Did You Bring an Oximeter to the Ecuador Highlands?

Yes, I definitely recommend bringing an oximeter. I have mild COPD and when I visited the highlands of Ecuador I monitored my oxygen levels regularly. I was pleased to note that I adjusted rapidly to the higher altitude by combining breathing exercises with monitoring. If anyone has respiratory difficulties at lower altitudes, being able to monitor blood oxygen levels at higher altitudes can help detect problems before they become severe.

I didn't bring an oximeter with me but I bought one here from Fybeca (Jardin Mall). When I arrived I felt great the first couple of days, but afterwards I started having symptoms. I couldn't walk more than a couple of blocks without being tired. I was drained all the time and felt nauseous at night. I don't have any serious medical condition, slight asthma at times but not enough to warrant medication. My son also suffered similar symptoms but much milder. So after additional research, I decided to buy an oximeter, and lo and behold my oxygen level was less than 80, which is not good at all, such reading basically indicates that your organs are suffering, and might fail. Yikes! So I bravely went for treatment, and was administered oxygen through the nostrils until my oxygen level was consistently near 98-99%. A reading of 90% is good, with 95 being optimal.

The oximeter helped me understand what I was going through and the readings assured me I wasn't in danger of organ failure over the days and weeks afterward. I would open the windows based on the readings instead of leaving them closed at night and this helped a lot. Now, my oxygen levels are consistently between 92%-95% and I have never felt better. My very mild asthma is also not an issue here. Yes I suffered initially, and was thinking about the coast, but I'm glad I persevered because Quito has improved my stamina, and general health.

Time wise, it took me about a month to be 100% normal, but there was continuous progress which was very reassuring. Hope this info helps newcomers who suffer such an initial setback.

What type of doctor or medical facility assisted you in improving your oxygen health, V.?

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My wife dragged me to the hospital, and I was treated in the emergency room. If I knew what I knew now I would have opted for a clinic as I heard such aliments can be treated there, and only because I hate hospitals.

So was the ER treatment sufficient to get you eventually to a desired oxygen level .. or did you need to keep going in for oxygen infusions during that month?

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