If you've been prescribed O2 for exertion, that generally means anytime you're up and moving. Your best friend in that situation is your oximeter. You can get cheap ones at Walmart and Walgreens and better ones on Amazon,. I personally like the Nonin Go2 Achieve. They are medically calibrated and very reliable and accurate. You need to keep your saturation levels above 88 or 90, preferably well above 90. Less than 88 and you're asking for right heart and brain damage. I see a lot of people with COPD, and I'm always really upset about the number who have lost cognitive function because of low O2 sats. People who talk about being "fuzzy" in their thinking have probably had some brain damage because of low O2 sats.

I use O2 most of the time, and go everywhere. I travel by air and car, and do pretty much everything most people do. Most of the time no one even looks at me funny when I show up with O2. They're way too concerned about their own problems to worry about me!

I don't know if you have any portable O2 cylinders - if you do just use them there's no way I could do it without it...Or start in your home with your oxygen on... There's exercises on youtube for COPD .. You'll be surprised at how much better you'll be...! See you around Debbie...!

I joined a gym ... Just started back after the holidays ... I do the 30 minute circuit which is a variety of machines (weights, bike, stair stepper etc) which you go around twice. Then I spend extra time on the bike. I'm on O2 so I just bring my portable with me. It's making a big difference for me ... I'm not so short of breath ... I can walk farther and breathe much better... Before I joined I did a free day just to make sure it would work for me... Only $19 month...

Thanks Jean for the input - much appreciated. i use my oximeter constantly. Am trying to come to grips with using 02 when I am out. I will get there. I like to breathe, live, and have my wits about me and seems that may be the only way I can achieve this. Have a good day!!!

I feel pretty good without it when I am at work - very sedentary, and ashamed that I have gotten myself here. I no longer smoke. I am not told 24/7 but yes on exertion I am to have it on. I visit respiratory specialist without and he says nothing to indicate that I should be on it. I don't take it shopping but make sure I have a cart to support me. I am not clear on all I should be doing but am afraid what the answer might be if I delve into it too far. Thanks for responding to me. Not the best patient in the world for sure.