Contributed by Bob “Oxygen Man” Rawlins, oxygen user and consultant to CAIRE Inc. ~
So, each month I usually bring in some thoughts on how you deal with things both while you may be facing an illness journey or facing everyday challenges while not facing illness.
Both require, perseverance, inner strength, confidence, patience, learning and, of course, courage.
I’m sure there are other very good character traits, but you get the idea.
I am so proud of all my fellow patients fighting every day for their small, but courageous victories that require inner strength every day.
So, along this same vein, let us have some fun!
A guide, top 10 things we need to embrace or try, and do when it comes to living on oxygen and noseology. 😊 (And please share your ideas, I’m sure I’ll miss some.)
10. Move slower, it’s not a race. Wear a yield sign on your back if you must, but take your time and breathe-easy my friends. Don’t get intimidated with your disability. You are special.
9. Down days are ok. Rest is important. No guilt needed. Find a hobby that you never had time to do before and enjoy that “me” time.
8. Make kindness your main objective. It’s not other people’s fault for your current situation. Everything on our journey is about having that positive attitude. Being kind makes your own heart and you feel better. It’s also much better for your health.
7. Appear and make public showings often. You are the main character to your courageous story of living every day to its fullest. Be proud of where you are and where you are going on your journey. Share and teach others how important it is to embrace each day with open arms.
6. Avoid kinks in the links. It will set off those annoying oxygen concentrator noises and make everyone in the house go nuts! Sometimes, it is a cool prank to get their attention, LOL. But getting it stuck under furniture and doors does nothing good for the oxygen flow.
5. Stepping on the hose is not fun. How many times is your first step right on the nose hose? Makes me crazy. Stand up and move, and kill the ears on the infamous hose pull. I am nowhere near mastering this. Comes down to #10 — Move slower. Or, grab the hose first and then stand up. Trust me, I know, it seems to be the most challenging of tasks while on oxygen therapy.
4. Change the hose in your nose often. I apply nose cream as well. Ask for it at your next appointment or talk to your oxygen equipment supplier. It helps with the stepping on the hose too, doesn’t hurt as bad, LOL! So, I change it every two-three days. There is a bunch of crap in there, right? Your insurance doesn’t charge you more for the supplies. So, order them – changing out the hose can keep out additional bacteria that may further damage your lungs.
3. Change the ugly looking longer tubing more often than most oxygen suppliers recommend. Go ahead and look. That hose is ugly. Turns brown and has tons of bacteria in it. Might even have some small holes in it as well. Some say every six to seven months for a change. What? No way. I change it once a month if not sooner due to health, company, animals, etc. If you get sick, change the tubes.
2. This is important, LAUGH YOUR ASS OFF. Nothing is better than laughter. The best medicine ever. You know, we aren’t perfect, and we make mistakes and we do stupid stuff at times, but fix it and laugh about it. Try to avoid the ugly stuff, LOL.
1. Be thankful for every day the Lord provides. I hope this doesn’t offend anyone. It’s not meant to. If it does that is your choice. My choice is to be thankful and keep my faith. It has helped me in so many ways.
So, I hope this list can help you on your journey and you can add others I’ve forgotten.
Love you all.
Till next time.
#breathe-easy
#touchaheart
#laugheveryday
Love,
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.