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O2 or not to O2?

A

Aspiemom

Guest
Okay, I was on O2 for a month, then they determined I could go w/o it. Walking the 8 min. I'd gone from 87 before, to 94 when retested. The following week was my sinus surgery where I seriously dipped my O2 during it. They kept me overnight because of it. When I was released my O2 upon sitting was 96, which was quite good, but I noticed when I walked around much it took a dive 89-91.

I just can't afford an Oximeter at home right now - my ins. is lousy, so it's doubtful they would help out, either.

My question: I still have O2 in my home to use when needed. <b>Does it hurt me to use it if it's not needed? </b> I'm thinking "When in doubt, use it." With having to mouth breathe so much right now, I'm thinking it might be why I'm feeling more SOB and combined with the anesthesia, why I feel so wiped out. The other problem is I don't know if my nose is open enough to be using the cannula, but if it is I'm thinking I should be using the O2 w/ condenser right now.

Thanks for your advice.
 
A

Aspiemom

Guest
Okay, I was on O2 for a month, then they determined I could go w/o it. Walking the 8 min. I'd gone from 87 before, to 94 when retested. The following week was my sinus surgery where I seriously dipped my O2 during it. They kept me overnight because of it. When I was released my O2 upon sitting was 96, which was quite good, but I noticed when I walked around much it took a dive 89-91.

I just can't afford an Oximeter at home right now - my ins. is lousy, so it's doubtful they would help out, either.

My question: I still have O2 in my home to use when needed. <b>Does it hurt me to use it if it's not needed? </b> I'm thinking "When in doubt, use it." With having to mouth breathe so much right now, I'm thinking it might be why I'm feeling more SOB and combined with the anesthesia, why I feel so wiped out. The other problem is I don't know if my nose is open enough to be using the cannula, but if it is I'm thinking I should be using the O2 w/ condenser right now.

Thanks for your advice.
 
A

Aspiemom

Guest
Okay, I was on O2 for a month, then they determined I could go w/o it. Walking the 8 min. I'd gone from 87 before, to 94 when retested. The following week was my sinus surgery where I seriously dipped my O2 during it. They kept me overnight because of it. When I was released my O2 upon sitting was 96, which was quite good, but I noticed when I walked around much it took a dive 89-91.

I just can't afford an Oximeter at home right now - my ins. is lousy, so it's doubtful they would help out, either.

My question: I still have O2 in my home to use when needed. <b>Does it hurt me to use it if it's not needed? </b> I'm thinking "When in doubt, use it." With having to mouth breathe so much right now, I'm thinking it might be why I'm feeling more SOB and combined with the anesthesia, why I feel so wiped out. The other problem is I don't know if my nose is open enough to be using the cannula, but if it is I'm thinking I should be using the O2 w/ condenser right now.

Thanks for your advice.
 
A

Aspiemom

Guest
Okay, I was on O2 for a month, then they determined I could go w/o it. Walking the 8 min. I'd gone from 87 before, to 94 when retested. The following week was my sinus surgery where I seriously dipped my O2 during it. They kept me overnight because of it. When I was released my O2 upon sitting was 96, which was quite good, but I noticed when I walked around much it took a dive 89-91.

I just can't afford an Oximeter at home right now - my ins. is lousy, so it's doubtful they would help out, either.

My question: I still have O2 in my home to use when needed. <b>Does it hurt me to use it if it's not needed? </b> I'm thinking "When in doubt, use it." With having to mouth breathe so much right now, I'm thinking it might be why I'm feeling more SOB and combined with the anesthesia, why I feel so wiped out. The other problem is I don't know if my nose is open enough to be using the cannula, but if it is I'm thinking I should be using the O2 w/ condenser right now.

Thanks for your advice.
 
A

Aspiemom

Guest
Okay, I was on O2 for a month, then they determined I could go w/o it. Walking the 8 min. I'd gone from 87 before, to 94 when retested. The following week was my sinus surgery where I seriously dipped my O2 during it. They kept me overnight because of it. When I was released my O2 upon sitting was 96, which was quite good, but I noticed when I walked around much it took a dive 89-91.

I just can't afford an Oximeter at home right now - my ins. is lousy, so it's doubtful they would help out, either.

My question: I still have O2 in my home to use when needed. <b>Does it hurt me to use it if it's not needed? </b> I'm thinking "When in doubt, use it." With having to mouth breathe so much right now, I'm thinking it might be why I'm feeling more SOB and combined with the anesthesia, why I feel so wiped out. The other problem is I don't know if my nose is open enough to be using the cannula, but if it is I'm thinking I should be using the O2 w/ condenser right now.

Thanks for your advice.
 
L

ladybug

New member
Hi, Debbi!

