anyone have shortness of breath when on oxygen and walking

Hi hicopd, Your post is very informative. Many folks with Copd want a portable. I did. I was a victim of an Inogen1 for about 4 months . I needed 4 liters per min . I would feel sore and almost sick when I got home from trips to the store . It got so bad that I would not go out. I think the problem is Oxygen Companies don’t test people . They rely on a Dr prescription to make it legal to give you oxygen , and then give you whatever you want or will accept . In my experience there is a broken line of needed medical information between the two . Just my opinion. I wish all the best to all. Love, “The one with the tank”

Inogen doesn’t even have any machines that put out 4 liters/minute as portables. I have the one they sell that puts out the most and it only produces 1.26 liters max and its pulse on setting of 6.

You need to work with your doctor and tell them you aren’t getting enough O2 and need a system that will give you more. You need a walking oximetry test with your portable and also with a continuous flow tank with a conserver to see how you could do with more O2 with activity.

If you have sufficient O2, you can exercise and move about and go to the MD and shopping plus whatever else life entails. You are correct that people are being given whatever the supplier has in stock and NOT what meets patient needs. You h as be to let your doctor know so they can help you get proper equipment.

I am the same. Coming week I am getting a vaccine for pneumonia. Just out of hospital about 8 days.

My in-home machine is on 5 liters during the day. If I get up to use the bathroom, by the time I get back to my bed (10 steps one way) my heart rate is 140 and o2 levels in low 80’s. Need 6 liters to shower (sitting with assistance) my stats are even lower. If I’m doing anything more than sitting or lying down, there isn’t enough output in any machine if you’re end stage emphysema

There are stationary concentrators that go up to 10 or 15 liters/minute. Your provider can order such a machine for you so it can meet your needs and keep you more comfortable.

When I’m sitting down and/or resting, I only need 4 liters. As my lung capacity is very poor, I would have to turn it way up any time I had to do anything. Because of the noise and heat from my unit, have to place it 5 feet from my bed. Walking to and from the unit would defeat the purpose.

my situation is very similar to yours Diane. But I started physical therapy and the exercises help even though I have to stop and rest a lot. I didn’t even think I was capable of doing exercise, but it helps. My concentrator goes up to 10, but I keep it at five. The more I think about it your situation is much worse than mine. I hope you can find another concentrator . I’m sorry you’re having such a terrible time.

My concentrator goes to 10. I did go to pulmonary rehab some years ago and I loved it! I had to stop when getting to and from would have required assistance I couldn’t afford, so I bought a rowing machine that I placed right beside my bed. Was doing great with over 50 reps a day then Rheumatoid arthritis in my hands and wrists put a stop to that two years ago. With RA comes extreme fatigue so I pretty much spend my time sitting quietly with a good book (love to read!) or good TV show and right now, football!

I have been forced on many occasions to squat and bend forward. I have to make sure I walk slow or I lose control over my breathing. I’m suppose to use oxygen but I guess I’m just to stubborn right now to use it.

I have permission from my pulmonologist to turn my o2 up to 3 or 4 when walking, exerting etc.. I would not do this on my own without clearing from my doctor first though.
If I really feel I need to I will. Otherwise, I just go slower, relax, breathe slower, exhale longer (like when blowing out the candles), take time to read things a long the path this helps me to stop and catch my breath before moving forward. Hope this helps. Take care and breathe easy.