Hello gang, I have COPD (30% lung capacity) and have been reading/posting on this site for some time now. Each day is a new challenge. What used to be simple, is now a seriously planned military operation. Shopping, bathing, household chores, etc. get broken down into small movements. Sound familiar? Even short 3 to 5 step activities have me leaning on a counter or wall as I catch my breath. My Dr. tells me that my O2 level is too high for him to recommend Oxygen therapy. My question is if my O2 level is in the 90s (with activity), then why am I still out of breath? I'm sure that it's not an airway restriction issue or a mucus issue, as I have a handle on those symptoms. I just can't grasp how O2 would not add to my quality of life. I know that exhaling CO2 is a priority and I do the in 2 and out 3 to 4 breathing method. It does help relieve the breathlessness quicker, but I can't help but feel that O2 would help me when I am active. I just can't resolve what I'm told, with how I feel. I've yet to hear/read an explanation for COPD's shortness of breath that satisfies me. Treatments do deal with airway restriction and mucus issues, but they do not treat shortness of breath. I understand that O2 therapy enters a patient into new medical issue areas, but used carefully would it not serve to do more good for more desperate people. I welcome a discussion on this issue and hopefully I'll finally get a better explanation that makes sense for me. All my best
HI, I am no expert except for having COPD, but do you think its possible you might have another illness that impacts on your COPD? Just a thought... Hope you do find the answer soon.
I am now at 22% although when resting my oxygen saturation is between 95 / 97%. My specialist prescribed supplementary oxygen as helping me when breathless and also overnight. I have found it a great help. I have researched any downside in the use of supplementary oxygen and can find no credible reason not to use it. The only reason i can see is to save govenment/health authorities/insurance companies money.
I am now at 22% although when resting my oxygen saturation is between 95 / 97%. My specialist prescribed supplementary oxygen as helping me when breathless and also overnight. I have found it a great help. I have researched any downside in the use of supplementary oxygen and can find no credible reason not to use it. The only reason i can see is to save govenment/health authorities/insurance companies money.
There are no bad post, just those that are afraid to post.
I have see my Dr. recently nd will see him again in September. I do have heart palpitations, and we have discussed it.
What I'm looking for is a more clear explanation of why my O2 Saturation is in the low 90s (considered good), yet I'll just be sucking for oxygen (with activity). It does not compute that I'm getting enough O2.
Double Thanks (LOL)
Your post tends to justify my reasoning. Still I'd like to hear/read a more clear explanation of COPD and shortness of breath.
I am still considering the possibility of getting an O2 generator and my Dr. has said that he will wright me the prescription, but will not / can not help to get the Insurance to pay for it. I may be able to get a used and refurbished unit that is more affordable.
Hi oxygen isn't given to help you breathe better though that can be a side effect but to protect your other organs. If your oxygen level is high enough putting you on oxygen will be counter productive.
It sounds much more likely that you have a carbon dioxide problem instead. That means you retain this and it gets trapped in the lower part of your lungs and this causes breathlessness. I would go back to your doctor/consultant and ask for advice on dealing with this. I do know breathing exercises can help so look online for ones related to copd. x
Thanks hypercat The question is this, if my oxygen saturation level is good (even when I'm active), then why am I short of breath (in need of oxygen) at all. I know and do the breathing exercises to expel that CO2 that is in the bottom of my lungs. The breathing technique of breathing in 2 seconds and then out for 3 to 4 seconds to empty out the CO2.
I'm still looking for a clearer explanation for just why people with COPD experience shortness of breath. Why is it that one can have a good O2 level and be short of breath at the same time. It does not somehow fit for me.
All my best
I was just at my pulmonologist yesterday and I talked to him about this very exact thing. Actually it was the nurse that told me that she has seen oxygen saturation levels of 95 and 96 with people who had fluid on their lungs . the doctor explained that it only measures the oxygen at the surface of the skin not in deep . I'm not really explaining it as well as he did but it made me feel more validated that I'm running a 94-95 and feeling like I'm gasping for breath. personally I have put away my oxygen because I cannot stand to wear it any longer. I do still have it at the house and I'm waiting to see if I have to use it again in the next 3 months. If not I plan on returning it. as for you and oxygen have you had a sleep study done? it might be worth having one done if you have not. Your oxygen saturation maybe so low when you sleep that it is affecting your awake time. this is not the same thing as sleep apnea. it could be that too but in my case my oxygen dropped significantly when I was asleep. if you don't want to do a sleep study then at least try wearing a special oximeter at night that will watch your oxygen level while you sleep. this alone could answer some questions for you and your doctor.
Ditto what both Hypercat and Amkoffee said -- newest version here won't let me click the thumbs up button.
Do you get any exercise, Larry? The pool has been wonderful for helping me regain strength & stamina. where i live if i can pay i can access an indoor pool with in-water treadmill. can't do one on land but i can start at a low speed for 5-10 minutes & build up. They also have all sorts of equipment. i force myself to extend my breathing, especially in the hardest ab exercises.
