Oxygen levels

[jackwok]

I have had COPD for around 15 years and it is getting steadily worse. I have the normal inhalers , have a air physio device, a nebuliser and recently have been accepted for oxygen therapy. On my last visit to hospital I was given the device that checks your oxygen levels.

As I have only had this device a few days I am checking my levels a couple of times a day to see if a pattern emerges. My reading seems to be good in the morning and afternoon but not so good early evening.

Would be glad to hear comments about this.

[Ern007]

Hi,

I have had COPD for over 20years. I don't have oxygen, I take a drug Amiodarone that would not allow me to have supplemental oxygen as that would lead to respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

What device have you been given to check your oxygen, is it an oximeter?

What are your oxygen levels? "Morning" and early "evening" . Have you tried later than early evening?

I am sure people on here will know more about supplemental oxygen than I do, but I am curious about your readings

[jackwok in reply to Ern007]

I have a oximeter. Oxygen levels are quite good at the moment 88/93 am and late afternoon. Late night it slips slightly lower. Thanks for your interest.

[Ern007 in reply to jackwok]

Thank you, my sats sink lower when I am asleep, at times for a minute or so below 80. I notice when my 02 goes lower my heart beats faster to try and compensate, I have noted that on printouts, Anyway hope you find a solution.

[MoosterMoo]

Hi,I don't have COPD but I am on oxygen therapy. I've noticed my levels can change sometimes and they tend to be worse the higher the humidity level. I'm not sure if that's the reason why but I can't think of anything else it could be.

Tina

[jackwok in reply to MoosterMoo]

Thanks Tina

[Ergendl]

Could it be that in the early evening, you are sitting slouched in an armchair or on a sofa? If you are not using your full lung capacity by breathing only with your upper chest, that would reduce the amount of oxygen going into your lungs to oxygenate your blood. If that is the case, try sitting differently in a more upright seat. All the best

[jackwok in reply to Ergendl]

Thanks that seems about right.

[PaulineHM]

Hi there,

I have been using oxygen for Asthma/COPD for 7 years now.

I don't check my 02 levels unless I have an exacerbation because they naturally fluctuate for everyone at different times of the day and levels of activity - even for folk not on oxygen therapy.

My energy levels are always better in the morning after a night of rest. Levels are lower afternoon and evening. I don't check very often because then it gets too stressy .

Have you been advised to keep your sats at between 88-92 ? Are you on Ambulatory oxygen, using a portable concentrator or a static concentrator, or continuous oxygen 24/7 ? Let us know and I might be able to offer you more support. I now use a static concentrator in the house and Liquid oxygen outside - for Ambulatory oxygen.

Go well.

Pauline

[jackwok in reply to PaulineHM]

Thanks Pauline. I have been advised to keep Sat's at 88/92. Have portable oxygen concentrator but have not used it.

[PaulineHM]

Hi,

Ok, now I am puzzled, how is it that you have a POC but you haven't used it ?

Assume you have had an oxygen assessment and they organised the concentrator for you ?

Go well ?

[jackwok in reply to PaulineHM]

I only got my POC last week after assessment. Had no need to use it yet. Thanks

[PaulineHM in reply to jackwok]

Ok, assuming you are in the UK ? If you are, then you would have made a 6 minute walk test as part of your assessment to determine of you need oxygen therapy when your oxygen levels will have dropped to an extent where you don't have enough oxygen in your body?

If that is the case and you have been given a POC to use, then it is safe to assume that you need ambulatory oxygen and as jackdup says below, then our oxygen levels drop when we are on the move and active.

My advice, for what is it worth, is that when you are are on your feet, moving around the house, going for a walk, walking upstairs, exercising etc then do use the POC at the level of oxygen prescribed. That will prevent your major organs, kidneys, heart, brain from deteriorating and life will be more comfortable and the quality of your life will be better.

I didn't find it easy at first to be seen outside the house plugged in to the POC. Though in a short time I got to used to it.

Go well.

Pauline

[jackwok in reply to PaulineHM]

Thank you so much Pauline for your valuable advice.

[PaulineHM in reply to jackwok]

You are welcome. Let us know how you get on won’t you ?

Go well

[jackwok in reply to PaulineHM]

Thanks again Pauline. I have a rollator and feel a bit uneasy using that with people I know which is stupid of me. Also have the same reservations as you with the oxygen. x

[jackdup]

I am not on oxygen and my oxygen levels fluctuate more based on what I am doing. Sitting in the couch they are fine 94-96 generally but activity like going up and down stairs causes them to drop. I haven’t noticed a change based on the time of day but then I have never looked for a patten based on the time of day. It is also possible that if your stomach is full from supper in the evening your oxygen could drop if you are unable to breath as deeply because of being full.

[jackwok in reply to jackdup]

Thanks Jackdup

[AsthmaandLung Administrator]

Hi jackwok

Our Clinical Team may be able to help with questions you have about your oxygen levels.

Do feel free to call us if you would like to chat to them on 0300 222 5800. Mon- Frid 9.15-5pm

asthmaandlung.org.uk/helpline

Take care

Helpline Team