I am not to that point yet, but I assume you mean the "stigma" of dragging around oxygen in public? Well if it is your health who cares what others think? although I do understand where you are coming from, I too worry what others think of me even tho I shouldn't care.

thanks so much for your quick reply - yes I am not comfortable with lugging around the tank - but I am also not ready for the alternative (death) - hopefully I can get more comfortable with it.

p.s. love you dog - I have a german shepard who thinks she is a yorkie

have a great day!!!
Roe

Hi Roe. Great screen name. Welcome to the Group! There are a lot really nice people here.

I feel your pain and vanity. Grantm has the right attitude and I guess you and I will feel the same way, someday, but for now it is hard. I will say it is getting easier. Let me tell you though, you will start to look up and look into other peoples eyes before to long..and guess what they may not even be looking at you! You think everybody is looking at you, but most aren't. If they are looking at you, try not to look away. Just smile and say Hi, how are you (and keep going). The more confident you sound, the more confident you wil become.
Soon, you will be holding your head up all the time. Baby steps Roe, baby steps.

Good Luck

Laurie

Awww Hon its hard to get used to....I had to flip it all over and accept that if I wanted to have any sort of life outside of the house I would just have to get used to it....So I have taught myself to be thankful to have my mini oxygen...(baby bruce) in addition to my concentrator (Bruce) because now I am able to enjoy my activities again....When people ask I just answer....children crack me up sometimes but believe me lol Adults can be just as curious and thats just okay....It takes a bit of time....But again it beats the heck out of being forced to stay at home simply because I cannot breathe or do much without it.....

Good luck....
Love and Blessings, Serenity

Just do it....had the same conversation with my dad about hearing aids, my mom about her cane, my daughter with 2 broken arms in contraptions that made her look like a robot, the list goes on and on. What about the parents with severely disabled children in those wheelchairs with velcro staps to keep the 17 year old kid from falling out. I now have a friend undergoing chemo- she is bald and looks amazing. We all have (or will have) a time that we don't look quite "normal". The people who will judge you (and yes, some will) are not worth your time. You need REAL friends that care, not superficial people that criticize. We need to just get out there and not worry about THEM. Also, I'm sure you look much better (and will create less disturbance) with your tank in tow than gasping for breath and turning blue. My comments may sound harsh. I'm a nurse...that's how we think. My hope is to motivate you to get out there. Oh yes...one more thing...have you considered a beach vacation in the US? I was just thinking that if you are concerned at all about your health issues that staying in the country might be less anxiety. We do have some beautiful beaches right here. :)

thanks so very much for all your quick replies - I fell a little better already - I have an appointment with my lung specialist (the doctor that did my lung volume reduction surgery ) - I'll keep you all posted

thanks again
Roe

HOney, there are a lot more things to worry about then what people think of you , or how you look. If you need it, use it. I am on 3 liters at rest and 4 on exertion and 5 liters when I sleep. To top that, I cannot walk more than about 3 to 5 ft with out severe breathlessness. Guess what i learned? I learned that there are a lot of nice people in the world, and I have been treated with the utmost of respect. I expect you will find the same thing. I'm with hellosister on this one. If anyone is going to judge you and be mean based on your looks, then it doesn't matter what they think anyway. Taking and using 02 is no different then someone using a hearing aid if they need it, or me in the wheelchair, or a person who needs glasses wearing them. Don't let it bother you.

Great topic. I have been in the same boat. I know its vein but I have the same problem. My dr. wanted me on it all the time but I still work full time. And I cant were at work. And still have a hard time going outside without. I do pretty good now with the oxgen just at night but I know the time is going to come were i will need it full time.

Hi all- new here but I understand where your coming from. I especially was resistant to lugging around the portable tanks etc. It made it easier for me when I bought a personal portable O2 compressor. I can either plug it in or run off of battery and its small and pretty discrete.
I gave in because I finally decided vanity wasn't as important as being forced to stay home or stop doing things I love. Yes, people still give me a funny look but hey... at least now I go out and see people ( lol)

Hi Roe..I use liquid oxygen, 2 liters at night and as needed during the day. I have a portable "Helios" to use out of the house. This is a small container which is good for several hours (depending the number of liters you use). It is light weight and very easy to handle. I have had it for a year, but I, too, am still uneasy using it in public..I am vain. I take it shopping and use it while driving, but leave it in the car when I go to the stores. But, if my condition gets worse, I will use it in public. Good luck and, if when needed, use your air for good health. Florcia