Contributed by Natalie Haglund, consultant to CAIRE Inc.~
Living with a chronic lung disease is life-changing. I’ve discussed in previous blogs how it has affected what I am able to do and my lifestyle. These are difficult things to accept and adjust to, and I still struggle with it as my mind is awfully determined and wants to do more than my lungs are capable of.
This past year has been particularly challenging as my condition slightly declined and my supplemental oxygen use increased. The year was filled with more doctors’ appointments, more tests, more biopsies, and more medications. All of that more, more, more equated to less, less, less in other areas of my life. Less energy, less activities, and so on.
All these things, and then some, certainly affected me mentally. I spent a lot of time focusing on what I couldn’t do or wasn’t doing compared to the past few years. But, one day, I had a fleeting thought. An “ah-ha!” moment. Instead of continuing to think about what I wasn’t doing or where I wasn’t going, I focused on what I was actually doing and where I have been going, and why it was possible. The reason is because of my portable oxygen concentrator (POC). Without it, I would be very limited. My CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort continues to be my Game Changer (see my previous blog, The Game Changer).
So, where have I been and what have I been doing you might be wondering. First off, my POC has allowed me to continue working. I am an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) in a hospital. Per my smartwatch, I average 9,000 steps each day when I’m at work. I have two batteries for my POC, which makes it possible for me to power my device throughout the day. Continuing to work is important to me as not only does it allow me to have necessary things such as income, health insurance, etc., but it also allows me to have a sense of purpose. I am fulfilled by meaningful, productive work.
Secondly, I have been having a little fun this past year. Traveling to the theater and concerts has always been a favorite pastime for me. Live music and performances fill me with energy and happiness. Great memories with great friends.
I also managed two short camping trips this year. Instead of my usual three-day, two-night trip, these were reduced to one overnight. Enough time for outdoor adventure and exploration, but short enough to not completely exhaust me. The second trip was in October, and I consider it a “cold weather” experience. It rained, and it was chilly. Hiking and cooking in the drizzling rain added to the adventure. The temperature dropped to 46 degrees overnight. Warm clothes and a warm sleeping bag kept me cozy all night. The morning brought heavier rain, so after making a quick pot of French press coffee outside, we ate breakfast in the front seat of the car, using the dashboard as a buffet. These conditions brought an added challenge to my portable oxygen concentrator, as it needed to stay dry. I wore my POC cross body and covered it with my oversized rain jacket. I’m happy I “weathered” that adventure. It created new and fond memories.
Another adventure I’ve undertaken in 2024 … I went back to school! This has been in the works for quite a while, and the program I was accepted to started in January. I am working toward an ADN (Advanced Degree Nurse, otherwise known as a Registered Nurse). There is a lot of coursework, and we are also required to complete in-person skills lab, simulation lab, and clinical days. These hands-on days wouldn’t be possible if I didn’t have my FreeStyle Comfort. It’s not easy, but it’s doable for me, and I’m looking forward to graduation this spring. Last but not least, I completed two 5K races in 2024 with my portable oxygen concentrator. These races are difficult for me, but also very rewarding and one of my favorite goals to set for myself. Stay tuned for a future blog about my 5Ks!
I’ve been living with interstitial lung disease for 10 years now. It’s a constant ebb and flow of physical and mental challenges. While there are things I mourn because of my lung disease, there are also so many accomplishments and memories I treasure because of it. All because of one game changer. You guessed it, my FreeStyle Comfort! As 2024 wraps and we move into 2025, think about what you have been able to do and what has helped you along the way? What’s your game changer?
Natalie Haglund, 51, diagnosed with Idiopathic NSIP (a type of interstitial lung disease), lives in northern Minnesota where she works as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the operating room. She enjoys photography, hiking, concerts, crafty projects, and time with her daughter, friends and family.
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.