Re: Re: Oximeter questions - Bruce...

[Guest guest]

Jacqui - I brought mine in to my pulmologist's office so he could verify its accuracy. It showed the same readings as his, so he gave it his blessings. It is the same one that Bruce suggested.

B

Barbara McD

IPF, Sept 08

Beautiful Western NC

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

To: Breathe-Support Sent: Monday, March 30, 2009 9:57:55 AMSubject: Re: Oximeter questions - Bruce...

Thank You for such a quick answer, I truly appreciate it...How accurate would you say these Med Choice devices are??...I found a couple sites saying they were only accurate 30 - 70 % of the time, so that makes me a little nervous...What has your experience been with them ??...Thank You for any added info you are willing to share with me....Jacqui in MN============ ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ======> >> > I was dx'd with polymyositis in Dec. 1988 (cpk over 15,000), then> pulmonary fibrosis the falling summer, then a number of other med.> problems to follow - but that's not why I'm here...I stay as active

[Guest guest]

Jacqui - I brought mine in to my pulmologist's office so he could verify its accuracy. It showed the same readings as his, so he gave it his blessings. It is the same one that Bruce suggested.

B

Barbara McD

IPF, Sept 08

Beautiful Western NC

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

To: Breathe-Support Sent: Monday, March 30, 2009 9:57:55 AMSubject: Re: Oximeter questions - Bruce...

Thank You for such a quick answer, I truly appreciate it...How accurate would you say these Med Choice devices are??...I found a couple sites saying they were only accurate 30 - 70 % of the time, so that makes me a little nervous...What has your experience been with them ??...Thank You for any added info you are willing to share with me....Jacqui in MN============ ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ======> >> > I was dx'd with polymyositis in Dec. 1988 (cpk over 15,000), then> pulmonary fibrosis the falling summer, then a number of other med.> problems to follow - but that's not why I'm here...I stay as active

[Guest guest]

Jacqui,

The most important thing is to choose an oximter that is approved by the FDA for medical use. The error tolerance is much much smaller for a medical device than it is for one that is approved for use in sports or aviation.

Those of us that have purchased one often take it with us to our doctors office to compare the results with the doctors equipment. Mine always matches what my doctors say. In fact the one that I have is the same one my primary care doctor uses.

Any oximeter has an error rate. In addition an accurate reading is dependent on whether the patient has decent circulation to their finger tips (what's called "peripheral perfusion" in medical articles) People with circulation issues and things like Reynaud's syndrome are simply not always going to get an accurate reading. If there isn't enough blood in the fingertips the oximeter can't read how much O2 is in the blood.

The oximeter is just a tool. You take that reading into consideration as part of the broader picture of how someone is feeling. For instance, as I'm sitting here typing my oximter says my O2 is at 98%. I'm sitting comfortably, I am breathing normally, not short of breath, my nail beds are pink and I'm not coughing. I feel safe then in saying my oximeter is likely correct.

If however my oximter said my O2 was at 98% and I was very short of breath, feeling weak or light headed I would question that result. The oximeter is extremely useful and important but it's only part of the picture.

Beth

Moderator

Fibrotic NSIP 06/06 Dermatomyositis 11/08

To: Breathe-Support Sent: Monday, March 30, 2009 9:57:55 AMSubject: Re: Oximeter questions - Bruce...

Thank You for such a quick answer, I truly appreciate it...How accurate would you say these Med Choice devices are??...I found a couple sites saying they were only accurate 30 - 70 % of the time, so that makes me a little nervous...What has your experience been with them ??...Thank You for any added info you are willing to share with me....Jacqui in MN============ ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ======> >> > I was dx'd with polymyositis in Dec. 1988 (cpk over 15,000), then> pulmonary fibrosis the falling summer, then a number of other med.> problems to follow - but that's not why I'm here...I stay as active

[Guest guest]

Jacqui,

The most important thing is to choose an oximter that is approved by the FDA for medical use. The error tolerance is much much smaller for a medical device than it is for one that is approved for use in sports or aviation.

Those of us that have purchased one often take it with us to our doctors office to compare the results with the doctors equipment. Mine always matches what my doctors say. In fact the one that I have is the same one my primary care doctor uses.

