Eileenwinky, not true that you can't get off O2. Many people are prescribed O2 after a hospitalization for a bad exacerbation, and then get off it when they've fully recovered. In 2003, I got off O2 using a diet and exercise program and was completely off it for 8 years. I voluntarily started using it for exercise when I couldn't maintain my saturation levels at exercise and sleep and not I use it for exercise, sleep and flying. As for being dependent on it, we're BORN being O2 dependent. You can't live without it, whether you have lung disease or not. We just don't get enough because our lungs don't work that well anymore, so we need a boost. We can't get any more dependent on it than we already are! Besides, it's the only med we have that actually prolongs the life of the user.......

Thats not correct! Every patient is different. My transplant team told me about a year before my transplant when I was on oxygen 24 hours to use it all the time and my settings were between 5 and 6. I don't here many of you speaking of using an oximeter to put on your finger and read your oxygen saturation in your blood. everyone should have one and use it they are only $30.00 and very helpful and necessary.

I am having a difficult time understanding why people think they can't get off oxygen once they start using it. If you don't need it don't use it...it's really simple. Otherwise if you get winded or you don't expel enough carbon dioxide then sleep with it only...I am beginning to wonder just what these so called professional doctors are telling or not telling patients. It only make common sense to me that if you need it you use it, if you don't need it put it in the corner. There will probably be episodes where you will need to pull it out...I don't keep one next to the bed. It's in the corner if I need it. I am just simply frustrated with how these Pulmonologist are handling their patients. Patients shouldn't set up the standard of using it...it should be prescribed and specifically prescribed...don't tstart changing things until the doctor does his tests and tells you to do so....Sorry for the blast out...Just doesn't sound correct to me..

If you have an oximeter, use it and call your doc with the readings you get at rest, up and moving to the bathroom, or up and actually doing something like cooking or preparing a meal, especially if the readings are less than 88% for any of those activities. Then you need to actually go to the doc and do the six minute walk. You also need to be sure that you work out an action plan with your doc so you know when to seek help. It sounds like you're trying to get over these things on your own, and that's a pretty good invitation to a hospital bed. If you haven't seen your doc, get in right away.

I totally agree. with @A MyCOPDTeam Member you need to get help...do not hesitate on picking up that phone....Call now, this is not something that you can mess with.