I've actually asked my RT at clinic AND the O2 company who provides my oxygen and this is what they've told me...

RT: I asked whether I could use it at night just to "relax" if I felt like my HR was racing or I felt "kinda" short of breath. I would check the pulse ox and it was usually around 96. She said she recommends against this. Not that you become dependant on it, but that its not particularily healthy to boost O2 from 96 (which is still good) to 99.

O2: I asked whether I could use whatever amount I "thought" I needed during exercise. They told me the Rx given by my doc was the most I should use cause you CAN get too much oxygen and if it is getting "trapped" in your lungs and not expelled, it can build up and MAY (in rare instances) cause serious health complications or even death.

So, putting these two responses together, I would say you can get too much or not do yourself any favors if using it when its not needed. Especially if you're staying in the mid-upper 90's. Plus, your doc should let you know the highest amount you should ever use (in liters) that is safe for your particular instance. I kinda think a pulse ox is necessary for this means. I have tried to gage my own oxygen level based on how tired, nervous, etc. I was and I'm usually wrong. But that's just me. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">

<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
L

ladybug

New member
Hi, Debbi!

I've actually asked my RT at clinic AND the O2 company who provides my oxygen and this is what they've told me...

RT: I asked whether I could use it at night just to "relax" if I felt like my HR was racing or I felt "kinda" short of breath. I would check the pulse ox and it was usually around 96. She said she recommends against this. Not that you become dependant on it, but that its not particularily healthy to boost O2 from 96 (which is still good) to 99.

O2: I asked whether I could use whatever amount I "thought" I needed during exercise. They told me the Rx given by my doc was the most I should use cause you CAN get too much oxygen and if it is getting "trapped" in your lungs and not expelled, it can build up and MAY (in rare instances) cause serious health complications or even death.

So, putting these two responses together, I would say you can get too much or not do yourself any favors if using it when its not needed. Especially if you're staying in the mid-upper 90's. Plus, your doc should let you know the highest amount you should ever use (in liters) that is safe for your particular instance. I kinda think a pulse ox is necessary for this means. I have tried to gage my own oxygen level based on how tired, nervous, etc. I was and I'm usually wrong. But that's just me. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">

<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
L

ladybug

New member
Hi, Debbi!

I've actually asked my RT at clinic AND the O2 company who provides my oxygen and this is what they've told me...

RT: I asked whether I could use it at night just to "relax" if I felt like my HR was racing or I felt "kinda" short of breath. I would check the pulse ox and it was usually around 96. She said she recommends against this. Not that you become dependant on it, but that its not particularily healthy to boost O2 from 96 (which is still good) to 99.

O2: I asked whether I could use whatever amount I "thought" I needed during exercise. They told me the Rx given by my doc was the most I should use cause you CAN get too much oxygen and if it is getting "trapped" in your lungs and not expelled, it can build up and MAY (in rare instances) cause serious health complications or even death.

So, putting these two responses together, I would say you can get too much or not do yourself any favors if using it when its not needed. Especially if you're staying in the mid-upper 90's. Plus, your doc should let you know the highest amount you should ever use (in liters) that is safe for your particular instance. I kinda think a pulse ox is necessary for this means. I have tried to gage my own oxygen level based on how tired, nervous, etc. I was and I'm usually wrong. But that's just me. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">

<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
L

ladybug

New member
Hi, Debbi!

I've actually asked my RT at clinic AND the O2 company who provides my oxygen and this is what they've told me...

RT: I asked whether I could use it at night just to "relax" if I felt like my HR was racing or I felt "kinda" short of breath. I would check the pulse ox and it was usually around 96. She said she recommends against this. Not that you become dependant on it, but that its not particularily healthy to boost O2 from 96 (which is still good) to 99.

O2: I asked whether I could use whatever amount I "thought" I needed during exercise. They told me the Rx given by my doc was the most I should use cause you CAN get too much oxygen and if it is getting "trapped" in your lungs and not expelled, it can build up and MAY (in rare instances) cause serious health complications or even death.

So, putting these two responses together, I would say you can get too much or not do yourself any favors if using it when its not needed. Especially if you're staying in the mid-upper 90's. Plus, your doc should let you know the highest amount you should ever use (in liters) that is safe for your particular instance. I kinda think a pulse ox is necessary for this means. I have tried to gage my own oxygen level based on how tired, nervous, etc. I was and I'm usually wrong. But that's just me. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">

<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
L

ladybug

New member
Hi, Debbi!

I've actually asked my RT at clinic AND the O2 company who provides my oxygen and this is what they've told me...

RT: I asked whether I could use it at night just to "relax" if I felt like my HR was racing or I felt "kinda" short of breath. I would check the pulse ox and it was usually around 96. She said she recommends against this. Not that you become dependant on it, but that its not particularily healthy to boost O2 from 96 (which is still good) to 99.

