Looking after my Dad
Hi
I currently look after my dad who is 77, we had to call an ambulance last week for him, the first responder came and said his oxygen was less than 50, my Dad has not smoked for about 25 years but I suspect he is now smoking, he says all the time he wants to die, how serious is less than 50 and will smoking increase the chances of more hospital visits quickly? How many times can someone's oxygen drop so low before something more serious happens, thank you for reading
Hi Gillyjohnny, and thanks for sharing your story about your dad with the community. Although we cannot provide medical advice or diagnostics over the internet (for your own safety), your concern certainly warrants a reply.
Oxygenation, typically is reported in one of two ways, either as a saturation level (in percentage), or, as a partial pressure (in millimeters of mercury (mmHg)). The interpretation or explanation of the number '50' will depend on how the oxygen level was measured. This really is something you will want to discuss further with dad's physician.
Has you dad been diagnosed with COPD? Does he have other medical conditions as well? If he is being followed by and cared for by a physician, the doctor will be able to guide you as to what to expect for your father, going forward.
It's heartwarming to see your devotion, compassion, and love for your father - please know we are wishing both of you well. Kindly do check back and keep us apprised of his progress and also about how YOU are doing.
If there is anything we can do to assist you, please let me or any other moderator / team member know.
Warm regards,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)Thank you for taking the time to reply to me, it was the paramedic that took his levels whilst waiting for the ambulance, he did the thing on his finger, he has has COPD for years (maybe 25 years now), he has a nebuliser and inhalers, he also has dementia, they sent him home from hospital with a Do not resuscitate letter, my dad doesn't know what happened at the hospital, he doesn't even know he has been. I think he has started smoking as he wants to die and in his mind maybe this would speed things up, I just wasn't sure how serious 50 was, the paramedic just said it is less than 50 and we need to get him to hospital, thanks
Hi again, Gillyjohnny - it's my pleasure - this is what our community is all about!
It would appear that the paramedic most probably recorded an oxygen saturation level for your dad. By all standards, a reading of 50% is considered to be below normal and so, depending on his other medical symptoms, I would imagine a trip to the hospital at that point was the prudent thing to do.
Again, to find out all you can about dad's present condition and, the recent hospitalization, his physician would be the best person to explain it all to you.
Please know, you are always welcome here!
All the best,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
Why do u think ur Dad is smoking? U would be able to smell the smoke on him. Please do not let him smoke while he is unattended.
My prayers are with you and your father.
