Pulse Oximeter

[mikeinpgh]

I am thinking of buying my mom one. She was just diagnosed with COPD and would like one. Does anyone have any experience with a home type model?

I found this:

http://www.clinicalguard.com/finger-pulse-oximeter-octivetech-300c-p-37.html?osCsid=832ba89e3a41cf5f8f8567223c3dca8a

And this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/CHECKMATE-SPO-1000-Finger-Fingertip-PULSE-OXIMETER-OX_W0QQitemZ150272654005QQihZ005QQcategoryZ11822QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

TIA

[dshealey]

General Aviation and small business pilots use them quite a lot if they fly more than 30 minutes over 8,000 feet. (At 12,000 feet oxygen is required for pilots., and after 30 minutes for passengers also if I remember correctly)

They work well. You can also look for them at most pilot suppliers.

Hypoxia is a real concern for non pressurized planes that fly at medium high altitudes for any length of time.

[meese]

General Aviation and small business pilots use them quite a lot if they fly more than 30 minutes over 8,000 feet.Heck, we could've used a few of those at CCR Breckenridge. :D

[Ghost55]

They work pretty well. Have used them for many years in the hospital. Don't really see much usefulness for having one at home though. COPD patients survive well enough on significantly lower oxygen saturation levels than healthy individuals, and your body will tell you if you have a problem. Just think a home unit would have a high propensity for an obsession with it.

[mikeinpgh]

The obsession part was my fear. My mom has become very anxious and I think she would wear the pulse ox out. Or maybe it would releave some of her fear?

Obsessed in Pittsburgh

[RVB1019]

Now you've gone and done it- you've given Ari yet another farkle to install on his LT!:histerica

[ibbones]

They work pretty well. Have used them for many years in the hospital. Don't really see much usefulness for having one at home though. COPD patients survive well enough on significantly lower oxygen saturation levels than healthy individuals, and your body will tell you if you have a problem. Just think a home unit would have a high propensity for an obsession with it.+1 here also. Had to ask my wife who is a Respiratory Therapist and she also said that COPD folks should not have one at home. "Treat the patient, not the number".
What numbers did the Dr. say was OK? How long has she had COPD? How bad is it?

[dshealey]

Heck, we could've used a few of those at CCR Breckenridge. :DYep, we were on Mount Evans more than 30 minutes! That is almost to the pilot OXYGEN REQUIRED level. :rotf:

[mikeinpgh]

The # they want is 90-92 which is pretty high as far as I have learned. I don't think she is bad.

Her anxiety is the worst part. She gets nervous if I leave the house. I have people come stay with her, but if it is not me and she feels bad she gets panicky.

Trapped in Pittsburgh

[ibbones]

The # they want is 90-92 which is pretty high as far as I have learned. I don't think she is bad.

Her anxiety is the worst part. She gets nervous if I leave the house. I have people come stay with her, but if it is not me and she feels bad she gets panicky.

Trapped in PittsburghIf a non-smoker had numbers like that, somebody would be running down the halls for help but COPD is a different story. You will know when she is short of breath.

I understand the "trapped" part. We went through the same thing with my Dad years ago. Got the BTDT Tee-shirt.

Good luck with her. Now is the time to go through old pictures and figure out who is who. It will give her something she can do and it's easy on her.

[mikeinpgh]

That's a great suggestion.
Thanks
Grateful in Pittsburgh