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Ds and his chest-Can anyone recommend a sat/finger pulse thing to use at home...

5 replies

hazeyjane · 05/08/2012 10:59

Had to take ds to out of hours yesterday with his chest. The dr said he looked as though his o2 levels should be ok (good colour, no recessive breathing), but when he measured them they were low, and he had to be nebulised and taken to a+e in an ambulance.

The paed at the hospital said that because of his low muscle tone it was difficult to see whether ds was doing recessive breathing, and ds's colour was deceptively good for low oxygen. He was very floppy and I could see his breathing was laboured, but last time he was like this, the gp we saw didn't even take his sats, because he said he could see that his o2 levels were ok. In the end we ended up in a+e with ds.

I just wondered whether a finger oximeter to use at home would be a good idea, so that I can at least say to the gp (if I can't see our usual one - who is very good) that according to a reading I have done, that ds is struggling.

I don't want something which will give me a false sense of security, on the other hand I don't want to be a neurotic nightmare!

I see that you can get these ones on Amazon. Does anyone know if they are any good?

(I'll post this in children's health as wellSmile)

OP posts:
Triggles · 05/08/2012 11:29

That one looks pretty good. I'd say it's a pretty good idea, as it sounds like he doesn't present typically, which can be misleading.

Not sure how old he is (must organise a spread sheet lol), but we're trying to teach DS2 (6yo) how to use a peak flow monitor. It's slow going at the moment, but it was so helpful when DD was able to use hers. It is the best tool ever to catch things as they are coming on - you can literally see the readings drop within the 24 hours prior to some attacks. Forewarned is forearmed, and all that.

hazeyjane · 05/08/2012 18:14

Thankyou Triggles, ds is 2 (see there is some point in tickers!!!), so too young for a peak flow meter.

I am going to ask my gp (the good one!) what she thinks of the one on Amazon, and ask what she would recommend.

OP posts:
Triggles · 05/08/2012 18:16

ah, yes, 2 is a bit young for peak flow. Grin

hazeyjane · 05/08/2012 18:19

His SALT has spent the last 6 months trying to get him to blow into a kazoo, so the chances of him working out a peak flow are minimal!

Dd2's asthma nurse was trying to teach her to use one, but she gets a huge fit of the giggles whenever she tries, which then makes her wheezy!

OP posts:
Triggles · 05/08/2012 18:20

DS2 is 6yo, and he's still not getting it. I can't imagine trying to get a 2yo to use it! LOL

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