My PCP ordered me a SPO2 monitor for a weekend to see how low my o2 levels were while sleeping... they dipped below 88% a couple of times during the night. I didn't need a CPAP machine, but he suggested I start using oxygen therapy when short of breath (SOB). I was hesitant but got the oxygen systems in my home to have available.
Well, it wasn't long before I made a great discovery... oxygen good, SOB bad!
COPD is progressive... I was first diagnosed in 2012. Walked almost every day 2-3 miles for several years after... now I can only make it for about 20 minutes at a slow pace, without oxygen... or longer carrying my portable oxygen concentrator, or c size tank.
The hard part is accepting the transitions... Pulmonary and Physical Therapy help if you can get it... 🙂

I've been on oxygen since the year 2000. I have 3 portables and 2 concentrators for 2 different homes one in Illinois and one in Florida to get out of the cold for a few months. Two of the portables I personally purchased and finally have one from Medicare, The 2 concentrators are also from Medicare. When I travel anyplace other than home oxygen supplier makes arrangements to deliver concentrator to my location. I am on #3 setting and I get out of breath whenever walking or exerting myself. I'm 82 now still have a business and still drive. I have discovered that I just can't walk and carry my portable oxygen as it takes my breath away so several years ago I bought a 3 wheel walker and hang my portable oxygen bag over the handle bar or I can put it in a basket that comes with the walker but it's easier for me to put over the handle of the walker which takes less breath to do. I found the bag on line just by googling "holders or bags for portable oxygen" or "totes to hold portable oxygen". I only have 44% lung capacity but manage ok and keep up my 2 houses and fortunately can work mostly from home with having excellent employees. I used to end up in hospital 2 or 3 times a year but I've learned to always have antibiotics and prednisone on hand and lung doctors have been cooperative about my always having a supply and this past year was the first time ever didn't have a hospital stay or have to visit a care center. I feel this is another key to successfully living with COPD and oxygen. I hope you can convince yourself it's better to be alive with limitations instead of the alternative.. It's definitely worth the struggle and worth the fight.

You could get additional batteries, but then you have to carry them. You might look at wheeled containers for the equipment. I suggest a four wheel computer case or something similar rather than something you have to drag behind you; I find them easier to manage. The case often acts as a crowd parter if you're someplace with lots of people.

I've been on oxygen for about 5 years now. Best advice I can give anyone is to keep moving! It will keep you from getting worst. I really don't find myself getting short of breath, but I found myself getting exhausted. So if your going to be doing something more active than normal up your litter a bit, normal I use 2 litter's a day if I'm being more active I'll up it to 3 (keep in mind if your on a portable keep an eye on your time. The biggest problem I have with oxygen is traveling. I'd be happy just to be able to take a bus to see a show but I've called a tour group and was told they have no access for me to charge my unit, any suggestions?

Good for you Nancy! It's important for us to do whatever it takes to to keep us going.