Hi everyone...I have a few questions about when oxygen becomes necessary.

[MidlGuard]

Hi everyone...I'm Dave and a new member. Reading this page...When and how does the need for oxygen play in to the stages and development of the disease? I am 63 years old and have suffered with chronic asthma/bronchitis/sinusitis infections since childhood. I also smoked for 20 years. The asthma meds instantly relieved airway tightness (Albuterol) so being young and stupid.....I didn't think much past the obvious. I am in good health, but when I get upper resp infections I am dizzy, lightheaded but not short of breath. Sometimes my fingertip Ox meter registers me at 92....but with deep breathing I can push it to 99. I have not seen a specialist for diagnosis. I can walk 5 miles at a good pace with no problems. Have had two major surgeries w/in the last 5 years with general anesthesia. Each time it took me "longer than normal" to wake up and get my ox level to normal ( 3hrs in recovery )....but Dr's and nurses never made a big deal out of it. They just said everyone is different when it comes to waking up. Any comments would be greatly appreciated. Thanks....Nice to meet you all

[stilltruckin]

webmd.com/lung/copd/guideli...

[stone-UK]

Hi

The need for oxygen is not based on the severity of your condition.

Not all people will need or are suitable for oxygen.

If the time comes, you will take a ABG arterial blood gasses test. For LTOP long term oxygen therapy, this is to maintain your sats above 88% at rest.

For Ambulatory oxygen you take a six minute walk test. To decide if you need and at what litres per minute is required. 90/92% is acceptable while walking or doing exercise .

[Offcut]

Hi Dave

My o2 is 95 on a good day at rest drops to 90 after going up stairs. I am the opposite with anesthesia i have woke up in theater a couple of times. I would love be able to walk that distance well done.

My consultant told me i process o2 well but i do not get enough in to process and have nothing in reserve once i go past plodding!

I would say you are long way off the need for o2.

Be Well

[MidlGuard in reply to Offcut]

Hi Offcut.....thanks for responding. I don't know enough "not" to worry. I need to sign up for those classes and get the needed education to deal with this in an intelligent manner. I wish you the best my friend!

[Puffthemagicdragon]

Hello and welcome Dave. Oxygen is normally given if your sats drop below 88%. What Stage anyone is at doesn't matter. Mine at rest is normally about 92% but if I'm active it drops below 88% I need extra oxygen. I am on it for 15 hours a day ( most when I'm asleep or resting ) so my organs get enough good oxygen. This is the main reason for extra oxygen. To look after the organs. Like you, I can get it higher with controlled breathing.

[peege]

Welcome to the site Dave. Knowledge is power so keep coming on here to learn as much as you can, get all the info the BLF have on offer, request the Pulmonary Rehabilitation course (PR), keep exercising, breathing exercises (loads of examples on YouTube, eat well, keep to a healthy weight, take your meds regularly and it will be a long time before you need O2 if at all. Peeg

[moneal]

I had to go for an oxygen assessment yesterday, the thought of having to carry a cylinder around really worried me so by the time I reached the hospital I was getting quite panicky. A charming nurse took my stats then a short walk and retook the readings. The verdict being no oxygen needed, my stats showed little change. If you can obtain 99% and only drop to 94% don't worry, mine is normally 94% and on a bad day drops to 87 when exercising. My result was I need to go on a rehab course and get

more exercise. My thanks go to the great Lung Specialist Nurse who took the time to explain everything I asked about.

Perhaps a check of your blood pressure might show something.