Health Gadget

[Bazile]

Anyone got one of these?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-55733527

[Barsel]

Thank you barry and danny.

[margarettom]

I have discovered from having these used on me, that cold hands seem to make the reading drop for some reason. When I know I am having my oxygen levels checked, I always warm my hands and take deep breaths beforehand while I am waiting, to try and give the best reading.

[dannyk13]

Margaret //and take deep breaths beforehand while I am waiting, to try and give the best reading.//
This can certainly increase the figures , but do you want the best[i reading or a [i]true] one?

[barry1010]

margaret, I've got Reynaud's so they are useless on me, no amount of blowing or warming them up will make a difference

[bednobs]

I have a Fitbit thingy that claims to do the same job. I wouldn't trust the readings though!

[-SharonA-]

At the risk of sounding silly, if you are breathing aren't you taking in oxygen???

[Sqad]

Quite correct SharonA.

[Bazile]

Levels of oxygen in the blood , Sharon

[margarettom]

When you have been sitting immobile for an hour in a hospital waiting room, I don’t think you give a ‘true’ reading on a pulse oximetre danny 11.12.

[pixie374]

We've had one for a long time. Also, a peak flow meter for lung capacity (my son has asthma). The only thing with that, is that you have to know regular healthy readings, so you know if it is starting to decrease.

[sunny-dave]

I'm baffled that the BBC is only reporting this now - there was a (very useful) article last May in The Times (paywalled I'm afraid)

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/can-a-25-pulse-oximeter-really-save-your-life-we-test-it-out-3n3xwhvps

But I've seen regular references to these useful devices since then.

[ yes - I've got one - and know what our reference 'healthy' SPO2 levels are ]

[pixie374]

The useful thing with the peak flow, is that it would tell you earlier, before the oxygen starts dropping. If you are getting down to 92%, you are already in some trouble.

[jno]

how do people actually use them? Check them every day, or when you're feeling unwell, or what?

[barry1010]

I check my relatives every morning and whenever they seem to be struggling more than usual. It only takes a few seconds.

[pixie374]

Preferably regularly, jno... as the averages are different for different people and you really want to see any decline ASAP, as a warning at least. Both these will give you an idea, before you start to feel unwell.

[sunny-dave]

Did a few checks to establish 'reference levels' and kept a note with the gadget - have used a couple of times since when one of us was feeling poorly - a reassuringly normal reading was useful.

[ladybirder]

I've been meaning to get one of these for ages. With a severe/extremely severe COPD diagnosis a year ago I wonder why neither my doctor nor consultant have mentioned it. Probably have a job to get one now as so many will be buying them.

[jno]

thanks, pixie. I'd always assumed nurses were just checking levels of dirt under my fingernails.

[pixie374]

Mine would still be 100% :-)

[pixie374]

LB, still available on Amazon x