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Old Dog New Trick · 07-09-2020, 21:59

So, on the advice of a friend who has had Covid-19 and survived after three different hospitalizations over a few weeks period. He recommended I buy a Pulse Oximeter to monitor my O2 saturation levels as they are a first indicator of failing respiratory function.

Today one of two popular leading brands on Amazon showed up. I bought two because I wanted to: a) compare them. b) have one for the road and one at home for the wife to share.

Pretty basic, battery operated, one cost $29 before tax the other $35. (The cheaper one showed up today)

On start up my SpO2 was 98% falling to 96% over a minute of regular breathing and pulse around 67bpm. Tried to increase volume but watched my saturation level go down to 95% and my PR raise to 74 so I stopped and went back to chores I was working on. Second test came it at 98% and stayed there with a PR of 74bpm.

My greatest concern is what’s happening to me at work where I have to wear a mask the whole time and function in an environment with already decreased O2. I get tired and sleepy more often now and think it’s rebreathing CO2 trapped in the mask. Now I will be able to monitor my O2 levels and also develop norms over time and activity so that if there is a decreasing level before other symptoms may occur I’ll be able to have a better idea what’s going on.

My friend (who is Dutch) is about my age and fairly healthy practicing Martial arts and other fitness routines but was left feeling pretty hopeless and disoriented during his recurring episodes of hypoxia. The Dutch (Amsterdam) hospital treated him with O2 and supportive therapy but no ventilation or anti-viral drugs that I’m aware of. He does mention being given an expectorant to break up the mucus in his lungs. It would seem that in Europe you either survive on your own or die. The medical system will send you home with O2 bottles and masks but not give you instructions if the regulator fails to connect to the new bottle when changing.

Anyway, I will give a brief comparison when I get the second unit and also see if they give different reading at the same time.

07-09-2020, 21:59	#1150
Old Dog New Trick Quiet Professional Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Just above the flood plain in Southern Texas Posts: 3,611	So, on the advice of a friend who has had Covid-19 and survived after three different hospitalizations over a few weeks period. He recommended I buy a Pulse Oximeter to monitor my O2 saturation levels as they are a first indicator of failing respiratory function. Today one of two popular leading brands on Amazon showed up. I bought two because I wanted to: a) compare them. b) have one for the road and one at home for the wife to share. Pretty basic, battery operated, one cost $29 before tax the other $35. (The cheaper one showed up today) On start up my SpO2 was 98% falling to 96% over a minute of regular breathing and pulse around 67bpm. Tried to increase volume but watched my saturation level go down to 95% and my PR raise to 74 so I stopped and went back to chores I was working on. Second test came it at 98% and stayed there with a PR of 74bpm. My greatest concern is what’s happening to me at work where I have to wear a mask the whole time and function in an environment with already decreased O2. I get tired and sleepy more often now and think it’s rebreathing CO2 trapped in the mask. Now I will be able to monitor my O2 levels and also develop norms over time and activity so that if there is a decreasing level before other symptoms may occur I’ll be able to have a better idea what’s going on. My friend (who is Dutch) is about my age and fairly healthy practicing Martial arts and other fitness routines but was left feeling pretty hopeless and disoriented during his recurring episodes of hypoxia. The Dutch (Amsterdam) hospital treated him with O2 and supportive therapy but no ventilation or anti-viral drugs that I’m aware of. He does mention being given an expectorant to break up the mucus in his lungs. It would seem that in Europe you either survive on your own or die. The medical system will send you home with O2 bottles and masks but not give you instructions if the regulator fails to connect to the new bottle when changing. Anyway, I will give a brief comparison when I get the second unit and also see if they give different reading at the same time. __________________ You only live once; live well. Have no regrets when the end happens! “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” (Sir Edmund Burke)
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