Assessment for ambulatory oxygen

[periwinkle62]

Hello everyone. I live in NW UK and have lung disease caused by an auto immune condition. My resting sats average 94-96 but they dropped to 81 on the 6 minute walk test, so I have now been booked for a formal assessment. Anyone know the criteria? I would just like to be able to walk the dog or mow the lawn without worrying about my sats (or my heart racing like an express train!). Assuming I'm eligible, will I be given small cylinders and a backpack? Would a walkers backpack do? I live in a rural area and can't see me trundling a trolley across the fields! No idea yet of how many litres I might need but I'm hoping for something that would last about one and a half hours? I'm still waiting for results of overnight oximetry so I would need a different set up for night if needed. Thanks

[jmsutt73]

All good wishes for your oxygen assessment. Agreed on pulling a trolley across field terrain. Not a good or convenient event. I have the lightest poc, and it still gets heavy. Have been thinking about going to small tanks in a back pack. Post updates, please. J

[AngieB72]

I have small cylinders as well as a lightweight POC. My supplier also supplied a ‘holder’ for the cylinders which can be worn like a rucksack. The oxygen is there to protect your other organs you will probably still get breathless and have to rest, I do.

[skischool]

bnf.nice.org.uk/treatment-s...

Hi here is some stuff that explains the medical criteria for requiring ambulatory oxygen,should you require it then please come back to us and we can help you with practical advise as to how to use it.

Welcome to the site anyway.

Best wishes Ski's and Scruffy cat

[BreatheasyBe]

Hi I received ambulatory oxygen in October 19 and have found things more comfortable -enough to actually want to use the oxygen. At first I was using pulsed mode- but now use it at constant as that’s easier for me while exercising. Yes as Angie says you will still get breathless I do but it’s more comfortable. At first I thought gosh any extra help the oxygen gives me will be used up carrying it about as it is quite heavy. I use a ruck sack - family nick name ‘Dora the explorer’ if I use the shoulder strap I end up with a strain on the back. With the rucksack I almost forget I’m wearing it. Let us know how you get on x

[Oldspark]

Hi periwinkle

I have advanced IPF I was taken into hospital when I had a chest infection on top of my breathing problem, my saturation level had dropped to 56% a bit dangerous I was told.

I was let out when a concentrator and ambulatory oxygen was in place at home, I have 4 small cylinders size ZA and 4 Medium size DD, I have a carry pouch for each, but find my old swimming gear rucksack better for carrying them around.

If your saturation levels drop below I think 87% then you need oxygen on setting 2 litres for rest and 4 litres for exertion. But even when walking stop and rest, carry an oximeter with you, but your body will tell you before you need to take a reading.

Unfortunately, my condition is a rapid deterioration, of my lungs and have been given months not years, but I cannot go yet as I have to finish my model railway layout first, lol and my wife has other small jobs she wants doing. just kidding, I am sure you will be fine and keep positive as I do as months in my eyes could be 120 months.

Regards and stay well, I do not have a dog to take for a walk but I do have a tortoise, but he walks quicker than me

Ernie

73 non smoker, EX scuba diver, motocrosser, motorcyclist, and former electrician.

[Brikel]

Hi Periwinkle I have just landed on your post after a search about Ambulatory Oxygen. Although a year later.I have been prescribed it starting Thursday 8 July. so I’m trying to get some further information.

Did you get it prescribed?

How have you found it?

I’m hoping it will enable me to get out and about again

Thanks in advance

Brian