Any oximeter has an error rate. In addition an accurate reading is dependent on whether the patient has decent circulation to their finger tips (what's called "peripheral perfusion" in medical articles) People with circulation issues and things like Reynaud's syndrome are simply not always going to get an accurate reading. If there isn't enough blood in the fingertips the oximeter can't read how much O2 is in the blood.

The oximeter is just a tool. You take that reading into consideration as part of the broader picture of how someone is feeling. For instance, as I'm sitting here typing my oximter says my O2 is at 98%. I'm sitting comfortably, I am breathing normally, not short of breath, my nail beds are pink and I'm not coughing. I feel safe then in saying my oximeter is likely correct.

If however my oximter said my O2 was at 98% and I was very short of breath, feeling weak or light headed I would question that result. The oximeter is extremely useful and important but it's only part of the picture.

Beth

Moderator

Fibrotic NSIP 06/06 Dermatomyositis 11/08

To: Breathe-Support Sent: Monday, March 30, 2009 9:57:55 AMSubject: Re: Oximeter questions - Bruce...

Thank You for such a quick answer, I truly appreciate it...How accurate would you say these Med Choice devices are??...I found a couple sites saying they were only accurate 30 - 70 % of the time, so that makes me a little nervous...What has your experience been with them ??...Thank You for any added info you are willing to share with me....Jacqui in MN============ ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ======> >> > I was dx'd with polymyositis in Dec. 1988 (cpk over 15,000), then> pulmonary fibrosis the falling summer, then a number of other med.> problems to follow - but that's not why I'm here...I stay as active

[Guest guest]

Jacqui- I have one of the cheap oximeters and I tested it against the oximeter at National Jewish and mine was too high by one point. It was very accurate. Joyce Rudy AZ

Re: Oximeter questions - Bruce...

Thank You for such a quick answer, I truly appreciate it...How accurate would you say these Med Choice devices are??...I found a couple sites saying they were only accurate 30 - 70 % of the time, so that makes me a little nervous...What has your experience been with them ??...Thank You for any added info you are willing to share with me....Jacqui in MN===============================================================> >> > I was dx'd with polymyositis in Dec. 1988 (cpk over 15,000), then> pulmonary fibrosis the falling summer, then a number of other med.> problems to follow - but that's not why I'm here...I stay as active

[Guest guest]

Jacqui- I have one of the cheap oximeters and I tested it against the oximeter at National Jewish and mine was too high by one point. It was very accurate. Joyce Rudy AZ

Re: Oximeter questions - Bruce...

Thank You for such a quick answer, I truly appreciate it...How accurate would you say these Med Choice devices are??...I found a couple sites saying they were only accurate 30 - 70 % of the time, so that makes me a little nervous...What has your experience been with them ??...Thank You for any added info you are willing to share with me....Jacqui in MN===============================================================> >> > I was dx'd with polymyositis in Dec. 1988 (cpk over 15,000), then> pulmonary fibrosis the falling summer, then a number of other med.> problems to follow - but that's not why I'm here...I stay as active

[Guest guest]

Rudy....I already posted to you that I'm so glad you were misdiagnosed. Did I miss where you may have said why the need for O2? That was your biggest hurdle and now I'm wondering if you no longer need O2?

MamaSher; 70, IPF 3-06, OR. NasturtiumsDon't fret about tomorrow, God is already there!

Re: Oximeter questions - Bruce...

JoyceI'm just so thrilled beyond words that your experience there turned outso well and you found doctors who communicated with you and you couldtrust.To everyone, let Joyce serve as an inspiration that if you're notgetting the answers and attention you need, to get somewhere you can.She had to go through so much effort to get to Denver but it wasrewarded. Others have found the same whether its been UAB or Duke orEmorty or any number of other medical schools and hospitals.> > >> > > I was dx'd with polymyositis in Dec. 1988 (cpk over 15,000), then> > pulmonary fibrosis the falling summer, then a number of other med.> > problems to follow - but that's not why I'm here...I stay as active>

[Guest guest]

Hi, no I still need O2 and as a matter of fact, Jewish put me on a higher liter. I need o2 because my lungs have fibrosis but they won't get worse and maybe get better. Joyce Rudy AZ

Re: Oximeter questions - Bruce...