O2: I asked whether I could use whatever amount I "thought" I needed during exercise. They told me the Rx given by my doc was the most I should use cause you CAN get too much oxygen and if it is getting "trapped" in your lungs and not expelled, it can build up and MAY (in rare instances) cause serious health complications or even death.

So, putting these two responses together, I would say you can get too much or not do yourself any favors if using it when its not needed. Especially if you're staying in the mid-upper 90's. Plus, your doc should let you know the highest amount you should ever use (in liters) that is safe for your particular instance. I kinda think a pulse ox is necessary for this means. I have tried to gage my own oxygen level based on how tired, nervous, etc. I was and I'm usually wrong. But that's just me. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">

<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
 
J

JenWren

New member
Dear Aspiemom: I agree with everything ladybug says.

But I do feel strongly about you getting a oxymeter some how. Lets think creatively. There are other resources available for people like you. With bad insurance. First of all get a note from your doc for the oxymeter. Keep a copy in case you need it again. Then call and talk to your hospital Social Service department. Tell them what you need and that you can't afford it. Sometimes they have funds set asid just for these causes. Don't worry about using this kind of money someday you can make a contribution. I wonder if the foundation your chapter might know how to get an oxymeter too. We'll get you one don't worry. Talk to anyone and everyone at the hospital you feel comfortable telling .case manager,or home health coordinator at the hospital. They might know of a resource availbale too.



Good Luck.

JenWren<img src="i/expressions/rose.gif" border="0">
 
J

JenWren

New member
Dear Aspiemom: I agree with everything ladybug says.

But I do feel strongly about you getting a oxymeter some how. Lets think creatively. There are other resources available for people like you. With bad insurance. First of all get a note from your doc for the oxymeter. Keep a copy in case you need it again. Then call and talk to your hospital Social Service department. Tell them what you need and that you can't afford it. Sometimes they have funds set asid just for these causes. Don't worry about using this kind of money someday you can make a contribution. I wonder if the foundation your chapter might know how to get an oxymeter too. We'll get you one don't worry. Talk to anyone and everyone at the hospital you feel comfortable telling .case manager,or home health coordinator at the hospital. They might know of a resource availbale too.



Good Luck.

JenWren<img src="i/expressions/rose.gif" border="0">
 
J

JenWren

New member
Dear Aspiemom: I agree with everything ladybug says.

But I do feel strongly about you getting a oxymeter some how. Lets think creatively. There are other resources available for people like you. With bad insurance. First of all get a note from your doc for the oxymeter. Keep a copy in case you need it again. Then call and talk to your hospital Social Service department. Tell them what you need and that you can't afford it. Sometimes they have funds set asid just for these causes. Don't worry about using this kind of money someday you can make a contribution. I wonder if the foundation your chapter might know how to get an oxymeter too. We'll get you one don't worry. Talk to anyone and everyone at the hospital you feel comfortable telling .case manager,or home health coordinator at the hospital. They might know of a resource availbale too.



Good Luck.

JenWren<img src="i/expressions/rose.gif" border="0">
 
J

JenWren

New member
Dear Aspiemom: I agree with everything ladybug says.

But I do feel strongly about you getting a oxymeter some how. Lets think creatively. There are other resources available for people like you. With bad insurance. First of all get a note from your doc for the oxymeter. Keep a copy in case you need it again. Then call and talk to your hospital Social Service department. Tell them what you need and that you can't afford it. Sometimes they have funds set asid just for these causes. Don't worry about using this kind of money someday you can make a contribution. I wonder if the foundation your chapter might know how to get an oxymeter too. We'll get you one don't worry. Talk to anyone and everyone at the hospital you feel comfortable telling .case manager,or home health coordinator at the hospital. They might know of a resource availbale too.



Good Luck.

JenWren<img src="i/expressions/rose.gif" border="0">
 
J

JenWren

New member
Dear Aspiemom: I agree with everything ladybug says.

But I do feel strongly about you getting a oxymeter some how. Lets think creatively. There are other resources available for people like you. With bad insurance. First of all get a note from your doc for the oxymeter. Keep a copy in case you need it again. Then call and talk to your hospital Social Service department. Tell them what you need and that you can't afford it. Sometimes they have funds set asid just for these causes. Don't worry about using this kind of money someday you can make a contribution. I wonder if the foundation your chapter might know how to get an oxymeter too. We'll get you one don't worry. Talk to anyone and everyone at the hospital you feel comfortable telling .case manager,or home health coordinator at the hospital. They might know of a resource availbale too.



Good Luck.

JenWren<img src="i/expressions/rose.gif" border="0">
 
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