Terrified reading the news. Afraid of getting COVID-19

I just got an app to test my blood oxygen level and it wasn't great! At least I know I'm not making it up. Not much I can do, so I'll just continue monitoring.

@enska It doesn't look all that bad Im not very good at reading graphs hang in there . take some deep breaths do you practice meditation or Tai Chi? Both of these have helped me when I get stressed out .

It's just below the threshold of where it's considered a problem. I like graphs as I'm getting a Master's in health care technology and we do tons of statistics! ☺️

I haven't ever done tai chi but maybe I'll look it up on YouTube.

Great advice for everyone, Lioness!

I just want to share this picture I found. We are here for each other. Stay strong, stay safe and stay healthy.
God bless us all
Jackie

Thanks for this, Jackie. Bear's response is just what is happening on this supportive Connect group. We are here to listen and encourage and just "be there" for one another.

Yikes, just want to post an apology for my recent link to the J. Robertson's take on sending hubby to grocery. Had watched this years ago and found it hilarious. I should have replayed it before posting the link because of the seriousness of our current pandemic. This will teach me, I hope! to be more cautious and considerate going forward. Just remembered the humor;not the conclusion.

@enska I can see why you might be feeling concerned. Has your provider monitored your oxygen in the past, and if so, do you know what your typical readings are? For those in the group with significant lung issues who regularly have less oxygen, these readings may look OK, but they are below what most people without heart or lung issues experience.
Here are a few things to consider while evaluating the numbers -
Independent testing by several universities/hospitals has shown that Oxygen sats measured by a phone app tend to have an accuracy rate of +/- 2%, but their studies excluded people with high or low blood pressure and some other conditions. Customer experiences and evaluations of the apps vary widely, it looks like not all are particularly accurate. Consumers have reported that on some phones, their oxygen tends to measure lower than on others.
Over what period of time and under what conditions were your O2 sats measured? When my provider measures mine (a regular occurrence since I have several lung challenges) she first has me relax and breathe while sitting for at least a couple minutes before checking. I fear that if I was trying to get a phone app to do this, I would be stressed out and my breathing would reflect it.
In addition to having a virus or other illness, either Covid-19 or something else, generalized anxiety can cause poor respirations and thus make oxygen levels lower - is it possible you were seeing a combination of both? @lioness advice to do some deep breathing or meditation is a good one.
We are all very worried and often anxious these days, but it sounds like, whether you have the virus or not, your condition right now isn't dangerous. In your place, I would continue to monitor and call the doctor if things get worse, stay isolated, and practice good self-care, eating well and resting.
Sue

Hi @enska, I've had the home oximeter test done prior to doing an overnight sleep study at Mayo. I think the median for my results was a lot less which is why I had the sleep study which determined I had severe obstructive sleep apnea and now use a CPAP device. Are you able to share a little more about the app and how it monitors your blood oxygen level? I know the home oximeter the send out with patients is calibrated and expensive...they make you return it the next day.

I have an Apple watch 2 and use it with the Kardia app to take daily ECGs. I'm not sure it's reliable due to the neuropathy in my fingers and the fact that it reads through my fingers or thumb with the wrist band. That and taking my blood pressure daily with an Omron BP monitor both sometimes add to my stress if I believe what it's telling me. Everytime I go to the docs office all is well with the BP. Just didn't want you to be over axious about the apps results when they may or may not be accurate. Are you able to contact your doctor by phone or a patient portal to ask what they might think of the numbers?

Hoping your day goes well!

Many grocery stores are offering special early morning hours for seniors and the immune-compromised. I was shocked when you said you shopped every day. Try to buy enough to last 2-3 weeks, if possible. I hope you will be ok. Prayers! I, too, fall into the vulnerable category.