How to live on oxygen therapy?

[Cynthe]

I am 57 yrs old and my lungs were damaged from a gas exposure 15 yrs ago. I have maintained over the years with a good drug therapy until 2 yrs ago when I became ill and spent 15 days in the hospital. I was treated with high doses of steroids as my lungs are somewhat resistant to steroids because I use them daily. The high doses of steroids caused avascular necrosis in my right hip and I needed it replaced in 2008. In 2009, I again spent a week in the hospital on high doses of steroids and the left hip and left knee died and needed replacement. This has been a long process to get healed. I also developed carpal tunnel in both wrists from using a walker during my recovery and had surgery on my wrists this past April..

In Jan, 2009, my oxygen levels kept dropping below 88 and I had a sleep study, which showed levels in the low 80's so I was put on oxygen, 2L at night. After my 2009 hospital stay, my oxygen levels would drop to the mid 80's when I walked even a short distance so the doctor wanted me on oxygen when I ambulated. I am having a difficult time following through with this as I seem to be going through some emotional issues, thinking everyone is looking at me with that nasal canula in my nose. I also find the portable tank, in the bag, heavy and difficult to carry. Since my joint replacements, I need a cane to walk with and can't carry a cane, purse, and the heavy bag.

I noticed that my heart rate increases to way over the 110 rate when I walk...it seems that as my oxygen decreases, my heart rate increases. Am I going to hurt my organs by being so emotionally stressed over wearing the oxygen? I do not know anyone who needs oxygen and feel like I am alone on this sinking ship. I try to walk without the oxygen and my arms get sweaty and clammy feeling and then I stop for a few seconds before continuing my walk. I never realized how emotional this could be. I found that I am not going out a lot and when I do, I just get what I need and leave...no more enjoyable shopping adventures.

I used the oxygen at night, but avoid it during the daytime. I hope others can help me overcome this phobia of being on oxygen in public.

Cynthe

[nolmam]

I am 57 female on oxygen too. I felt the same way you do at first. Everyone does stare. You sound as though you are having panic attacks to me. Not fun! As far as the portable oxygen, I couldn't handle those either. I use a helios now. Its a small tank that you strap around your waist that weighs about 5 pounds. You are free to go about your business because you don't have to hold the tank or wheel it around. You really need to care more about you. So what if people stare, if it helps you breathe better & get out to have a good time shopping then let them stare or give them a stare right back.

[hava]

Do this yog pranayam technique and it will help to increase the oxygen level and relax you. When you can do this for more than 10 minutes, come back to report your progress.
Build up your timing gradually.If you feel tired or dizzy, stop and resume after one minute.
Anulom Vilom –
Close your right nostril with thumb and deep breath-in through left nostril  
then – close left nostril with two fingers and breath-out through right nostril  
then -keeping the left nostril closed  deep breath-in through right nostril
then - close your right nostril with thumb and breath-out through left nostril.
This is one cycle of anulom vilom.
Repeat this cycle for 15 to 30  minutes twice a day.
Children under 15 years – do 5 to 10 minutes twice a day.
You can do this before breakfast/lunch/dinner or before bedtime or in bed.Remember to take deep long breaths into the lungs.You can do this while sitting on floor or chair or lying in bed.