Anybody on O2 24/7

[Karenjaninaz]

I don’t think my asthma was properly diagnosed for years. I think I have an atypical type. I was exposed to noxious fumes in 2010, for only a few minutes. I was removing belongings from my late mom’s home after her bedroom floor was sealed against animal odors. The smell was so strong, it was February and the windows were closed. A week later I visited a pulmonologist and was given Advair. It worked fine for a long time. I add I have moderate restrictive lung disease from scoliosis. Several partial surgical corrections were achieved. Then I developed polymyalgia rheumatica requiring moderate doses steroids over the last 6 years. Those doses <15mgm prednisone, never mitigated my shortness of breath but weakened my muscles. Staying in from Covid made me so deconditioned over the last 3 years. Past Fall I got my usual flu shot and, over the ensuing 2 weeks, my oxygen levels dropped into the 80s. Went to hospital, placed on oxygen, and given mega steroid doses which helped. Stayed 4 days and I was placed on home oxygen. I add I am allergic to neomycin and that is in the flu shot but it never bothered me before until now. Chest CT scan showed no disease.

I await a slot for pulmonary rehab but it’s backed up. I am 80 and a retired nurse-anesthetist. Trying what I can do at home to improve my condition. Never smoked, never cough and have no phlegm.

[mark9009]

Oxygen 3.5 liter for the past 7.5 yrs.yrs.This week panic attacks and harder to do simple things. Hang in there. Everyone is different.

[Karenjaninaz in reply to mark9009]

Mark, I got tremendous help from :Pulmonarywellness.org. I actually did their home”Bootcamp”. A 6 week program of gradual increasing exercise, motivational webinars and info. It’s free. They address the panick and strategies to deal with it. Some have gotten off oxygen successfully or at least reduced the need by continuing the practices over time. This is my goal.

I am a retired nurse anesthetist and learned a lot.