Oxygen
I am on oxygen at night and have been for about 5 years. I sleep fine without it but the doctor said this is a way to insure my organs are getting enough oxygen and will last longer. I never go without my oxygen at night. BUT ... there are some people who say I should be on oxygen all the time. I don't think so. When I am sitting at my desk or watching TV without oxygen, my oxygen level stays way above 90, usually about 96. The only time my oxygen drops is when I am walking!
I have portable oxygen I can use while walking but way should I use it while I am sitting?
Although I do not use O2 currently, it is only a matter of time. My pulmonary team and family MD still can't figure out why I am not, based on the test results for lung function and the MRI results. I don't ask why, I just give thanks for it. That being said, do what your physicians prescribe and feel satisfied that you are moving in the right direction with this. My O2 runs between 97-94 while setting, and drops to 92 or so as I begin to move around. But, it stabilizes after a while, so just expect some things to happen as a result of your actions. Your body knows what it needs, it's been fending for itself without our help for quite a while now. Follow your doctor's orders, if you have faith in them to continue to keep you on the up and up. Best wishes.
Ultimately, that's a question best asked of your doctor who knows you best. Generally, people start using oxygen gradually, using it for longer periods and/or at higher flows when they feel like they are no longer comfortable with the current routine. So don't feel pressured to use oxygen more or less just because other people say you should.
Your doctor might want to do a 6-minute walking test to see how your numbers are in that situation. That would give a better idea of how your lungs are doing and what support you need. And of course, you can typically continue to take it off at rest if you're feeling OK and your doctor supports it. Hope that helps! -Melissa, team member
