Oxygen info

Hi folks my respiratory nurse came this afternoon, sats down to 84 at rest so its back on the wretched steroids again. She is going to get me assessed for home oxygen, what does this entail? Also how long do you have to wait as i really don't want to be on steroids forever. Hope everyone's as well as can be. xx

[Puffthemagicdragon]

Usually they take arterial blood and get the gas readings. Some find it a bit painful but I find it less painful than the back of the hand. The results give an accurate reading of the amount of oxygen in the blood amongst other things. Once they determine how much oxygen you need I found the oxygen suppier got it sorted quickly. Mine is BOC.

[Hidden in reply to Puffthemagicdragon]

Thanks Puff, have had arterial bloods done a few times, the last one in October last year, they said it was just about good enough then but had a few infections since. xx

[Hidden]

I had blood gases done and a twenty-four hour monitor thingy at home...once it'd been decided my oxygen supply came within a week...but I'm in Ireland so it might be different elsewhere...still need steroids for chest infections though

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Vashti, I don't mind taking steroids occasionally, just not all the time, which has been the case lately! Stay well and keep those tales coming. xx

[Hidden]

Here, you usually have to do a 6 minute walk test to assess your oxy needs for walking etc. but if your sats are so low at rest, I can't see how they could possibly deny it to you. Hope they get back to you soon Sheila.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for that Argana, sats are 90/92 on steroids, drop very fast without, do you thjnk is a common thing? All the steroids have done enough damage! xx

[Scud]

I was assessed and oxygen was provided within a couple of days, although I still have to have steroids periodically,usually if I get a chest infection. I was diagnosed with copd many years ago. Hope al goes well for you