I'm certainly no expert, Chelle, but my guess is that there's something else going on. I'd visit my pulm Dr I were you.

How long has it been since you've seen your pulmonologist? How long has this situation been going on? This may be an exacerbation and you may need a short term prednisone pack for a few days.

In any case, I recommend that you call your doctor.

I hope you feel better soon.

Susan

There are a couple of things I can think of offhand that will affect your O2 when active. A lung infection, poor gas exchange between the lung and bloodstream and inadequate supplemental O2 flow when active. See your doc. If he blows you off, find another that will give you an answer that makes sense.
Why are things changing so fast? For some people the progress of this disease is measured in decades. Others of us are lucky to beat a 5 year prediction. It's the nature of the beast...

Hugs,
Dennis

My pulmo Dr. is very aware of my situation. He said I am an unusual case. He thinks I will be in a nursing home within 6 months. A year ago I was put on o2. I told the Dr. I thought something else might be going on, but he did not agree. It feels to me, like I am near dying. I will be having palliative care in the next few weeks. It's not hospice care. It's a program that brings the Dr. to me, as well as xrays if needed, blood work, etc. All the Dr's will be working together for my benefit. Counselors, massage therapy, physical therapy, etc. to help make the best of my situation. I feel like I am in the late stages of this disease, and going downhill ny the month. Any advice would be so very appreciated.

Chelle, that has got to be scary. I hope you ask about this, so maybe it will get a bit better. prayers sent your way.

Chelle I am in about the same time frame as you with my emphysema, also the same age , I'm turning 65 in August. I was hit hard also with this disease, for the last few months it's seemed to progress more. I go to the VA here in Illinois for my health care. My Pulm doctor visits are far apart. I have one coming up in mid July and I will have a number of things to clarify. I was too overwhelmed to talk to a doctor and my brain was not absorbing any details. I must admit that I have a strange situation at the VA. Every year I get a new pulm doctor. they have a post grad come in to do their internship. Don't like the idea but since I will be seeing a new doctor this time I'm willing to see how it goes. The last guy sucked , no communication skills no info. I've been given 02 and no other meds. Sitting I am in the low 80's when I move I go down to the 70's 60's and 50's !!!!! No one seems alarmed at this? I also have pulmonary hypertension which has not been addressed. I will get answers or change doctors or whatever it takes to find out what is best for me, maybe you should do the same. Like Dennis said it could be other problems involved, I gotta know. hugs Bob

Chelle, none of this is right. Please follow the advice given here and get this checked out, and get a new doctor if you have to. It is your health, and even your life on the line here. Demand some answers...

BJ

i thought that it was "normal" to need more 02 when active than just sitting???
i was on 2LPM for 3 years "when active & when sleeping" but needed 0 if i was just sitting at my computer or watching tv.

3 years later i have "progressed" (as thats what this disease does)
so now i have to wear 2LPM sitting at the computer/watching tv etc.
but
i have to wear 3LPM sleeping & 3-4LPM if active (or high elevations)
=
sitting doing nothing doesn't make my lungs (& heart) "need" to work so i need less LPM of supplemental 02 (or none)
but
i get up & walk to bathroom (let alone "excersise") my lungs (& heart) now need to give my body more 02 so i need to turn up the LPM my supplemental 02

sleeping i need higher LPM also because lungs & everything slow down when sleeping

i (personally) don't get too hung up on lung function percentages any more because on this board i see those with very low PFT (pulmonary function test) percentages need no supplemental 02 & others with higher PFT percentages need lots of supplemental 02.

ps. maybe i don't understand? 90-95% is in the good range, do you want it higher than that? (the "highest" i ever run at tip top best is 96%; 92-94% i consider good readings.
---the 02 concentrator only puts out at 96% @ 2LPM so isn't it impossible to get higher % than the machine provides? (dennis? gary? help me here!!)