What can you expect?
Your first appointment may involve the following:-
- a review of your diagnosis
- a review of your medication and self-management plan
- a pulse oximetry reading, this involves attaching a small probe to your finger to measure your oxygen levels
- a blood gas test to measure the levels of oxygen in the blood accurately. This is obtained from either a small prick of the ear or blood taken from an artery in the wrist. It is different from the blood test that is normally taken in the arm
- performing walk tests to examine if your blood oxygen decrease on exertion. These will be done to your own capability
- education on your conditions and treatments available
- referral to other agencies that are beneficial to you, with your consent