Oxygen

Thursday, 12 April 2007

Dad seems better today. We got oxygen delivered in the form of a box-like contraption that is not pure oxygen, but separates the oxygen from the nitrogen and is almost 98% oxygen. It hooks up by tube to his bi-pap machine. We checked his pulse and noticed that his oxygen level was higher (climbed up to 100) when the oxygen was connected, and hovered around the mid-80s when not connected. Normal oxygen levels are in the 90s. So, we will keep him hooked up to the oxygen as he probably needs it. They also delivered a huge backup oxygen tank in a Christmas stand, in case the electricity goes out. And, we have four little tanks for portable use in the car. We were trained on how to use them, but it is good to know that my brother and cousin are firemen, so they know how to operate them too.

Dad still has no voice (although we had hoped the flow of oxygen would bring his voice back like the bi-pap used to, but at this point, I think his voice is just weakened from his body shutting down due to ALS progression). He is eating a little bit more, but is still sleeping a lot during the day and hardly getting any sleep at night.