Contributed by Bob Rawlins, consultant to CAIRE Inc. ~
Part 2 of a series sharing the patient perspective of being prescribed and using supplemental oxygen.
Embrace the unknown. Easier said than done, yes, I get it.
You might say, “Coach Bob you are always spinning the positive web.” Yes, I am. It’s the “’tude” coming out of me.
You must embrace it and the journey we are on. All of us are either dealing with or have dealt with the denial stage. In all facets of our lives and in real life changing situations. A new job, marriage, challenges, illness, and death. It can be hard to accept and even harder not to second guess ourselves.
We talked about some of the questions you might ask, and you have others I didn’t mention in the last column, as it pertains to being prescribed supplemental oxygen therapy and living with this change.
In most situations trying to stay as calm as possible is the best medicine in about any adversity we may encounter. But I have to say when it comes to oxygen therapy, it’s even more important to get yourself out of a panic state and into a calmer mode.
The first time, take a moment, close your eyes, and recall that first severe shortness of breath and how you felt. It was panic mode, right? It was for me — I thought I was going to pass out right there in my hospital room. Scary stuff, remember? The caregivers were an immense help, they came to my aid and helped me get through it. This is what your caregivers are trained to do.
My advice early is don’t be alone if you can help it. Or don’t leave the hospital or rehab until you have the proper support at home. Make sure you have the oxygen supplies set-up at home when you are discharged. Make it an easy transition. You will have enough anxiety already, no more is required.
Be prepared for setbacks. This is new and things will happen.
The first time when the pulse oximeter reads low, you’ll panic. It’s ok. The readings often can change from finger to finger. Sometimes a cold finger can cause a poor result. Just change fingers and compare your results. I recommend cleaning the pulse ox in between taking a reading. Simply wipe where you place your finger with an alcohol wipe. This can make all the difference in getting a clear reading because you are able to make good contact.
Even in the healthcare setting, you will recall the clinician cleaning the device first. This is helpful in removing the oils that accumulate on the device, and help you get a better connection.
You also can get a gadget that can give you a reading from your earlobe. If you are at the hospital, you can have them do a forehead reading. Select whichever device improves your confidence. However, when it’s just you, remember to take a few readings as mentioned, and if things are still not right make a call to your clinician to share your concerns. Low oxygen isn’t something to mess with.
I would suggest keeping a log, or small notebook. As you start expanding your activity levels, you will want to be aware of your oxygen levels while you are performing certain tasks.
Don’t be a hero, people who have been prescribed oxygen therapy are supposed to increase the amount based on what they are doing, then lowering it back to a lower level once completed. I keep track of outside activities, like walking, exercising on gym equipment, talking too much, 😊, extremely guilty. Remember any activity from yard and garden work to taking a shower. Make sure you have the adequate amount to keep you safe. If you create more damage from low oxygen saturation, it can sometimes not be reversed. So it is important to be smart!
Another important detail is to contact your electric company and let them know you have an oxygen concentrator in your house. This main unit is your lifeline, and you want to be on the first responders list to get your electric turned back on if you lose power. I would make sure you have a backup oxygen source. This can be a large backup oxygen cylinder, or a portable oxygen concentrator that can be powered by motor vehicle power in the event there is an emergency or power loss. I would always carry about six of the E-tanks as my back-up.
Having a plan gives you the ability to get the oxygen you need while you are waiting on support from your oxygen supplier and/or service provider.
If it is a real emergency, call 911, or your police, or fire department. They can help you get the oxygen you need in these situations. If you are alone, don’t waste time, call a neighbor or someone close by to help you remain calm while you wait for help.
Again, be prepared ahead of time and have a plan in place.
This is where all your lessons on breathing can really help you. Pursed lip breathing can keep you calm and help you breathe properly while you wait. Stay awake and as alert as possible, saving your energy. Sit, rest, and relax. Having a plan in place before an emergency will help with the anxiety.
Don’t forget to keep your portable oxygen concentrator batteries charged. When I was using my FreeStyle Comfort portable oxygen concentrator I would charge it when I was at home or visiting friends. Always have your charging cords with you for wall and motor vehicle power. Get a small bag to carry your supplies, including extra tubing and cannulas, and a pulse ox. It is well worth it having solutions right at your fingertips.
Supplemental oxygen therapy is obviously a necessity for many of us on this journey. Embrace it, and lessen the load of the unknown by making a solid plan to make sure you are prepared for most things is everything my friends. You got this!!!
Until next time.
#breathe-easy
#touchaheart
#communicatetoyourteam
#smile everyday
Love you all.
~ Coach Bob
Bob Rawlins, 64, of Medina, Ohio, is a double lung transplant recipient and a patient advocate for those who suffer from respiratory diseases and have been prescribed supplemental oxygen therapy. He is husband to Terese and father to their 17-year-old triplets. He also has two grown twin sons and four grandchildren. He serves as a hospital volunteer, band dad and chaperone, and marketing guru.
If you have been prescribed oxygen therapy, learn more about CAIRE by visiting www.caireinc.com/patients or by calling 1-800-482-2473 to talk to an oxygen advisor.
The contents of this blog post are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician for personalized medical advice. When using any oxygen therapy device please consult the applicable product instructions for use for product indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and detailed safety information.