Well DooLucas, since you asked. Someone else mentioned the "Fight-or-Flight Response" here recently. IT is A REAL thing. I've been pooh-hooed before for even bringing it up. When our O2 levels dip, the brain has to start pickin' and choosing what part of the body it want to keep up and running. Usually, it's the need to urinate that doesn't make the cut.

First, 96,% is a good saturation number. But let's face it - your in this Group because it doesn't last long. That's the number for a 18-22 year old who just ran around the block. 🏁

Second, sometimes it's good for our SATs to drop. Makes US push a bit harder to earn that next breath. Besides, you're in a safe place when IT happens. Just make sure your Fitness trainer knows what finger you use to call 911 ,- IF things really get that bad. You're doing fine.! 🥴😎
be Well

Thanks for your replies. At rest my oxygen levels are 96 to 97%. It's only on the treadmill that my oxygen levels tank. I'm having a hard time trying to keep the levels in the 90s. Weird thing is when I did the 6 minute walk test I was told I scored in the 110th percentile and my breathing wasn't bad but oxygen levels were not good. When stopping my levels went back up within a minute or two. My main problem is mental now because I have read numerous articles saying that people with COPD who desaturate during exercise but have normal levels at rest have a higher mortality rate compared to those who don't desaturate. My anxiety is through the roof after reading about this. Your thoughts?

I didn't realize I have so many bathroom breaks because of low O2. I believe I have trouble urinating because of he meds for copd.

Hi DooLucas. You DOC has probably (or should have) advised YOU - - Continue to check your saturation levels with the finger-thingy. 😉 This is the only way to develop a good sense of which activities WOULD require more O2 - regardless of how you "FEEL". We can desaturate at rest just watching TV and not realize it until we get up quickly for a bathroom run. The low oxygen level is what caused the Need to GO in the first place 🏁

Using supplemental Oxygen does not replace breathing regular air - It just helps when there is not enough racing around in our system to begin with.
be Well.

@A MyCOPDTeam Member I don't think it will affect your breathing when not exercising and not on O2, you'll be back to your today situation. Oxygen when exercising shall ease the breathing, oxygenation of all muscles, and more importantly on your heart (which is also a muscle). Hugs!

Mentioned Users

A MyCOPDT...