JoyceI'm just so thrilled beyond words that your experience there turned outso well and you found doctors who communicated with you and you couldtrust.To everyone, let Joyce serve as an inspiration that if you're notgetting the answers and attention you need, to get somewhere you can.She had to go through so much effort to get to Denver but it wasrewarded. Others have found the same whether its been UAB or Duke orEmorty or any number of other medical schools and hospitals.> > >> > > I was dx'd with polymyositis in Dec. 1988 (cpk over 15,000), then> > pulmonary fibrosis the falling summer, then a number of other med.> > problems to follow - but that's not why I'm here...I stay as active>

[Guest guest]

Hi, no I still need O2 and as a matter of fact, Jewish put me on a higher liter. I need o2 because my lungs have fibrosis but they won't get worse and maybe get better. Joyce Rudy AZ

Re: Oximeter questions - Bruce...

JoyceI'm just so thrilled beyond words that your experience there turned outso well and you found doctors who communicated with you and you couldtrust.To everyone, let Joyce serve as an inspiration that if you're notgetting the answers and attention you need, to get somewhere you can.She had to go through so much effort to get to Denver but it wasrewarded. Others have found the same whether its been UAB or Duke orEmorty or any number of other medical schools and hospitals.> > >> > > I was dx'd with polymyositis in Dec. 1988 (cpk over 15,000), then> > pulmonary fibrosis the falling summer, then a number of other med.> > problems to follow - but that's not why I'm here...I stay as active>

[Guest guest]

Rudy....you have fibrosis and need higher liter flow of O2. Hmmmm. What sort of fibrosis do you have? Especially a strain that won't get worse? You are lucky!

MamaSher; 70, IPF 3-06, OR. NasturtiumsDon't fret about tomorrow, God is already there!

Re: Oximeter questions - Bruce...

JoyceI'm just so thrilled beyond words that your experience there turned outso well and you found doctors who communicated with you and you couldtrust.To everyone, let Joyce serve as an inspiration that if you're notgetting the answers and attention you need, to get somewhere you can.She had to go through so much effort to get to Denver but it wasrewarded. Others have found the same whether its been UAB or Duke orEmorty or any number of other medical schools and hospitals.> > >> > > I was dx'd with polymyositis in Dec. 1988 (cpk over 15,000), then> > pulmonary fibrosis the falling summer, then a number of other med.> > problems to follow - but that's not why I'm here...I stay as active>

[Guest guest]

Rudy....you have fibrosis and need higher liter flow of O2. Hmmmm. What sort of fibrosis do you have? Especially a strain that won't get worse? You are lucky!

MamaSher; 70, IPF 3-06, OR. NasturtiumsDon't fret about tomorrow, God is already there!

Re: Oximeter questions - Bruce...

JoyceI'm just so thrilled beyond words that your experience there turned outso well and you found doctors who communicated with you and you couldtrust.To everyone, let Joyce serve as an inspiration that if you're notgetting the answers and attention you need, to get somewhere you can.She had to go through so much effort to get to Denver but it wasrewarded. Others have found the same whether its been UAB or Duke orEmorty or any number of other medical schools and hospitals.> > >> > > I was dx'd with polymyositis in Dec. 1988 (cpk over 15,000), then> > pulmonary fibrosis the falling summer, then a number of other med.> > problems to follow - but that's not why I'm here...I stay as active>

[Guest guest]

Hi Bruce, thanks for the info for my friend. He seems to accept from men information. I was wondering what he can do for the strain on his muscles after coughing so much? I cough but not alot with my asthma and usually the strained feeling goes away unless I have a cold, but his seems to continue from one day to the next.Do you or anyone else seem to cope with this. He holds his sides and says it bothers him along his ribcage. Any of your wonderful or anyone elses advice would be greatful. His docs really do not say much about it.

sharon p ph asthma 2008

Subject: Re: Oximeter questions - Bruce...To: Breathe-Support Date: Monday, March 30, 2009, 10:01 AM

JoyceI'm just so thrilled beyond words that your experience there turned outso well and you found doctors who communicated with you and you couldtrust.To everyone, let Joyce serve as an inspiration that if you're notgetting the answers and attention you need, to get somewhere you can.She had to go through so much effort to get to Denver but it wasrewarded. Others have found the same whether its been UAB or Duke orEmorty or any number of other medical schools and hospitals.> > >> > > I was dx'd with polymyositis in Dec. 1988 (cpk over 15,000), then> > pulmonary fibrosis the falling summer, then a number of other med.> > problems to follow - but that's not why I'm here...I stay as active>

