Post by Colleen-NC on Apr 15, 2008 8:58:25 GMT -5
Oxygen
« Thread Started on Apr 8, 2008, 10:18pm »
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I'm currently on 2 to 3 liters of O2 and at times I don't think it's enough. My doctors nurse and my O2 supplier, both told me not to exceed the 2 liters prescribed by my doc. They indicated there are dangers involved with too much O2, but didn't explain what those are. Can anyone tell me what the dangers of too much oxygen is? Bruce-O
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Colleen-Pa
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Re: Oxygen
« Reply #1 on Apr 9, 2008, 6:46am »
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Bruce, too much 02 can cause us to retain co2 which is bad, it has to do with the gas exchange in our lungs. If you are having problems there are tests your doc can do to see if 2 ltrs. is correct. How are you feeling that you think its not enough ? Do you have an oximeter to see how your sats are?
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"NEVER REGRET ANYTHING THAT MAKES YO SMILE"
charles
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Re: Oxygen
« Reply #2 on Apr 9, 2008, 10:15am »
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I ride at 80 on 2 Ltrs and have to use 5-6 on walking. With an infection ; even higher. I think one has to be a retainer to worry about co2.
Tests are really important .....
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sweetpea
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Re: Oxygen
« Reply #3 on Apr 9, 2008, 10:32am »
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What are the symptoms of being a '02 retainer? What can be done to resolve it? Pat
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canyon711
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Re: Oxygen
« Reply #4 on Apr 9, 2008, 2:53pm »
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Sweepea, too much emphasis is put on retaining. It is overblown danger for most people. Pursed lip breathing is a way to get rid of the CO2. If you ever get to the point where you are retaining dangerously your saturation will go way down also but for most people the O2 will never get that low with a little retention. It will normally cause SOB first but not always, then lightheadness, confusion, tiredness, sleepiness, bluish lips to name a few and can continue to repiratory failure where, of course, it can be fatal. There is so much confusion about this that this is one discussion you should have with your Doctor regarding you. Some people have more of a tendency than others to retain but this is why people always say not to turn up your O2 without first clearing it with you Doctor. Most COPD patients do retain some as we do not get air out of our lungs well but for most it is not something to be really all worked up over. It is one of those things that people seem to gloom on to early in learning about COPD and it keeps coming up. I also think it is something that technicians and therapists tend to throw at patients in their somewhat "superior" knowledge. I couldn't find a good link.They are all very wordy and technical. By the way the first things the paramedics do when you are having breathing difficulties is gear up the O2 on a person. Check if out with your Doctor, don't raise you O2 on your own and if you want to read some information "google" Hypercapnia or CO2 retention. Maybe Martha can explain it better. I jsut think that people are scared needlessly without a good sound explanation.
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sweetpea
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Re: Oxygen
« Reply #5 on Apr 9, 2008, 3:04pm »
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Canyon, thanks for the explantation. I am not on oxygen but lately I have been more sob than usual, but attribute it to every plant/tree in the world is blossoming right now. I feel much better today and was able to walk about 40 minutes (around my apt complex). The air has improved out also, so I think that factors in. I see my pulmo in July and will ask him about 02 retention. He's never mentioned that I might have any excess of it. I know a older fellow I see frequently in my neighborhood who is oxygen and still smokes. When he takes his cannula off, around his lips turn blue. He doesn't walk anymore but uses a motorized scooter. I'm amazed he has held on as long as he has still smoking. Pat
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canyon711
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Re: Oxygen
« Reply #6 on Apr 10, 2008, 5:37pm »
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This from Dr. Petty
Tritrate When You Migrate...
> "Question: What about getting too much oxygen and retaining carbon dioxide?
> Answer: This is an old myth based on misconceptions about oxygen.
Oxygen itself will not eliminate or even reduce the drive to breathe. This is true even when patients retain some carbon dioxide.
>
> Question: Can I use a higher flow rate if I am short of breath while exercising?
