COPD & Emphysema Support Group
COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...
First off ..hello everyone. I think I have posted on here before but cannot remember? I just have spent the last several days doing pretty much nothing except reading 100's of the posts on this forum.
Well my last Dr visit.......by the time I got to the desk I couldn't talk. The receptionist had to wait a few times for me to finish telling her who I was seeing. Of course I have had these problems for some time but didn't realize I needed O2 with activity. I just knew I just couldn't walk very far or do much anymore,
Well by the time I got to the exam room..she immediately hooked me up to O2. I had a walk test again that day and so well you know the rest. I am now on O2 24hrs a day. Dr said I can take it off when I am just sitting.
Sometimes I would feel okay and try to do a little activity without it. But my stats plummet! Went shopping with my daughter and we couldn't get close parking (forgot my handicap card) by the time I walked into the cafe, sat down, got up to go to restroom, I had to stop on the way back. when I got to our table I took my stats and it was 74! yikes! so guess I wont be doing that again. yes I have already bought a POC to take with me
it is hard getting used to my 50 foot hose! So far have gotten tangled in it not sure how many times.......and almost tripping others......knocking things off a table etc etc! Trying to figure out how to carry things and try to manage the tube.
I am okay as long as I just sit. so the 02 stats are at like 95-97 with Oxygen, . I worry about carbon dioxide but I am up and down a lot. so not sure if I should just take it off and leave it on or what. I cant go in and turn it off cause my stats will go down. crazy!
I have emphysema with a Fev 1 of 32%. I was on O2 at night only for the last 2 years....but just lately given a PFT. Anyway now I am a member of the 24/7 club.
Have sure enjoyed getting to know alot of you reading ton of posts!
Cheryl
Well my last Dr visit.......by the time I got to the desk I couldn't talk. The receptionist had to wait a few times for me to finish telling her who I was seeing. Of course I have had these problems for some time but didn't realize I needed O2 with activity. I just knew I just couldn't walk very far or do much anymore,
Well by the time I got to the exam room..she immediately hooked me up to O2. I had a walk test again that day and so well you know the rest. I am now on O2 24hrs a day. Dr said I can take it off when I am just sitting.
Sometimes I would feel okay and try to do a little activity without it. But my stats plummet! Went shopping with my daughter and we couldn't get close parking (forgot my handicap card) by the time I walked into the cafe, sat down, got up to go to restroom, I had to stop on the way back. when I got to our table I took my stats and it was 74! yikes! so guess I wont be doing that again. yes I have already bought a POC to take with me
it is hard getting used to my 50 foot hose! So far have gotten tangled in it not sure how many times.......and almost tripping others......knocking things off a table etc etc! Trying to figure out how to carry things and try to manage the tube.
I am okay as long as I just sit. so the 02 stats are at like 95-97 with Oxygen, . I worry about carbon dioxide but I am up and down a lot. so not sure if I should just take it off and leave it on or what. I cant go in and turn it off cause my stats will go down. crazy!
I have emphysema with a Fev 1 of 32%. I was on O2 at night only for the last 2 years....but just lately given a PFT. Anyway now I am a member of the 24/7 club.
Have sure enjoyed getting to know alot of you reading ton of posts!
Cheryl
I started O2 24/7 in April. It takes some getting used to. But now I'm pretty good at whipping the 50 feet of plastic around to where I want it to be. My worst is when it gets caught on something and tries to yank off my ears. Ugh.
Hugs!
Tis a good place you've found if knowledge and kindly people is what you need. Here's link to a device that many use to keep their ears in place:http://www.walmart.com/ip/Advantus-Badge-Straps-w-Clip-Vinyl-3-8-w-100-Box/14916531
Yeah, you get a buttload for your money, but you will find them useful. Oft you have to build up the cannula line to keep it from slipping, but a bit of electrical tape cures that. as far as how to use them, I'll leave that exercise to the students.
Stick with the O2 on, as a long term O2 shortage is far worse than you can imagine.
Dennis
sorry you have joined our 24/7 club.
the clips that dennis posted are wonderful.
i personally like several 10' lines instead of the one 50' line as i seem to walk in circles & my line gets twisted. several smaller lines with the swivels in between help that.
altho, then the swivels get caught a few places. over time though i found the major "catch" areas & have put some ingenious thing to block that area so my home is getting more and more "catch proof".
of course that doesn't seem to prevent me from standing on my own cord when i stand up & ripping my ears off, or my dog following behind me & stepping on my line when i least expect it. LOL
i personally have a Love/hate with my 02. i hate that i have to wear it, but i love being able to breath and not have to feel that horrid 02 depraved feeling like you felt going to the store. it has given me the freedom to stay much more independent.
my 02 supply company has 1 monthly fee & covers just about everything i need for home & going out & even if i travel they will send a concentrator where i am going & have what i need waiting, so you might want to check with your company about what they provide you before you buy too much of your own stuff.
good luck. sorry you have joined our club, but happy breathing ((((HUGS)))))
Best wishes to you and keep up with the O2 and take care of yourself.
Hugs...
Curt
I was just put on 24/7 in June. It does take some getting use to, but I'm like you I am fine when I sit, but who want's to sit all the time? Not me. This is a great group of people and so caring and loving. I don't post a lot just read. I'm not real good with words but again welcome.
Hugs