low oxygen : can some one please explain to me... - COPD Friends

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low oxygen

Hometeam2016 profile image
8 Replies

can some one please explain to me , so I’m at rest oxygen is fine it’s 94-97 I get up go bathroom or kitchen it’s then 88 I have Apple Watch so it takes 15 seconds to monitor so I press start an it will

Come up 87 or 88 sometimes 85 then I press start it’s 15 seconds for reading and it will be in the 90s (93/97) so within 15 seconds it’s back in the 90s do I still count the low reading or would that be just a first time maybe trying to settle etc

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Hometeam2016 profile image
Hometeam2016
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8 Replies
Jocopd profile image
Jocopd

When you are sitting then your body does not need to do much to maintain the right level of oxygen. Then you get up and move and all your muscles and organs are demanding more oxygen to do that activity so your level drops because your body cannot maintain it high enough. As soon as you stop moving then it comes back up because the body does not need to produce more. Your doctor should order a "6 minute walk test" and that will tell them if you need to be on supplemental oxygen for activity.

General rule of thumb is to have the level at 85% and higher. Apple watches are not as accurate as a finger pulse oximeter.

Hometeam2016 profile image
Hometeam2016 in reply toJocopd

But as soon as I press start to monitor again within 15 seconds it’s up to 95 and I’m standing in same position etc

Jocopd profile image
Jocopd in reply toHometeam2016

Perhaps your Apple watch is not accurate as I mentioned. Rather than rely on a possibly defective product you should have the 6 minute walk test and have your health person explain it to you.

PaulineHM profile image
PaulineHM

Hello Hometeam2016,

I can understand why the variation in your 02 levels is a concern for you.

Can I advise that you speak to your GP about this or a member of your Respiratory team if they are part of your care team ?

It is important to know accurately what your oxygen levels are on air when you are both active and at rest. The Home oxygen service will offer you an assessment if need be and reassure you or prescribe supplementary oxygen therapy for you.

Go well.

Pauline

R2B_John profile image
R2B_JohnModerator

Exertion puts a higher demand on your muscles and body for oxygen....thus the desaturation.

jackdup profile image
jackdup

I have found my Apple Watch is not all that accurate measuring my oxygen compared to a finger pulse oximeter. Next time you are at the doctors ask if you can take a walk down the hall and back and then take a reading with their pulse oximeter and your Apple Watch and see how close they are.

pepparuby1 profile image
pepparuby1

the Apple Watch isn’t accurate. I use a pulse thing to go on my finger.

Nanny1086 profile image
Nanny1086

i agree with Jocopd , ive got an iphone but i would use it to tell me my oxygen levels , as it just wouldn’t be reliable in my opinion , buy yourself a finger oxymeter they are more reliable and only a few pounds to buy , ofcourse sitting in a chair or lying in bed your body is at rest and so are your lungs ,,,, so your oxygen levels will be higher as your using no energy , get up to go to the bathroom or kitchen and the levels will drop slightly ,

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