I have COPD,20 yrs. now. Being a seniour citizen I am exhausted with the daily struggle to survive. I have no appetite no energy& little motivation left.
Strange thing is I have good Oxygen levels......so don't understand why I am sooo ill.
When taken to Hospital the Paramedics give me Oxygen and it has an amazing effect. I feel alive. Problem is they will not give it to me to help my daily living.
I now feel like ...giving up...
Pleas can you explain all this to me.
Hi Baily, oxygen is not given to stop you getting breathless, it's only given if you have low oxygen saturation, to protect your vital organs and as you say you have good oxygen levels.
The Paramedics will only give you oxygen if your sats are dangerously low, if you have too much oxygen it can be really dangerous and can poison your system, because of Co2 rentention, this can cause violent headaches, morning drowsieness and tremors.
I hope I have been some help.
Ian.
Hi Baily, I think the answer is in your post. If your sats are good they will probably hold off. Like you I get very tired and need to use a walker. I have interstitial lung disease and attend Papworth regularly. My sats sit at 93% - which is a drop for me. I have been thinking about asking about oxygen for walking, but they will probably say no. Have you had a walking test? I know, oxygen is a fab thing for us! Best of luck hope it gets sorted. Gingercatjayne xx
Thank you so much for your help, you answered so quickly. I guess I am just desperate for some relief. I go out as much as possible on my mobility scooter, being out in the fresh air is the best I can get.
I hate moaning, I am just so tired, that makes you rather negative.
I also have a mobility scooter - I call her sally-sue! xx
You can just buy a can on line be carful in uk oxogen not used as a therapy my pumanery consultant says ok have a squirt when u need . Have used for years all do in USA .
Does your oxygen level drop when you start walking or doing chores mine drops as soon as I stand from93- 86 iam on oxygen on excerstion maybe get them to check when mobile
I was given oxygen after a road accident, and it certainly took my mind off the pain of broken bones! The oxygen you were given would be much purer than the air we normally breathe, so would make you feel different. It is not good for us to be given that amount of oxygen all the time as it would mess up the way the body works. A bit like drinking strong spirits all the time instead of small beer.
I know we are likely think everything is to do with our main condition , but have you checked other things too with your Dr with simple blood tests e.g. Sodium too low (or too high), lack of iron etc. Calcium levels, Vitamins - (if you live in the UK when dull weather Vit D might be low) and so on. It might be worth ruling out other possibilities as well lung issues.
Hi Baily, sorry to hear you are feeling so down, being ill all the time is wearing and takes alot to keep up your spirits. I think the post above from Response is worth looking into as a lack of vitamins and minerals can have a bad affect on your body and mind, so perhaps a visit to your gp may help, along with the weather all takes its toll on us x
Hello
I'm sorry but can you exercise ? I have sever COPD and sever Ashma that would be easy to give up but I'm not a quitter. Have you tried a pulmonary rehab class ? It gets you started to help you get back your energy. Dont give up get exercise, make you body work and get back to health. I saw a few like you in my rehab class and the improvement is slow but they have improved . Gets you in a routine of exercising for health.
God Bless
You don't mention any meds you're taking, if you're taking pred. it will artificially increase your O2 levels, This happened to me and quite by accident I lowered my pred intake too much the day before I went for the 6 minute walk, during the walk I was in a heck of a state but I qualified for O2... Be careful, talk to your Dr, first.
It is so horrid to feel so low and miserable, I do feel for you. Winter takes its toll on our health both physical and mental. Just wanted to say you are not moaning or negative life can be a hard slog sometimes and you can come on here and folks always understand. Wishing you brighter days ahead
Thanks everyone, it's great getting all that advice. I do take vitamin D....I live in Scotland. The only meds. I take are ventoline plus a different one in the morning, can't remember the name it & to lazy to get out of bed. Durcat I do me excercises most days. Been to Pulmonary rehab twice, don't think I could manage now, I'm 79. However I still manage to keep the house clean and do all my own cooking so I'm grateful for that. One day at a time. 🤗🌈
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