Need for oxygen
I'm a 70 year old man with copd. I have severe copd which I understand is one step before end stage copd. My oxygen levels don't fall below 93 and with breathing exercise I can raise it to 96. I've considered purchasing a portable oxygen machine so I have it if I need it. Plus they are not cheap and they seem to keep creeping up in price. My question is a two part, at what level did you need to supplement your oxygen and which portable machine seems to be the easiest to take with you . Thanks in advance. 
Hi again,
- thanks for this post, your question and the picture - it's always nice to be able to associate a face with a name. (cute dog, too!)
While I am hopeful others in the community will see your question and respond by sharing their own personal experiences using supplemental oxygen, I have something to contribute now!
You may be aware that the need for supplemental oxygen, generally speaking, is assessed by one's physician. Not everyone with a COPD diagnosis requires oxygen therapy.
Have you had an opportunity to discuss your concerns with your physician? Although it is possible to secure one's own oxygen delivery device in the commercial market place, I would suggest you not do this until and unless your physician advises you to do so. Oxygen is considered to be a 'drug' (and is classified as such in the USP, the United States Pharmacopeia. Oxygen is not without its own set of side effects and can be dangerous (for a patient), if not used as prescribed and properly
What do you think?
Leon L (author/moderator)Hi! Just went through getting O2 and then a portable a few months back. As stated it took me a prescription from my Pulmonary doctor to get O2, prescription was written to include not only a home unit, refill tanks and a portable.
After seeing the doctor and he/she agrees that O2 therapy is something that could benefit you, then the "fun" begins. Actually you could do a little checking before hand just to get an idea of what you might need to do or pay for. What I did once I found out a I needed O2, was called my insurance company and got a list of the O2 supply companies on my Health Insurance, then I called each one, asked questions like; "Do you carry portable O2 machines? How many portable tanks can I have / use in my home at one time? Do you have a self filling compressor? Do you carry large tanks that would last a couple days incase my electric goes out? etc... Now as for your insurance, do they rent the equipment for you or do they purchase it? You won't believe how different each of these supply companies can be. Once you gather this information, it should help with making the choice of whom to use that best fits your needs.
Hope this helps a littleHi again, Doris - thanks so much for chiming in here and sharing, in a straightforward manner, what oxygen therapy has been all about for you.
This is so much a large part of what we are all about, here in our COPD.net community, the sharing of our own experiences managing this disease!
I am hopefulhas an opportunity to read what you and I have shared with him.
Warm regards,
Leon L (author/moderator)
Hi Keith, it has to be said, what a lovely little pug you have there.X
Hi Keith, what a great photo! Hoping you get the answers to your questions, Happy New Year!
