Suplemetal oxygen

[Ragrug]

I have just written on the completely wrong place so will try again.

Being totally ignorant of how to use the oxygen.I would put it up to 3 when feeling breathless...this Is wrong, just found out this morning that i should be on 2. The oxygen man of 18 years experience suggested ,as I have edema that I may be co2 overdosed.

Anyone got any information that could help.

Thank you ragrug.

Ps I am 82 have copd and lung cancer.

[CDPO16]

Hi Ragrug, do you not get checked by the respiratory team who prescribed your oxygen? It should only ever be used at the percentage prescribed as you have learnt. Increasing that rate doesn't ease breathlessness as the purpose of supplementary oxygen is only to ensure that vital organs receive an adequate oxygen supply.If you are having problems you should contact your doctor, nurse or respiratory team.

[Ragrug in reply to CDPO16]

Thank you so much for your answer...I do not have a respiratory team or nurse..I live in Spain, a d I was given all the kit,oxygen concentrator, .mobile, and a huge bottle of oxyen and some nasal masks...and that was it. I am now going to get some blood work done and see where I am at.The oxygen was ordered by my lung specialist . And he set it at 2.

[CDPO16 in reply to Ragrug]

It seems that what your specialist set the oxygen at is what he/she thought was the level best for you. It is a pity though that you seem to have been given all the gear and left to get on with it. It's good that you are going to get some blood work done. I hope that you will be given an explanation of the results and more advice on how to use your oxygen.

If you see the specialist again ask what parameters you should try and keep your oxygen levels at. Have a list of questions ready so that you don't risk forgetting anything.

I have late stage COPD and have been prescribed ambulatory oxygen from small cylinders for when I go out and a large cylinder for short burst oxygen when I'm in the house. My parameters have been set at 89 to 92% blood oxygen levels when I'm walking or doing anything such as getting washed and dressed. I have an oximeter which I use to check my levels. When I'm sat doing nothing my levels are often 94 or 95% plus but can drop below 89% when I'm doing anything. The short burst helps me to get that level up again and the ambulatory helps me to keep it around 94% when I am out walking. Anything higher than that when out is considered to be too high for me and putting me at risk of Co2 retention. I have masks for the short burst and nasal cannula for the ambulatory. Both deliver oxygen at a different concentrations so I have been prescribed short burst at 2% and ambulatory at 1%.

I hope that I haven't gone on too long with my reply but that I have been able to explain things a bit more for you. I am by no means an expert and have learnt as I have gone on with my oxygen prescription but I have the support of respiratory nurses here in the UK.

Best wishes to you

[Ragrug in reply to CDPO16]

Thank you so much for your informative letter never too long.You have given me some confidence to go without the oxygen when I am sittingI have to have it at night worried about sleep apnea.So I am determined to do at least 8 hours without the oxygen. It was the technician who suggested the co2 overload, as he said he, isn't a nurse but has 18 years experience and my symptoms ie odema air in the abdomen etc.

So am concentrating on getting rid of the liquid

and trying to organise my oxygen.Like you my resting 02 is 94 , 95 and end stage copd. The cancer is growing slowly and they can't do anything about it

Sorry to waffle on but you can't imagine how happy I am to hear from you.

Keep breathing

Rugrat.

[CDPO16 in reply to Ragrug]

I'm glad to know that I have been of some help and I'm sorry that you have had so little support in Spain. I'm sorry that your cancer can't be treated too.

I don't know if it is an option for you to phone the BLF helpline to speak to one of the nurses but they are very knowledgeable and helpful.

Do keep in touch with us here though and ask if you want to know something. There is usually someone around to help. Keep in touch and let us know how you get on. Wishing you well.

[Ragrug in reply to CDPO16]

Thank you for your help will keep in touch go to see a new doc next week.I will keep you posted.Breathe well ...

Ragrug

[Caspiana]

Hi Ragrug, 👋

I'm glad you realized your oxygen was on too high. If your doctor set you at 2 he has a reason for it so I'd keep at that number. Oxygen therapy doesn't actually help one be less breathless, it dies make sure your organs are not starved if oxygen. And yes, if you retain Co2 having too much of it just makes it worse. It's good you have a lung specialist. I'd make sure to ask him all your concerns and go from there. It takes getting used to. Do let us know how things go. And go slow and steady.

Very best wishes to you.

Cas xx 🌿

[Ragrug in reply to Caspiana]

Hello CasThank you for your reply I am doing what I should have been doing and keeping the oxygen on2.

I am more confident now as I have had lots of good advice from members.

I am not often on here but I do read the letters.

Keep well

Ragrug

[Caspiana in reply to Ragrug]

Very good news Ragrug. Keep it up and you know you have this place whenever you need to talk. xx 🌿🌾🍀🌾

[Ragrug in reply to Caspiana]

Thank you

[Ragrug in reply to Caspiana]

Thank you for all your help...I will keep on touch.I go to see a new Doc next week and have a note book full of questions. Bye for now ragrug