I too, got off 02 for 10 years. I was diagnosed in 2000 and put on 02 24/7. I finally decided to actually do something about my situation. I was very heavy, so I went on a pretty aggressive diet and exercise program. Short story is I lost well over 100 pounds, got off 02 completely, put my c-pap in the closet, reduced my meds by about 3/4 and got a whole new wardrobe. I went back on 02 about 12 years ago because I couldn't keep my sats up while exercising. I began to use 02 to fly a couple of years later, and my 02 needs have grown gradually over the years. I use 02 for exercise and most exertion now. The weight loss is primarily responsible for my not using 02, but the exercise certainly didn't hurt.

My short answer is Yes.
I got off of it for about 8 years.

Here’s the long explanation. It was first prescribed by a Chicago doctor. (2013) I had a bad case of bronchitis. And he told me that I would reach my “Sell By” date at a certain age…in other words, he gave me 7 more years to live. Fun fact. I didn’t ask him when his date was. That was our first and last appointment. He didn’t really say sell by. He said I would die. There was no mention of COPD. It was my PCP that sent me to him. There must have been something on my x-ray that neither felt the need to tell me about.

After using O2 off and on for 2 years, and after a corporate relocation, I got my new Atlanta doctor’s authorization to have the equipment picked up. He ordered a home O2 test that had a good number. He was pleased and surprised. I was free. Almost. I tested Positive for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency and began weekly at-home infusions to try to halt what I then understood to be COPD. (2015) I didn’t need oxygen during that time.

Later (2018), I had a surprise VATS bullectomy and pleurectomy on my right lung because of a spontaneous pneumothorax (collapse caused by a giant bullae, a/k/a bleb)…survived that and was sent home wearing oxygen “for a little while” which was an understatement but I did manage to stop needing it. Once again, no O2. Side note - they lost me for a short time during that surgery.
“You scared us.”
“You scared me, too.”

But, after a (2020) lung resection to remove a cancerous nodule from my upper left lung, I left the hospital using O2 again and forever. The second surgery did me in. I’m missing a lot of lung tissue.
So, YES. I’ve been off of it more than once.
————
Note to @A MyCOPDTeam Member
Your answer - What I read right off the bat was that oxygen doesn’t help us breathe better. Well now, that’s confusing and downright depressing….and not accurate, Rolland. So…Huh?! Semantics, I guess….or maybe my brain is so oxygen deprived that I’m easily confused? Rhetorical question. 😊

Strength to All,
KLH

Mentioned Users

A MyCOPDT...

Oxygen therapy is a medical prescription. When you understand that using Oxygen tanks does not help us breathe better but compensates for all the body functions that also begin to lack when we aren't exchanging the old CO2 very well, then your question will have new focus.

As much as we want to resume more activities and "keep up with the Joneses" our pace will be different now. Hopefully you can build up a level of endurance to hang out longer but the truth is without taking regular saturation readings one never knows how close you are to being hypoxic or below safe levels. Some have more people supports at home and away from home than others.

This is a conversation to have with your Doc in context with any other medical conditions you have which could change the simple balance of just breathing deeply. Your medical records alone and insurance company may require you keep Oxygen equipment once you have qualified for it. Whether you use it or not is up to you.

I've been on oxygen for 5yrs now.. It is part of my daily life..