It is NORMAL to need more O2 when exerting yourself—exercising, walking (which is exercise), even showering/bathing. Talk to your provider about what level of O2 you should maintain with your oximeter and try to stay in that range, even when it means bumping up your setting on your machine so you can exercise and carry out activities of your life.
You have that right. I have bronchiectasis, but I’m normally able to maintain a level of 97 or 98. It is disheartening though that after riding my bicycle for 20 or 30 miles and then immediately clipping on the pulse oximeter to get readings of 94 or 95. I have learned not to worry. It always bounces back.
I went on oxygen recently. I'm still scared. After a lot of tests, they said I have PULMONARY ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION. It is a big adjustment. But gets easier.
@melugin I have had pulmonary hypertension diagnosed almost 2 yrs ago. Since diagnosis it seems like it is progressively getting worse. Is that others experience? I seem to have to up my o2 levels.
@carculmer I was 82 when I was diagnosed. I found out like you from another doctor from report he had. The pulmonologist was the one that dropped the ball by not telling me about the echo. I had swelling in my ankles and feet. I was seeing him for another condition that did not cause swelling and fluid retention. I found out 6 mos about the PH. It was found out when I fainted and was carried to the ER. I have o2 for 24 hrs day now. I have been on medicine for PH ever since . Good luck with your journey. It’s a life changer.
Connect
Connect
Like
Helpful
Hug
You have that right. I have bronchiectasis, but I’m normally able to maintain a level of 97 or 98. It is disheartening though that after riding my bicycle for 20 or 30 miles and then immediately clipping on the pulse oximeter to get readings of 94 or 95. I have learned not to worry. It always bounces back.
Your O2 levels are WAY better than mine. Congrats! Keep exercising!
@melugin I have had pulmonary hypertension diagnosed almost 2 yrs ago. Since diagnosis it seems like it is progressively getting worse. Is that others experience? I seem to have to up my o2 levels.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@carculmer I was 82 when I was diagnosed. I found out like you from another doctor from report he had. The pulmonologist was the one that dropped the ball by not telling me about the echo. I had swelling in my ankles and feet. I was seeing him for another condition that did not cause swelling and fluid retention. I found out 6 mos about the PH. It was found out when I fainted and was carried to the ER. I have o2 for 24 hrs day now. I have been on medicine for PH ever since . Good luck with your journey. It’s a life changer.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction