There are a lot of breathing techniques that can help you raise your 02, and that lessens your anxiety. Take a look at some on here or online and practice, Then take a very short trip out and do everything more slowly than you used to. My normal pace used to be to hurry, and that is the first thing that will trip me up when I go anyplace outside. Often what I will do is get to a store and just sit outside awhile, seeing how that feels. Just try baby steps, but try something every day even if it's just a breathing exercise.

If you don't already you may wish to get started on oxygen. If I'm having a bad "air" day I bring along my portable O2 machine which makes the journey far easier. As far as being incognito they may not make you invisible but really who cares what people think? I sure don't as breathing is a priority of mine over all else!!

Your question has a lot of parts but KUDOS on planning to be more Active again! They say laughter is good medicine so I use Humor to inspire and inform! You are smart to continue to protect yourself from infections in public and social places.👍

I have suggested using a water-filled milk jug to build up stamina around the house. If you can carry it from room to room at home, at least you can make it from the car into the house when you get home from shopping. No, seriously. Your first trip out should at least include a Family member or close friend.! 😉

Since your Doc sounds like testing for Oxygen is not needed yet, at least ask for Pulmonary Rehab classes. There you will perform treadmill and cycling exercises where your ability will be monitored and documented. If you need Oxygen during the sessions, they will provide it for you. IF your stamina and endurance don't improve, they will have ALL the proof YOU need to get some Oxygen to go to Walmart more often.
be Well.

Hi RollandO, I have no car and cannot get to the hospital for the rehab, I was doing it at home, nurse calling once a week, my daughter will be coming with me, I would not go alone, not going to Walmart, going to Metro, might try tomorrow, my blood oxygen is usually between 92 to 96. Thank you for getting back, I walk in the house .

They will not put me on oxygen yet as my blood oxygen is not low enough, I was worried also it's my Stent in my heart blocked again, but without doing many test, said it's fine, started in December and has gotten worse. I just wish I could get an answer, thank you for answering.