Improving O2 levels

[revagayle]

I wonder if anyone has had any success with improving their O2 levels with regular exercise and/or regular breathing exercises. Thanks, Gayle

[Toci]

The short answer is yes. I will leave it to individual members to tell you their story.

[2greys in reply to Toci]

The longer answer is yes too The breathing exercises cease being just exercises they become second nature as you use them when physically exercising, you learn to breath more efficiently. Exercise not only builds up muscle but the muscle learns to use the available oxygen more efficiently. But your lungs themselves have not improved, it is the way in which you use them that improves the SPO2. PLUS you get all the other added health benefits.

[revagayle in reply to 2greys]

So, there is no way to improve your remaining "good" lung tissue.

[2greys in reply to revagayle]

That only means a cure, sadly not yet. But more efficient IS an improvement. Walking from 35 yards to the one and a half miles without stopping I can do today has to be an improvement. But it would not surprise me if my FEV1 was the same or slightly lower than it was 8 months ago. I would not expect to see an improvement. Yet I'm fitter than I've been for years.

[mrsmummy in reply to revagayle]

Hi revagayle, the poster was asking about improving O2 levels, which has indeed been achieved by some of our members.

[James48 in reply to 2greys]

Wow 2greys that is fantastic!!, but like so many people on this site, you don't say in your profile what illness you have and what level it is, which would be very useful to know for comparison and encouragement to others.

james

[2greys in reply to James48]

Stage 3 Emphysema Fev1 37%, PAH. Claudication in my legs, maybe another to be added to that list. I work full time still as well. 66 years young.

COPD is not the end of the world, by any means.

[James48 in reply to 2greys]

Thanks 2 greys - So true what you say, you're doing great and long may it continue!

[revagayle in reply to 2greys]

2greys you are very encouraging. I know it is a lot of hard work!

[2greys in reply to revagayle]

Hard work, yes, but the biggest hurdle with exercising I find is boredom. I've tried music, audio books and videos, but only with varying degrees of success. 25 mins is a long time, when doing something repetitive.

I have found that a metronome can be useful to keep you going at a constant rate like music can, but music tracks are too short and then the next track is at a different tempo.

[diesel12]

I'm not sure this is the same thing but I had my review yesterday and had a 2% increase on my FEV1 result which I was very happy with. I mainly walk every day and try for 10000 steps a day however because of circumstances I haven't exercised for the last few months so hopefully I can repeat the benefit again next year or at least stop the progression.

[revagayle in reply to diesel12]

Improvement is always great news! Good luck!

[O2Trees]

Definitely yes. After I had double pneumonia two years ago I slowly got back into exercise using ambulatory oxygen and as i got stronger and time went on I was able to do without the oxygen as my sats had slowly improved enough. I had also started playing table tennis once a week too while I was still on the oxygen and that really made a big difference so after about 3 months I was able to come off it altogether. That was 18 months ago. Haven't used it since.

[revagayle in reply to O2Trees]

thanks, O2 Trees. What type of copd do you have if you don't mind me asking. Your story is very inspiring, gayle

[O2Trees in reply to revagayle]

Stage 3 emphysema (fev1 36%). I also have bronchiectasis and i think what happens is when i have a serious chest infection my alveoli get clogged up with so much mucus that they can't do the gas exchange and my O2 levels drop to low 80s along with a lot of muscle wasting. Then as I get better, am doing exercise, building up muscle again and getting fitter, the levels rise. It's happened twice now but no new chest infection now for nearly 2 years - crossing fingers as I type!

[revagayle in reply to O2Trees]

I will keep my fingers crossed for you also

[O2Trees in reply to revagayle]

Thanks revagayle!

[ol-ly11 in reply to O2Trees]

May I ask how long does it usually take you after being ill to get your levels back up again so you don't need oxygen. Thanks

[O2Trees in reply to ol-ly11]

Maybe 4 months? I thought Id be on it forever. But remember, my situation is very specific. It's clear now, though it wasnt then, that at the moment my body/lungs are ok at using oxygen. Don't think it will last forever.

[ol-ly11 in reply to O2Trees]

Thank you. I am bronciectasis too. I had a pseudamonis infection at new year and had 2 weeks IV antibios. I was put on oxygen as my sats were so low, and they thought just infection( I am 58) and had not needed before. Although my sats have improved since then, 8 weeks they still drop low on exertion but are better. I have oxygen review Monday so will see. Gradually increasing exercise. Went to pulmonary rehab last year so doing all those. Thank you for your reply. Hope all he's on going good for you.

[O2Trees in reply to ol-ly11]

You're doing all the right things ol-ly. Don't underestimate how long it takes to improve, and improvement can happen even when you've given up hope long as you're doing the exercise, eating well etc. Hope the oxygen review goes well on monday - let us know. Take care.

[ol-ly11 in reply to O2Trees]

Thank you. I will let you know.

[winnabago in reply to O2Trees]

That is really good news, thanks. John

[winnabago in reply to O2Trees]

That is really good news. John

[TOMMYBOY1]

I was diagnosed about 6 years ago with advanced copd. Had to stop working due to inability to get myself all showered and ready to go. I ended up on disability here. exercise is a great benefit to all parts of the human body. I would be lost for sure if I didn't do about an hour of weights and general exercises each morning. Not only for my lungs, my heart loves it too. You can start with a few easy exercises and continue with what feels right to you. Don't be lazy!! Even a little will be noticed in a few days. Good luck and hang tight.

[revagayle in reply to TOMMYBOY1]

Thanks for your reply. I do a lot of walking but need to start doing some upper body with weights also. Hanging as tight as I can!

[TOMMYBOY1 in reply to revagayle]

If you do weights, start with what amount you are comfortable with. Too much can discourage you fast. Walking is great. Gets the heart rolling. I am no expert by any means but I try to stay with what I like so I stick with it. Go for it!!