If your O2 saturation levels as measured by an oximeter are below 88 either at rest or with exertion, you qualify for supplementary O2. Sounds like your are under 88 most of the time, except when you're just sitting. So you need supplementary O2 for just about everything except just sitting. Your capacity numbers have nothing to do with needing O2.

If you haven't shared the oximtery numbers you shared with us with your doc, then you need to do so right now. You also need to ask for a six minute walk test to see if you qualify for supplementary O2. Unless you walk at less than a snail's pace, you're probably going to qualify in no time. If your doc won't do the test or doesn't know how to do the test to meet insurance and Medicare requirements, get yourself a pulmonologist who does understand oximetry and what you're telling him.

You need to take the initiative and ask for what you need.

Jean is absolutely correct!

@A MyCOPDTeam Member, I am sorry to hear that you're short of breath most of the time. That is very aggravating. Please know that lung capacity (you're 35%, and I'm 26%) and oxygen saturation (you're 88%, and I'm usually about 96%) are two different measurements that work together to support your daily comfort.

While my lung capacity is about 9% less than yours, my oxygen saturation rate is much higher, and that's the number that really counts.

You may want to ask your pulmonlogyst or respiratory therapist in Canada for "pulmonary rehabilitation" to see if they can suggest anything in the way of gentle exercises (even chair exercises via youtube videos) that will help improve your oxygen saturation rates.

In my case, despite the exhaustion that goes along with this disease, I'm trying my best to keep moving each day through swimming and walking. I cannot get out and do what I want daily (it's important to know your triggers - mine are cold and damp), but any time I can get my butt in gear it helps to keep me feeling better.

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A MyCOPDT...

@A MyCOPDTeam Member
Been asking for years. Can you suggest a Dr that may actually help me? PS I am in Canada

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A MyCOPDT...

Yes, get a new doctor! Go online and do some research on them too!