Rehab Assesstment oxygen fear.

[kimmy59]

I had my Rehab Assestment this morning, the nurse said my SATS at rest are fine but I struggled after a while in the walking test, I didn't feel I did that bad but my body said otherwise.

She's wants me to consider oxygen while excerising, as she said it will enable me to do more and impove my all round health. I have to admit it frightened me even though she explained I am a long way from needing oxygen all the time.

Any feed back or advice would be great.

Kim xxxx

[Hidden]

Hi

Sorry I can't give you any advice but I can say i feel your pain/worry. I recentlyhad a walk test 9still awaiting the outcome) to see if I need oxygen when exercising. I was (and still am) worried that I will need it. When I expressed my concerns on here I got really helpful advice that sort of put my mind at rest about the need for oxygen. If you look at an earlier blog of mine you should find it. Its very scary though isn't it? it feels like a step down a road you don't want to go and and an admittance that you aren't as well as you think.

Those who use oxygen for exercising or everyday use will no doubt be able to advise you more. I just wanted to let you know youa ren't the only person with such fears

Marie x

[Puffthemagicdragon]

I have a mobile cylinder for 1/2 litre per minute.It's in case I need it at work if I'm doing some hard work. I only use it at Rehab as the exercises can be quite strenuous and was recommended by the nurse there. It's only to make sure your organs keep healthy. When I found my sats were a bit low I was actually looking forward to supplementary oxygen !

[Puffthemagicdragon]

Treat it as another pill to take because that's all it is really.

[Mocarey]

It will make such a difference, I promise you. as puffthemagicdragon said " treat it as another pill".

[Jemma]

Kimmy

I have had 02 for exercising for about 5 years although I'm coming to the stage when I feel I need it more. One Pulmonary Registrar said to me two years ago "try not to get too used to it".

One thing I would strongly recommend is Liquid Oxygen rather than the heavy tanks. I have a Helios Marathan and a smaller Helios Plus. You fill both these from a large cylinder which can live in a shed or garage. The downside is that even if you don't use it for a while the contents will evaporate - I have a metal cylinder one as well (heavy!!!).

At the start I could walk on the treadmill for twice as long using 02 but we are all different.

I guess the most important thing is that you DONT have to have it but if you do, then research the different 02 options available. I think I'm right in saying the 02 companies prefer to give the Liquid Oxygen to those who go out and about and not to those who stay in.

[johnwr]

Hello kimmy59,

Getting prescribed oxygen is a big step. Many of us have gone through the experience, and end up feeling so much better. It does mark a definite point in the progression of our deterioration and is naturally a cause for concern. As a means of helping himself to cope, and helping others, a friend of mine has a blog on all aspects of COPD. Several months ago he was prescribed oxygen for use when walking around, and he has several excellent articles about how he found it. You can find his blog by following this link:

bitz-and-bobz.co.uk/copd/

I hope this helps you.

breathe easy

Johnwr

[kimmy59]

Thanks very much for all your advice, it's made me feel better it is a shock but she did say only for exercising or if I wanted to use it going out, and the more I think it does makes sense that it helps your other organs.

Kim xxxxxxxxxxx