readings lower than when taking a conventional reading from your finger? Ive no idea what difference having swollen lower legs would make, and anyway there can be different reasons for that kind of swelling.

I'd be interested to hear what your GP says about this - good luck with that consultation, hope s/he can shed some light.

[Fleurbaby in reply to O2Trees]

Yes my sats off my finger's are always between 94%-98%, everytime!

I have lost count of the amount of times, I have asked for my pulse to be taken on my toes, yet to be ignored, even getting my OWN GP to do a reading has been met with silence!

That is why my podiatrist in lengthy discussions with me, suggested I start immediately wearing diabetes socks plus, specialist footwear!

The orthopedic specialist I saw on Friday, apologised for not having stock on hand, and rushing through urgent orders, pick up on the 03 August.

[O2Trees in reply to Fleurbaby]

Wow - big difference in your sats. Hope you do get through to your doctor and please let us know how you go on Fleur - sending you all the best

[skischool in reply to O2Trees]

I just checked mine,big toe was too big,so next toe along, both 87 on air which corresponds with both my fingers which are the same.never tried that before .interesting exercise but i should get out more lol x

[O2Trees in reply to skischool]

Bit hard at the minute Mike, innit?

[Fleurbaby in reply to O2Trees]

Well saw doctor on Monday night he put me on double the fuesimide. I now take it morning and lunch! In 3days my weight has gone down from 154.8 to 146.1. I nearly filled up half a bucket on the 1st night.

Doctor told me to use the bucket to make it easier not to miss

[O2Trees in reply to Fleurbaby]

Sounds like that's working then - pleased for you Fleur

[Fleurbaby in reply to Fleurbaby]

I think I am in a bit of trouble, my weight has gone back up to 150.7kgs, despite filling half a 10 litres bucket in the last 12hrs