I wonder - Do I need Oxygen.

[Ern007]

Hi, I have never had oxygen except when in hospital as an emergancy,

However I have noticed my 02 sats down when I am asleep. that does not really bother me though.

If I go to the nearby shop I have tested and while walking my 02 went to 90 - It recovered to 94 when I got home. Also my legs hurt, I think this is called "claudication " which in my case I think is caused by PHD.

My question is does anyone have oxygen to have while walking? as it hurts and am breathless.

[garshe]

90 is not a problem. You have to have an oxygen assessment by your Respiratory team at hospital to see if you need it. xxSheila

[Ern007 in reply to garshe]

re ups are half what they where 10 years ago. I will see ig gP will refer me.

[BreatheasyBe]

As Sheila says you need an oxygen assessment. I got prescribed ambulatory oxygen august 2019 finished pulmonary rehab March 2020 just as the lockdown began. I was on 2 litres and struggled to complete a circuit of exercise. Physios couldn’t put my prescription up that had to be done by consultant. August 2020 I was reviewed by the team (A walk outside my house with 2 litres with sats monitored then increased until they found what level was helping me keep my sats up above 88 (as yours only drops to 90 I think they would be happy to not prescribe oxygen as long as you’re within the 88-92 range if you have underlying lung condition) I couldn’t increase my dose until I had another test to ensure I wasn’t retaining co2. This dose has made a big difference to the quality of my life.

[Ern007 in reply to BreatheasyBe]

Thank's I have COPD and heart problems, probably why I now have dyspnea - When I walk my sats average 90 but peak below that.

I use my oximeter at random to do an overnight test. (24 hour recorder) - Mostly the basal is 90 or 91 but, my 02 goes down at time to 85 and even lower - That I did not worry about but this daytime dyspnea does - I agree with you and Sheila I need checking - I am with GP monday so I will bring it up, she probably will refer me.

[BreatheasyBe in reply to Ern007]

hi I wonder if there’s a typo in your reply. 95 is good.

[Ern007 in reply to BreatheasyBe]

Typo was 85 - If I do overnight I will get events so low, then recover then go low, not that low all the time. Tell you a strange one - When my sats go low. my pulse rate increases to match.

[BreatheasyBe in reply to Ern007]

That makes sense that one goes up as the other goes down as there’s more strain on your heart as the body works harder to distribute the oxygen.

[garshe in reply to BreatheasyBe]

Totally agree Breatheasy, great reply. xxSheila ⚘💕

[BreatheasyBe]

oxygen isn’t always given for dyspnea as some breathlessness isn’t caused by low oxygen saturation. I can be low in oxygen and resting and not at all out of breath. It’s a funny old system the human body.

[Ern007 in reply to BreatheasyBe]

I agree - Can be confusing I have been diagnosed years ago with COPD/Asthma/Heart Trouble and Dyspnea - What causes the Dyspnea?

[Denzie]

do ask your doctor about having a sleep test. My O2 also drops when sleeping. The test indicated I would benefit from a CPAP. My night time rest is better quality and I wake up less. I’m better rested.

That won’t help during the day but please be aware low oxygen during sleep can lead to strokes, heart attack and dementia.

[Ern007 in reply to Denzie]

You think it could be 'Sleep Apnea'? I will ask my GP when I see her Monday - Last time I asked a Dr over that before I moved to the village, he just shrugged and I had printed out Oximeter reports..

My 02 used to be worse than it is now but, seems to be inching backwards.