Higginsp, I think you need to address this with your doctor. Each of us exert ourselves in so many ways as part of our day to day living, that your O2 could be below 90 on a regular basis, and you not know it. Clearly when you put out extra effort your oxygen drops, I don't know if using the inhaler just prior to exertion is the answer or not. Again something to address with your doc. Please take care, Bill

I'm not on Oxygen either. Recently I received a sample of Ventolin HFA - I had another type of rescue inhaler before, don't remember its name). I was under the impression "rescue" was for when your close to being "down and out". The instructions for Ventolin state that 1/2 hour before you tackle some experience which is draining, take one puff of the inhaler. If it's an activity that requires a lot more exertion - take 2 puffs 1/2 hr. before. I notice an improved difference. (My previous rescue inhaler did not contain instructions such as these so I was only using it once/twice per month.) I use the Ventolin probably 3X/ week - 1/2 hour before I do something which my experience tells me will be strenuous.

Hope this helps...

I'm with Bill.....talk to your doctor about it..................keep track of your o2 levels while you do different things......write it down......show to doc:) It will help both you and doc to see whats going on.

I have the same problem when changing sheets (and some other things)...................funny thing is taking a shower drops my o2 and raises my pulse almost every time.............but I do have oxygen here.......where it every night and sometimes during the day..........

Yep. What they said. Doc is in order...

Hugs,
Dennis

I agree, it is something your doctor needs to know about. Please do not use your inhaler just to give you extra air, as this could over medicate you. Most copd'ers oxygen sats drop with exertion, making beds, taking a shower, exercise, walking from one room to another, ect.
So in this instance "IF" you need oxygen, and how much is a decision a professional needs to make.
Brenda

Hi Higginsp
I experience the same thing as you are going thro,even to walking .
It scares me as I can hardley breath.Iam on 02 at night only.I have such a time trying to breath that I shake all over. I have to calm myself down and than i can breath again. I told my DR but he said you have very sereve copd and that is the reason , but he does nothing about it
which worries me.it is only when I try to be active,that it does that.
Iam praying for you.

Tell the Dr
God bless

Yep, time to talk to the Doc.

Sounds like it may be time to evaluate your need for supplemental oxygen. I suggest you see your doctor.

You didn't mention your O2 sat dropping when you exercise. If you are not exercising daily, you really should start.

I use supplemental oxygen at night, for exercise and housework (mopping and vacuuming). I also use it when I bring in groceries.

I really like supplemental O2. I feel more rested when I wake up in the morning and I can exercise more effectively by reaching my target heart rate while keeping my O2 saturation up.

Susan

Gable -
"Very severe" COPD usually requires O2 on a 24/7 basis, not just at night. Having O2 sats that are continually falling below 88% will eventually cause permanent damage to your body and mind. This is not just my opinion, it was put together by the GOLD initiative: http://copd.about.com/od/copdtreatment/tp/Treatment-For-Very-Severe-Copd.htm
If you have a doctor isn't paying attention your needs - it might be time to call him on the carpet or find one that does care.

Hugs,
Dennis

Thank you to everyone who responded! What a knowledgeable group! Guess it's time to talk to my Pulm again.

Keep track of 02...most 02 levels are checked while sitting. Also if possible have bed raised off floor...It will make a big difference..take care

Hi. Yes, I agree with DennyGene and the others. You need a physician who is very interested in protecting your other organs as much as possible which can be done to a large extent by making sure you have adequate oxygenation with the activities you are doing. To ignore a proper evaluation from a professional now could cause you further damage that might otherwise be avoidable. Please take this positive step for yourself ASAP. Debbie.

i can't add much other than my thoughts are with you & i hope you get in & get this checked out with your dr.
my 1st year i needed O2 during the day, but when i was sitting at computer or watching tv i didn't need it.
then dr noticed that when i got up & went to bathroom in hospital room (that close, if you think about it) i would drop to 85-87; now i wear it 24/7.
ps. if you get O2, you will be AMAZED at first how different it is doing housework---it was nice to breath again without feeling like i just ran a marathon when i got mine.