Are you on 02 now? Do you know that your 02 sats go down when you get so breathless? Do you have an oximeter? If not, you need to get one. You also need to ask your pulmonologist for a test to see if you need 02 for exertion. You may not need 02 24/7. It's possible that you need it for exertion. The people who tell you to exercise are absolutely right. Exercise makes your heart and lungs get more efficient, which means they can do more with less 02. People who are in good physical condition have far more stamina and endurance than those who are weak and flabby. As the previous poster said, she goes to the gym three times a week with her 02 and uses that to get even stronger and in better condition. You could do that too. Right now, you probably shouldn't exercise without 02, but if you had it, you could use it to exercise hard and become stronger. Your choice.......

Never let your oxygen levels get below 90, it's very dangerous. Our organs and brain need the oxygen and will start shutting down if they aren't being fed oxygen. It sounds like you might need to at least have a portable for walking around the store.

It is very hard on your heart if you need oxygen and don't use it also. It isn't an end game if you are on oxygen, lots of people have lived a long time on oxygen...

@A MyCOPDTeam Member - please be aware that lack of oxygen saturation also clouds your judgement and thinking.

There are PLENTY of urgent care options in FL for you to be seen by a pulmonologist or respiratory specialist. Waiting 4+ months for answers while you continue to risk your health is foolish.

If you have enough money to vacation in FL for the Winter, you can certainly find a way to scrape up the $200 to $500 urgent care visit fee to get some answers now.

Dithering over the cost, or fear of the answer, just adds to you anxiety unnecessarily, and FL is very used to treating tourists from all over the world who need medical care while they are on vacation.

Please ensure you are not doing unnecessary damage to your brain or other organs over fear of the answer and make an appointment now to be seen in the US vs waiting to get back to Canada.

You may find that the answer is something simple - that FL is too moist for your breathing needs - and that adding a portable dehumidifier to your residence makes a huge improvement.

You may also find that vacationing for the Winter in Arizona or some place less humid also helps you to feel better. Not all ox saturation loss issues are from the same cause, so getting proper information and answers are key to helping you feel better and stabilize your breathing issues.

Good luck.

Sunday, 29-JAN-23

Mentioned Users

A MyCOPDT...

If you can only take a few steps and then need to stop and recoup your breathing I think it’s time for oxygen didn’t your pulmonologist test your breathing