Can starting oxygen therapy make you feel worse?
Hello, my mom has been living with COPD for at least 10 years, but only this week she had to go on oxygen. I’m having a hard time keeping my anxiety down, because I noticed that she had a “bad COPD day” today. Before starting the oxygen therapy she didn’t have this problem. I feel that the oxygen is helping so much that when she takes it off her system is actually weaker and not able to handle the lower O2
Level. Was it better to be “even-keeled” with low oxygen than now with this rollercoaster of good vs bad “COPD days?”
G'morning J0Brock1 and thanks for this post. You may be aware we cannot provide medical advice or diagnostics over the internet (for your own safety), but your concern certainly warrants a reply.
In the most general of terms, if mom has been prescribed oxygen throughout the day, she may have the difficulties you've mentioned when she takes the oxygen off. As well, for some patients with COPD (with or without oxygen), they may have their 'bad' days and their 'good' days. Since COPD affects everyone differently, it's difficult to say exactly what is causing the change in mom's days now. It may also be the progression of the COPD condition. You may want to consider speaking about this further with mom's prescribing physician. Please do keep in touch and let us know how mom (and you!) are doing. You are always welcome here! Warmly, Leon (site moderator)
