Contributed by Bob Rawlins, oxygen user and consultant to CAIRE Inc. ~ Do you or have you experimented with different ways to go about receiving your oxygen therapy?
I remember how confusing it was at first. It was easy when you were in the hospital and the hose came out of the wall. They could determine how much you needed by moving the meter flow up or down based on your current breathing patterns, etc.
Then you had to do what? Get out of bed. Get to the toilet, start your PT or your OT, maybe take a shower. Now the big oxygen tanks come into play. Pull behinds, stuff them in a wheelchair, whatever. But you always had help, a nurse or aide, right?
But it was so intimidating at times wasn’t it? This ordeal was the first time I have ever been in a hospital overnight. So, now, oxygen tanks, oxygen therapy? Desaturation, recovery time, sit and wait until your numbers come back up into the 90’s. Really?
I remember turning over in bed and watching my oxygen numbers drop. But we learn to adapt, never give up, ask for help and educate ourselves on how we are going to live and with the most flexibility and normalcy we can.
So, how do you go about that? What’s on your cart? I use to have a double tank pull, yeah and could have used a team of Husky Dogs to help me tug it around — “Oly and Oliver the Oxygen tank twins,” LOL.
I was new to this and kept researching … I explored the single tank cart, “Oliver and the pulsating regulator,” that was better, and I could dress him up when we went out.
Awesome for the beach, once I got there, tracking through the sand was a bit of work, but the resting place was great. The breeze, was so good for the lungs.
Then the backpacks and smaller tanks. They didn’t last as long, but a bit less weight. Had to be more scheduled with my time and where I was going. I keep tanks in the car so I could change them. But I conducted still more research.
Technology today is so awesome and CAIRE Medical is right at the forefront of it. I have researched many companies and equipment, and I love what they have to offer.
I have had my eQuinox for over a year now and you would have to fight me for it today. It has created a new way of life for me. Flexibility, normalcy, and the true ability to cope with my illness. I golf, ski, volunteer, soccer train/coach, sing, dance a little, try and do the things I can but within the parameters that my breathing allows. Granted not as fast, but I do it!!!
So, I ask you, WHAT’S ON YOUR OXYGEN CART?
My suggestion: keep your tanks from the insurance company and buy a portable oxygen concentrator. They make it easy for you to purchase, and you won’t regret it, trust me. You’ll feel better, you might even live longer. I bet because your attitude will be so much more positive. Attitude is everything!
Of course, you have to get your doctor to approve and write a prescription, but ask. It is so worth it.
I have flown many times with it, you can sleep with it, great for vacations, and you can feel like new again.
Caution: you may forget about your illness, so be careful, 🙂
If you have any questions, please reach out and ask.
Share your experiences. Today’s technology is amazing and always changing. Companies like CAIRE Medical are always looking for better ways to help people like us enjoy and live our lives to the fullest.
‘Til next time!
#BreatheEasy
#SmileEveryDay
#Celebrate!!
– Coach Bob
Bob Rawlins, 60, of Medina, Ohio, is husband to Terese and father to their 13-year-old triplets, a soccer coach, a hospital volunteer, and marketing guru. He enjoys skiing and golfing with his SeQual eQuinox portable oxygen concentrator.
If you have been prescribed oxygen therapy, learn more about CAIRE by visiting www.cairemedical.com or 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.