See if you can inhale for a slow 2, hold 2, exhale 3-5. Try for that for up to 10 times, 3 times daily. on the exhale, force yourself to hold at least half a beat before inhaling. After a week or 2, try extending to 3-3 -&4-6 exhale. If you are able, keep extending that.
sorry but i've got no science to add
Hi Larry I am also very short of breath but after many tests they found that a ventricle in my heart is only pumping at 25%...so i get very tired with any exertion. Also i retain C02 bc I'm a shallow breather and also I tend to breath more from my mouth and it falls open. I have very poor circulation all the time bc of lack of oxygen in my body. I just saying, yours could be secondary to your heart or another issue. God Bless You ladyjack51
Hi, This is exactly what I had initially suspected when I read Larry's message, that something else was going on, for his oxygen levels to feel so depleted, while actually being fairly good. Often, if the heart becomes involved, it does affect the breathlessness, as it was pointed out to me during my last admission to hospital. Sometimes, doctors don't have time to consider what else could be going on inside a person when they have such limited time during an appointment. In my case, another condition caused the problem to begin with in my heart, and was quite difficult to find. Fortunately, the doctor was convinced he knew this to be the reason, and that is why he kept searching. It is worthwhile asking to have more tests, of a different nature to those already done and found to be ok. You put it down in your message with a very good description, while all I could suggest was there could be another problem that is happening to coincide with the COPD. Well said to You!
Hi Larry I am also very short of breath but after many tests they found that a ventricle in my heart is only pumping at 25%...so i get very tired with any exertion. Also i retain C02 bc I'm a shallow breather and also I tend to breath more from my mouth and it falls open. I have very poor circulation all the time bc of lack of oxygen in my body. I just saying, yours could be secondary to your heart or another issue. God Bless You ladyjack51
Thank you Georgy0...what you said was fine. I just broke it down alittle more for him. One time I replied similarly to this to someone and Lord have mercy..lolol..this guy jumped all over me saying how dare I scare this person like that etc, etc, etc. I didnt have to say a word back bc other people shut him up. I dont intend to scare anyone but dont come on here and ask questions if you are too scared to hear what people might say. I hope Larry realizes what we mean. Thanks again Georgy0
I remember that incident. I am one of the many that came to your defense. I'm glad it didn't stop you from responding to other questions. Have a great day!
Hello Larry, I wouldn't presume to offer any sort of medical advice or comment but I'm wondering if you should perhaps pursue this with your doctor/consultant a little more. I don't know what my lung capacity is but my SAT's are generally quite a bit lower than yours, usually around 86/87 on a good day and I was prescribed ambulatory oxygen some years ago following lung reduction. Afterwards I attended a six week rehabilitation course (effectively exercise classes) and it was early on that one of the nurses saw I was struggling for breath sometimes and ordered oxygen for me. I've been using it ever since, mainly exercising or gardening but occasionally during this period of a high pollen count I sometimes have to use it when I play bowls. Perhaps another word.......................!
Thanks to all for your most interesting comments.
As for my heart, it has always beat faster with activity. Also my Dr. and I have discussed this point. As for exercise, I get all that I can handle with just doing the daily chores. I'm breathless with the 5 step trip from the Kitchen to the couch. Also, I know and do the breathing exercises.
My original question remains. Apart from the bronkitis and the associated mucus problems, why does emphysema make us struggle to breath? Why is it that one can show an O2 level of 90 or better (that says there enough O2), while at the same time that same person is sucking wind to supply themselves with enough O2? It is a contradiction in logic.
I'm not saying to put all COPD patients on O2 therapy, but could not the careful and prudent use of O2 help relieve many people of their daily suffering. I fully understand the danger of tipping the scale in the wrong direction also. That is why training and use protocols would need to be tailored for each patient. I think that it is known that O2 would indeed help many, but the Insurance/Service Providers are unwilling to pay for it. They set up conditions that only the near dead can qualify for and withhold paying beyond their set levels.
What is emphysema? What is it doing to our breathing? Is it the reason that many COPD patients are always out of breath? Can Oxygen Therapy help ease emphysema symptoms?
All my best
Like I said they don't give oxygen to help you breathe but only to protect your other organs. If you trap carbon dioxide and use oxygen this can actually make you more ill. You will not breath better if you use oxygen like this. All this means is that more carbon dioxide will be trapped thus worsening your health.
You are so breathless coz your copd is severe and verging on very severe. Have you been to PR (pulmunonary Rehabilitation). There you will learn a lot more about your illness and can ask questions. There will be exercises you can do to help. And they do help.
The answer as well as deal with the carbon monoxide is to exercise even though this is very hard. I know someone with a lung function of 22% who is very fit and works very hard to keep fit. He works full time and can manage more than I can even though I am a lot higher.
I am on a site called British Lung Foundation and all nationalities are welcome. There are some very knowledgeable people on there so why not join that site as well? x
Pulmonary Rehabilitation in America is possible, but it assumes that first the Gov't or Insurance will pay for it. Second one would need a reliable form of transportation to get there and back. Third ... As I've already posted, I get a plenty of exercise every day as I live alone and I must attend to my every need by myself. I'm also familiar and do some of the more simple exercises regularly. All fine Ideas, but not always as practical as we would like it to be. Next, I understand about exhaling out the CO2 from the lungs, but that does not explain why I and others are gasping for O2 with even just lite activity. Why if there is an O2 saturation level of 90 or better with enen lite activity are many of us sucking for oxygen then?
*The BLF, (British Lung Foundation) covers loads of information, video's, suggestions, PLUS they will answer Personal Questions, which you can ask via phone or EMAIL. There are resources you can follow through their Links, and the information is Genuine, not people guessing. I live in the UK which makes it a bit easier to find this site, but if you try to find it, I am sure they will give you all of the information you wish to know.*
Hope this will help you.