> Answer: Yes, and it may be helpful in providing extra oxygen for your muscles as you are walking. You should return to your normal flow rate after exercise.
Monitor your saturation during both rest and exercise with your oximeter." Dr. Tom Petty
Titrate or titration means measuring something in increments or
continuously. This is important in active patients who receive oxygen.
The availability of increasing numbers of portable and truly
ambulatory, i.e., wearable oxygen devices is a major advance in the mobility
and quality of life for many patients. But these new developments require
some checking to see if they put out enough oxygen for all patients, under
varying circumstances.
Oxygen conserving devices give a different pulse or bolus of oxygen
with each breath depending on the manufacturer. These are not the same
between the liquid, small compressed cylinders, and portable oxygen
concentrators. Many of these put out less than one total liter a minute.
Others put out more. One device or setting is not appropriate for all
patients. No simple prescriptions can cover all possibilities.
Here is where titration comes in. Small, inexpensive, and accurate
oximeters are available to test the results of oxygen settings and various
liter flows. The settings on the conserving devices are NOT liter flows,
but so-called “flow equivalents.” These have been determined in a
laboratory. You are the only one who can tell what your oxygenation is at
what setting of your system. So learn to titrate your oxygen flows and
settings to be sure your saturation is above 90% when active, as is walking
or playing. Use your oximeter on airplanes and when driving in the
mountains.
Ask your doctor to prescribe an oximeter for you if you are active.
Most insurance companies will reimburse the approximate $300 cost.
You will feel better and have more fun if you titrate when you
migrate. Another way to put it is “measure while you pleasure!”
here is some good info on original question.
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Colleen-Pa
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Re: Oxygen
« Reply #7 on Apr 10, 2008, 5:53pm »
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Although, this is not true anymore, Insurance Companies do not pay for oximeters anymore. Well, most don't pay, I know BC & BS no longer pays.
"Ask your doctor to prescribe an oximeter for you if you are active.
Most insurance companies will reimburse the approximate $300 cost. "
« Last Edit: Apr 10, 2008, 5:55pm by Colleen-Pa » Link to Post - Back to Top Logged
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« Thread Started on Apr 8, 2008, 10:18pm »
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm currently on 2 to 3 liters of O2 and at times I don't think it's enough. My doctors nurse and my O2 supplier, both told me not to exceed the 2 liters prescribed by my doc. They indicated there are dangers involved with too much O2, but didn't explain what those are. Can anyone tell me what the dangers of too much oxygen is? Bruce-O
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Colleen-Pa
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Re: Oxygen
« Reply #1 on Apr 9, 2008, 6:46am »
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bruce, too much 02 can cause us to retain co2 which is bad, it has to do with the gas exchange in our lungs. If you are having problems there are tests your doc can do to see if 2 ltrs. is correct. How are you feeling that you think its not enough ? Do you have an oximeter to see how your sats are?
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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"NEVER REGRET ANYTHING THAT MAKES YO SMILE"
charles
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Re: Oxygen
« Reply #2 on Apr 9, 2008, 10:15am »
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I ride at 80 on 2 Ltrs and have to use 5-6 on walking. With an infection ; even higher. I think one has to be a retainer to worry about co2.
Tests are really important .....
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sweetpea
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Re: Oxygen
« Reply #3 on Apr 9, 2008, 10:32am »
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What are the symptoms of being a '02 retainer? What can be done to resolve it? Pat
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canyon711
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Re: Oxygen
« Reply #4 on Apr 9, 2008, 2:53pm »
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sweepea, too much emphasis is put on retaining. It is overblown danger for most people. Pursed lip breathing is a way to get rid of the CO2. If you ever get to the point where you are retaining dangerously your saturation will go way down also but for most people the O2 will never get that low with a little retention. It will normally cause SOB first but not always, then lightheadness, confusion, tiredness, sleepiness, bluish lips to name a few and can continue to repiratory failure where, of course, it can be fatal. There is so much confusion about this that this is one discussion you should have with your Doctor regarding you. Some people have more of a tendency than others to retain but this is why people always say not to turn up your O2 without first clearing it with you Doctor. Most COPD patients do retain some as we do not get air out of our lungs well but for most it is not something to be really all worked up over. It is one of those things that people seem to gloom on to early in learning about COPD and it keeps coming up. I also think it is something that technicians and therapists tend to throw at patients in their somewhat "superior" knowledge. I couldn't find a good link.They are all very wordy and technical. By the way the first things the paramedics do when you are having breathing difficulties is gear up the O2 on a person. Check if out with your Doctor, don't raise you O2 on your own and if you want to read some information "google" Hypercapnia or CO2 retention. Maybe Martha can explain it better. I jsut think that people are scared needlessly without a good sound explanation.