[Guest guest]

Hi Bruce, thanks for the info for my friend. He seems to accept from men information. I was wondering what he can do for the strain on his muscles after coughing so much? I cough but not alot with my asthma and usually the strained feeling goes away unless I have a cold, but his seems to continue from one day to the next.Do you or anyone else seem to cope with this. He holds his sides and says it bothers him along his ribcage. Any of your wonderful or anyone elses advice would be greatful. His docs really do not say much about it.

sharon p ph asthma 2008

Subject: Re: Oximeter questions - Bruce...To: Breathe-Support Date: Monday, March 30, 2009, 10:01 AM

JoyceI'm just so thrilled beyond words that your experience there turned outso well and you found doctors who communicated with you and you couldtrust.To everyone, let Joyce serve as an inspiration that if you're notgetting the answers and attention you need, to get somewhere you can.She had to go through so much effort to get to Denver but it wasrewarded. Others have found the same whether its been UAB or Duke orEmorty or any number of other medical schools and hospitals.> > >> > > I was dx'd with polymyositis in Dec. 1988 (cpk over 15,000), then> > pulmonary fibrosis the falling summer, then a number of other med.> > problems to follow - but that's not why I'm here...I stay as active>

[Guest guest]

Sher- I don't know what it is called but it is environmental and the trigger-the birds-are gone and so I will not have any further scarring and Dr. Cosgrove said that it looks like I don't have a lot of Permanent damage to my lungs (will know more after biopsy) and it is possible that after a year my lungs may have healed enough that I won't need oxygen any more. Joyce Rudy AZ

Re: Oximeter questions - Bruce...

JoyceI'm just so thrilled beyond words that your experience there turned outso well and you found doctors who communicated with you and you couldtrust.To everyone, let Joyce serve as an inspiration that if you're notgetting the answers and attention you need, to get somewhere you can.She had to go through so much effort to get to Denver but it wasrewarded. Others have found the same whether its been UAB or Duke orEmorty or any number of other medical schools and hospitals.> > >> > > I was dx'd with polymyositis in Dec. 1988 (cpk over 15,000), then> > pulmonary fibrosis the falling summer, then a number of other med.> > problems to follow - but that's not why I'm here...I stay as active>

[Guest guest]

Sher- I don't know what it is called but it is environmental and the trigger-the birds-are gone and so I will not have any further scarring and Dr. Cosgrove said that it looks like I don't have a lot of Permanent damage to my lungs (will know more after biopsy) and it is possible that after a year my lungs may have healed enough that I won't need oxygen any more. Joyce Rudy AZ

Re: Oximeter questions - Bruce...

JoyceI'm just so thrilled beyond words that your experience there turned outso well and you found doctors who communicated with you and you couldtrust.To everyone, let Joyce serve as an inspiration that if you're notgetting the answers and attention you need, to get somewhere you can.She had to go through so much effort to get to Denver but it wasrewarded. Others have found the same whether its been UAB or Duke orEmorty or any number of other medical schools and hospitals.> > >> > > I was dx'd with polymyositis in Dec. 1988 (cpk over 15,000), then> > pulmonary fibrosis the falling summer, then a number of other med.> > problems to follow - but that's not why I'm here...I stay as active>

[Guest guest]

Joyce.... I know you are very sad to remove your bird-family and it was a tough decision to make. However, it seems you are going in an upward direction now and it would be so nice to have fairly healthy lungs in time.

Do be sure and wear a mask when you clean their "home".

I'm glad you have a positive direction you can follow now.

MamaSher; 70, IPF 3-06, OR. NasturtiumsDon't fret about tomorrow, God is already there!

Re: Oximeter questions - Bruce...

JoyceI'm just so thrilled beyond words that your experience there turned outso well and you found doctors who communicated with you and you couldtrust.To everyone, let Joyce serve as an inspiration that if you're notgetting the answers and attention you need, to get somewhere you can.She had to go through so much effort to get to Denver but it wasrewarded. Others have found the same whether its been UAB or Duke orEmorty or any number of other medical schools and hospitals.> > >> > > I was dx'd with polymyositis in Dec. 1988 (cpk over 15,000), then> > pulmonary fibrosis the falling summer, then a number of other med.> > problems to follow - but that's not why I'm here...I stay as active>

[Guest guest]

Sher, my birds are gone. They are not here and I asked Dr, Cosgrove if I could just wear a mask and he said NO. The bird protein is so small it just goes right thru masks. They are gone to new homes. I miss them terribly but I had no choice. Joyce Rudy AZ

Re: Oximeter questions - Bruce...

