Supplemental O2
Hello everybody and Happy New Year
I am misunderstanding the need of supplemental oxygen. When I first started exhibiting A-Fib last year my heart rate and oxygen were so crazy, I was sure the numbers were wrong. However the Docs get that straightened out for the most part (probably will still need ablation), but here is my question.
If I measure with a pulse/ox meter my heart rate is pretty good (low 70's) and my o2 level is usually in low to mid 90's. Careful breathing techniques usually keeps it in the 90's. But I have a lot of trouble walking without my legs feeling like I just completed a 20 mile forced march. Supplemental o2 helps with walking immensely. My pcp says that extra o2 is now a reality for me. What are base levels of blood o2 that usually indicate the need for supplemental oxygen, or can breathing techniques handle the issue.
Thanks for your consideration.
Hi
. Here is an article that explains supplemental oxygen and when it can be helpful: https://copd.net/living/oxygen-levels-supplemental. The article explains it far better than I can. Here is another article about catching your breath that might interest you: https://copd.net/living/catch-your-breath. Breathing techniques won't ever take the place of supplemental oxygen, but they can help you slow your breathing and recover when you've overdone it. It's really important that you keep walking in order to help slow the progression of COPD, so I'm glad you have found that supplemental oxygen helps. Wishing you the best. - Lori (Team Member)
