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Michael Mitchell

Born Again Christian who loves technology. Wondering when I will get every electronic device I want.

Health

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    Gadgets, Data, and Doubt

    A silver ring is on the left, and a modern smartwatch with a minimalist design is on the right.

    Technology can be amazing and frustrating at the same time. It kind of reminds me of the media—hold on, you’ll see where I’m going with this comparison. I have a Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and an Oura Ring 3. I wear both to track my sleep and heart health because I have sleep apnea and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

    The problem? Both devices give me different sleep data almost every night. Take last night as an example:

    • Samsung Health reported a sleep score of 94 (Excellent). A detailed breakdown is below.

      A sleep tracking app displays a sleep score of 94, with detailed metrics on sleep time, physical recovery, restfulness, mental recovery, and sleep cycles. A sleep tracking graph shows different sleep stages, including awake, REM, light, and deep sleep, with total durations for each stage.

    • Oura Ring 3 reported a sleep score of 74 (Good) with a sleep efficiency of 88%. Further breakdown is below.

      A sleep tracking interface displays metrics such as total sleep time, sleep efficiency, resting heart rate, and a sleep score. A sleep tracking app screenshot shows sleep stages, including awake, REM, light, and deep sleep, with a total duration of 7 hours and 26 minutes.

    So, which do I believe? While both ultimately say I slept well (and I did—I can feel it), their numbers don’t match. I tend to stay up late on Friday nights to decompress from the past week, catching up on TV, PC gaming, emails, bills, and other things. Still, I slept great. But which device is more accurate?

    I wear both because I’m in the Samsung ecosystem, and I already had the Oura Ring before the Samsung Ring was released. (I’m waiting for version 2 or 3 of the Samsung Ring before I jump in, so they can work out the bugs.)

    This brings me to my comparison with the media. I watch Fox News for local updates and ABC News for world and U.S. news. I also check in on Newsmax here and there—mainly to keep up with my parents, who now have it on 24/7 (something I’ve warned them about). Just like my watch and ring, each news outlet presents similar information differently—sometimes slightly, sometimes drastically.

    So, which do you believe? I’ve realized that, just like with my sleep trackers, you have to compare the data and come to your own conclusions.

    Here’s what I’ve concluded: I don’t know which device is more accurate, but both agree that I slept well. This is further confirmed by my CPAP machine, which recorded zero AHI events (apnea episodes). In the end, I feel rested, and that’s what really matters.

    Likewise, I don’t trust any single news source completely. I listen to all sides, recognize the kernel of truth in each, and make my own informed decisions.

    #SleepTracking #WearableTech #HealthTech #TechPerspective

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    Reflections and Routines: Thoughts Before Monday

    This week, I’ve been reflecting on an upcoming medical procedure scheduled for Monday—a routine colonoscopy. While the procedure itself isn’t bad, I truly dread the day before. Preparing for it is unpleasant, but I know it’s necessary for my health. Since I’m high-risk due to previously discovered benign polyps, I need to have one every 3 to 5 years. It’s an expense I’d rather avoid, but it’s essential for peace of mind.

    I’ve also been contemplating blogging. Writing has always been a cathartic outlet for me, a way to process my feelings and reflect on life. It’s interesting to look back on how my thoughts have evolved over the years—some things have changed, while others remain constant. In a way, my blog posts capture my growth and maturing.

    Even if no one reads my writing, that’s okay. Who knows? Maybe a hundred years from now, someone will stumble upon my words. Perhaps they’ll laugh, cry, or even pause to think.

    Now, if only I could get back into reading this year.

    #HealthMatters #BloggingLife #PersonalGrowth

    Posted on Micro.blog

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    A bad medical test today

    Today I had an echocardiogram today and I already have the results all though the doctor has not reviewed that just as of yet. That is the beauty of MyChart you see the test results as soon as they are ready.

    My Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is getting worse. My septum is thickening even more and faster than before and my left atrium has stretched even more. What will the doctor do I am not sure. I am already on a beta blocker, calcium channel blocker and a blood thinner. I don't know what will be the next thing another medicine so 3 total and or an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) or both?

    Will update as soon as I am told more.

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    A-FIB

    Well, it all started at around 4 PM on Saturday, December 10, 2023. I went into A-FIB and I don't know why. Almost 3 days later on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at around 12:30 AM, I went back into normal heart Rhythm.
    I am glad I didn't have to go to the Emergency room and that I had my Samsung Galaxy watch Classic6 and my Kardia device to keep track of my A-Fib incident.
    I really can't wait until 2023 is over as this has been a very bad year for me and my family.

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