JoyceI'm just so thrilled beyond words that your experience there turned outso well and you found doctors who communicated with you and you couldtrust.To everyone, let Joyce serve as an inspiration that if you're notgetting the answers and attention you need, to get somewhere you can.She had to go through so much effort to get to Denver but it wasrewarded. Others have found the same whether its been UAB or Duke orEmorty or any number of other medical schools and hospitals.> > >> > > I was dx'd with polymyositis in Dec. 1988 (cpk over 15,000), then> > pulmonary fibrosis the falling summer, then a number of other med.> > problems to follow - but that's not why I'm here...I stay as active>

[Guest guest]

Sher, my birds are gone. They are not here and I asked Dr, Cosgrove if I could just wear a mask and he said NO. The bird protein is so small it just goes right thru masks. They are gone to new homes. I miss them terribly but I had no choice. Joyce Rudy AZ

Re: Oximeter questions - Bruce...

JoyceI'm just so thrilled beyond words that your experience there turned outso well and you found doctors who communicated with you and you couldtrust.To everyone, let Joyce serve as an inspiration that if you're notgetting the answers and attention you need, to get somewhere you can.She had to go through so much effort to get to Denver but it wasrewarded. Others have found the same whether its been UAB or Duke orEmorty or any number of other medical schools and hospitals.> > >> > > I was dx'd with polymyositis in Dec. 1988 (cpk over 15,000), then> > pulmonary fibrosis the falling summer, then a number of other med.> > problems to follow - but that's not why I'm here...I stay as active>

[Guest guest]

Rudy....yes, I understood that your birds are already gone....I'm glad you finally realized you didn't have a choice if you want to live.

MamaSher; 70, IPF 3-06, OR. NasturtiumsDon't fret about tomorrow, God is already there!

Re: Oximeter questions - Bruce...

JoyceI'm just so thrilled beyond words that your experience there turned outso well and you found doctors who communicated with you and you couldtrust.To everyone, let Joyce serve as an inspiration that if you're notgetting the answers and attention you need, to get somewhere you can.She had to go through so much effort to get to Denver but it wasrewarded. Others have found the same whether its been UAB or Duke orEmorty or any number of other medical schools and hospitals.> > >> > > I was dx'd with polymyositis in Dec. 1988 (cpk over 15,000), then> > pulmonary fibrosis the falling summer, then a number of other med.> > problems to follow - but that's not why I'm here...I stay as active>

[Guest guest]

Joyce R,Great news!  It sounds like you may have

hypersensitivity pneumonitis.  My birds were a source of interest

during my initial diagnosis process, but were ruled out when I had my biopsy.  I

am happy for you that your health will recover, but sad at the same time that

you had to give up your beloved pets.Roxanne, 58, South Carolina

2006 Asthma/ PF

2008 IPF/ Sarcoidosis/Gerd

Lady Slipper OrchidFrom: JOYCE

RUDY Subject: Re: Re: Oximeter

questions - Bruce...To: Breathe-Support Date: Tuesday,

March 31, 2009, 4:52 PM

Sher- I don't know what it is called but it is environmental and the

trigger-the birds-are gone and so I will not have any further scarring and Dr.

Cosgrove said that it looks like I don't have a lot of Permanent damage to my

lungs (will know more after biopsy) and it is possible that after a year my

lungs may have healed enough that I won't need oxygen any more. Joyce Rudy

AZ

Re:

Oximeter questions - Bruce...

JoyceI'm just so thrilled beyond words that your

experience there turned outso well and you found doctors who

communicated with you and you couldtrust.To everyone, let

Joyce serve as an inspiration that if you're notgetting the answers

and attention you need, to get somewhere you can.She had to go

through so much effort to get to Denver but it wasrewarded. Others

have found the same whether its been UAB or Duke orEmorty or any

number of other medical schools and hospitals.> > >> > > I was dx'd with polymyositis

in Dec. 1988 (cpk over 15,000), then> > pulmonary fibrosis the

falling summer, then a number of other med.> > problems to

follow - but that's not why I'm here...I stay as

active>