Oxygen theraphy

[Suzie2609]

Hi everyone, please could anyone using ambulatory oxygen tell me if they've experienced the following. Well I was put on oxygen 4 weeks ago due to my levels dropping to 81 on exertion. I've been checking my oxygen levels which seem to be much higher even when not using my supplemented oxygen. Has anyone else experienced this ? Could using oxygen for such a short time lead to putting things right or is this wishfull thinking? thanks Suzie

[stone-UK]

Hi

There could many reasons for the discrepancy. Over use of oximeter reducing battery life will give false reading. Moving while using oximeter, home oximeter not designe to used while moving. If you have increased your activity levals since using oxygen. Then your muscles will make better use of the available oxygen and give a improved reading.

Sat down I can achieve 92/93 with oxygen 94/96

[Grammyluvs]

Yes, I have. I stayed on for 4 months until I had another spirometer test and 6 min walking test. My oxygen levels improved after about 4 weeks. My ct scan showed I had Bronchieactesis in addition to my known asthma. Dr felt I had a flare up of Bronchieactesis. Came off oxygen, treated for B and asthma. Now off oxygen for 3 months. Not sure what your problem is but oxygen is a med like other meds. Also went to Pyulmonsry rehab. Good luck and Best wishes.

[Caspiana]

Hello Suzie2609 .

I have been in oxygen for over a year. My quality of life improved on it, making me exercise more which I am sure has helped my body get stronger, however I am not cured by any means since my disease is aggressive and progressive. I don't know what lung condition you were diagnosed with, but I would definitely bring this up with your medical team.

Wishing you well.

Cas xx 🌷

[Hidden]

Hi when you say your readings are higher .. how higher ??x

[southcats]

hi, i just had a surprising oxygen levels reading recently too, where the saturation levels stayed at acceptable levels during the 6 minutes test walk (without the oxygen). admittedly, i walked so much slower than i do with the oxygen, and it may also be partly due to muscles 'processing' better, as stone-uk said. might be worth getting in touch with your pulmonary team and perhaps having a formal test (with their equipment, as it will be a bit more reliable?)

[Caspiana in reply to southcats]

Hello southcats . During my six minute walk test I am always instructed to walk as quickly as I can. 😖 I thought that was the norm. Maybe not.....

[southcats in reply to Caspiana]

the first two times i did it i asked how quickly i should be going but don't remember what they told me... the first time i did it, i walked around 400m (without oxygen) which is when the O2 dropped to a worryingly low level...

[Caspiana in reply to southcats]

I am able to walk slowly and my oxygen and heart rate stay at a good level. But pick up the pace, try to change a bed sheet, carry shopping, clean the house or walk my (very energetic) 🐕 dog and boom ⬇ it goes down. I suppose that's why the people who did the testing asked me to walk as fast as possible. 🙋