Pulmonary rehab
Get off oxygen
Can I get off supplemental oxygen with COPD
That's a good question
. In some cases, you can. For instance, if you were just on oxygen because of pneumonia or something like that. I have heard of some doing pulmonary rehab and being able to. I think Leon or , or @Leon would be able to answer that better for you. 
Great question. Jackie is correct that you can get off oxygen in some instances. For instance, if the underlying reason you required oxygen (such as pneumonia) goes away, you may be able to get off of it. It also depends on other factors, such as your disease severity. Sometimes I send people home on oxygen and (as they continue to improve) come off oxygen after a few weeks or months. Although, others may require oxygen on a more long-term basis. How long have you been on oxygen? Has your doctor rechecked your oxygen level to see if you still qualify? Just curious. John. community moderator.
I am not currently on ongoing O2, although I was on it after being hospitalized with a lung infection a few years ago, and I do take and often use my concentrator when flying. I could probably walk much further if I used my concentrator. I am aware of folks who have gotten off O2 with Pulmonary Rehab (and continuing with exercise), and/or with a good amount of weight loss (only if overweight, BTW 😀. This has inspired me to increase my exercise, and to keep on my weight loss plan.
good for you, for increasing your exercise and continuing on your weight loss plan. They can make a big difference and can affect your need for oxygen.
Do you monitor your oxygen when you are walking, to see if it drops with exercise? Do discuss this with your doctor when you see him/her.
Keep up the good work of exercise and weight loss.
Let us know how you are doing!
Janet (moderator/COPD.net)
Hi- Thanks for your reply. Yes, I do monitor my O2, and that's why I said I could probably go further if I was walking with O2. 😀 Right now, I just stop when I feel a bit winded, check my O2 (My oximeter isn't really accurate if I'm moving around). I am getting better and better at time and distance. My plan is to see how well I can do with said weight loss and exercise. Not concerned, because if my O2 levels drop a little below 90 when walking, they go right back up within less than a minute of stopping. I've not had a serious drop, because I monitor how I am feeling, then check.
That brings up a question I've had. Do you, or anyone else know what makes it more difficult for some of us to walk than to do other forms of exercise? I can very easily do upper body, core, and weight training, with no drop in my O2 levels. In fact O2 levels often increase, as I do breathing exercises with some. My legs used to be the strongest part of me. They are currently not. Thanks again for your reply. KathleenThank you for your reply. Yes, it does make sense. I also think my continued weight loss will make walking easier 😉 
I just want to say that it sounds like you've got a great system going! Self-awareness is such an important part of maintaining good health, especially while exercising. Taking those breaks to check your oxygen and acting before you get into trouble is an excellent practice. You seem really committed to bettering yourself, are starting to see positive results, and I'm proud of you for that! Keep up the good work!! -Melissa, copd team
Hi Kathleen, it seems my reply didn’t stick. The others gave some very good info.
Do you walk and/or exercise indoors or out?
For me it is better indoors, with a controlled environment. Set temperature with a/c and heat, depending on the season. Dehumidifier pulls humidity out of the air as well. Fans help move the air, year round.
When I’m outdoors, I struggle with weather and the elements: Humidity, temperatures, barometric pressure, wind, pollen and molds. We live in a river town.
I used to love walking outdoors. When the air and environment are more regulated, breathing are easier as is my ability to exercise.
Using my inhaler before starting any exercise, helps and a bottle of water if I need to sip helps too. I have dry mouth, etc. This affects me too.
I do breathing exercises and then stretch before exercising.
These things help me. I hope that you find something that helps. Please let us know how your O2 reading are. Next appointment, compare your oximeter to the reading you get at your doctor appt, etc.
Good for you for weight loss!
Janet (COPD.net/moderator)Kathleen, my 2 oximeters read 3 numbers off. I took with me to the doctor and my old one was off. I need to check it with new batteries and if it doesn’t work, I will replace if necessary.
My oxygen can go up or down depending on my exercise, or how I’m feeling, etc. I listen to my body. That tells me how I really feel. And the oximeter readings as well. Before inhaler and after inhaler. Or do you neb? Before exercise and after. Write your findings down and take to your next appt.
Janet
