Contributed by Bob “Oxygen Man” Rawlins, oxygen user and consultant to CAIRE Inc. ~
Some might suggest, do we ask the right questions?
Understandable, however, if I stopped to check if I’m asking the right question before I ask the question, I might never ask any questions, sounds exhausting, LOL.
So, I like the old cliché that suggests there is no such thing as a bad or wrong question. Most of the time people are thinking the same thing, but are afraid to ask.
That is another interesting thought, afraid to ask the question, hmm.
Fear of what?
- Getting an answer, you don’t want to hear?
- Feeling dumb in a room full of peers, colleagues, or yuckety-yucks?
- Not curious enough? DON’T give into fear!
- You may have felt intimidated by someone or have been intimidated before.
- Not being comfortable or it’s inconvenient!
I have discussed this with many people I have either worked with or who had the esteem pleasure of working for me, 😊!
None of these reasons in my opinion, are good reasons.
Asking questions is not only necessary, but mandatory if you are to learn from others and about yourself.
Have you ever left a meeting and felt you didn’t have all the answers to complete or even start a certain assignment you’ve been given? Oh yeah, I have.
Or ask the proper questions regarding the expectations around the deliverables from you or your team?
Think about how you felt. Maybe a little lost or a bit upset with yourself because, you know you are better than that.
It can be a bit nerve-racking to say the least, no doubt.
However, we can fix it and generally we do, but then do you ask yourself the question, “Could this have been made easier?”
So, change your approach, and ask.
Ok, lets change gears for a minute.
Let’s talk oxygen, not so much the individual disease per se, but being prescribed oxygen therapy.
I know I didn’t ask enough questions when I was first told that I was going to need oxygen 24/7. So obviously we ask:
- Why?
- What happens I don’t?
- How long will I need to stay on oxygen?
How about the next day – after you have given yourself the time to let it sink in. I would always suggest having your main caregiver with you at your doctors appointments as well.
- Who will supply me my oxygen? And home oxygen supplies?
- What supplies will I need before I get home?
- Why is the hospital recommending a certain company?
- I would suggest asking for at least three options.
- Are any local? This is important to me.
- Service references, how prompt are they?
- Are they courteous and patient? I have no room for grumpy service companies.
- What about travel?
- Some don’t supply nationally and can cost you extra $$$ if you travel to an area that your supplier can’t supply to.
It’s ok to start with the tanks and then look for other solutions later. I waited almost nine months before I got my portable oxygen concentrator from CAIRE. Research first.
Also wait until you find out for sure how long you may be on oxygen therapy.
Get used to being with a hose in your nose, 😊. It’s fine after you make it through the first few tugs on the ears after stepping on the hose. And, when you get it caught on every piece of furniture in the house. That hose finds its way over, under, and around everything in your house … trust me.
Laugh at yourself and make it fun.
Ask questions of those who have been on oxygen. How do they cope?
Find some interesting sources as well:
- Pulmonary Fibrosis News Weekly Digest is great to follow and subscribe, it’s free! They send good information out weekly.
- Find a support group, Cleveland Clinic has one here, but they are all over the country, google pulmonary support groups in your area. Ask your doctor or nurses as well.
- Of course, check out the CAIRE blog for encouragement and resources to help you navigate everyday life, whether you are on oxygen therapy or you are the caregiver for someone who is prescribed oxygen therapy. Remember you are not alone. 😊
I get asked almost daily when I am volunteering or on my hospital visits from oxygen users and caregivers of those on oxygen about my portables and tanks.
The more questions you ask and take the bull by the horns, so to speak, the faster you will make the adjustments to your new lifestyle and accept the challenge.
This is about you. Ask all the questions you need and want answers to. You will feel better about your approach and where you are on your journey.
And live every day as best you can!
Till next time!
#laugheveryday
#touchaheart
#breathe-easy
Love you all,
Coach Bob
Bob Rawlins, 61, of Medina, Ohio, is husband to Terese and father to their 14-year-old triplets, a soccer coach, a hospital volunteer, band dad and chaperone, and marketing guru. He uses a FreeStyle Comfort portable oxygen concentrator and an eQuinox portable oxygen concentrator for overnight travel.
If you have been prescribed oxygen therapy, learn more about CAIRE by visiting www.caireinc.com/patients or by calling 1-877-704-0878 to talk to an oxygen advisor.
When using any oxygen therapy device please consult the applicable product instructions for use for product indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and detailed safety information.