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sweetpea
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Re: Oxygen
« Reply #5 on Apr 9, 2008, 3:04pm »
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Canyon, thanks for the explantation. I am not on oxygen but lately I have been more sob than usual, but attribute it to every plant/tree in the world is blossoming right now. I feel much better today and was able to walk about 40 minutes (around my apt complex). The air has improved out also, so I think that factors in. I see my pulmo in July and will ask him about 02 retention. He's never mentioned that I might have any excess of it. I know a older fellow I see frequently in my neighborhood who is oxygen and still smokes. When he takes his cannula off, around his lips turn blue. He doesn't walk anymore but uses a motorized scooter. I'm amazed he has held on as long as he has still smoking. Pat
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canyon711
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Re: Oxygen
« Reply #6 on Apr 10, 2008, 5:37pm »
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This from Dr. Petty
Tritrate When You Migrate...
> "Question: What about getting too much oxygen and retaining carbon dioxide?
> Answer: This is an old myth based on misconceptions about oxygen.
Oxygen itself will not eliminate or even reduce the drive to breathe. This is true even when patients retain some carbon dioxide.
>
> Question: Can I use a higher flow rate if I am short of breath while exercising?
> Answer: Yes, and it may be helpful in providing extra oxygen for your muscles as you are walking. You should return to your normal flow rate after exercise.
Monitor your saturation during both rest and exercise with your oximeter." Dr. Tom Petty
Titrate or titration means measuring something in increments or
continuously. This is important in active patients who receive oxygen.
The availability of increasing numbers of portable and truly
ambulatory, i.e., wearable oxygen devices is a major advance in the mobility
and quality of life for many patients. But these new developments require
some checking to see if they put out enough oxygen for all patients, under
varying circumstances.
Oxygen conserving devices give a different pulse or bolus of oxygen
with each breath depending on the manufacturer. These are not the same
between the liquid, small compressed cylinders, and portable oxygen
concentrators. Many of these put out less than one total liter a minute.
Others put out more. One device or setting is not appropriate for all
patients. No simple prescriptions can cover all possibilities.
Here is where titration comes in. Small, inexpensive, and accurate
oximeters are available to test the results of oxygen settings and various
liter flows. The settings on the conserving devices are NOT liter flows,
but so-called “flow equivalents.” These have been determined in a
laboratory. You are the only one who can tell what your oxygenation is at
what setting of your system. So learn to titrate your oxygen flows and
settings to be sure your saturation is above 90% when active, as is walking
or playing. Use your oximeter on airplanes and when driving in the
mountains.
Ask your doctor to prescribe an oximeter for you if you are active.
Most insurance companies will reimburse the approximate $300 cost.
You will feel better and have more fun if you titrate when you
migrate. Another way to put it is “measure while you pleasure!”
here is some good info on original question.
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Colleen-Pa
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Re: Oxygen
« Reply #7 on Apr 10, 2008, 5:53pm »
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Although, this is not true anymore, Insurance Companies do not pay for oximeters anymore. Well, most don't pay, I know BC & BS no longer pays.
"Ask your doctor to prescribe an oximeter for you if you are active.
Most insurance companies will reimburse the approximate $300 cost. "
« Last Edit: Apr 10, 2008, 5:55pm by Colleen-Pa » Link to Post - Back to Top Logged
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
