Tell me about using oxygen.

[pollyjj]

I am going for an oxygen assessment on Tuesday if I have to use it I think it will be ambulatory, so I would like some advice on what it is like.

Is it hard to get used to and will I really have to carry one of those cylinders around with me I am not very strong and have not much muscle left, can't even carry shopping bags.

polly xx

[Hidden]

Sorry Polly can't help you with that,but I'm sure there are plenty whom can!

Just want to send all good wishes to you,& hope all goes well.

Love Wendells xxx

[pollyjj in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Wendells

[Hidden]

Hi there Polly...you just beat me to it as I was also going to ask the same question. Have just been assessed and given ambulatory oxy and like you have other conditions to contend with. Just recovering from spinal fractures and also have arthritis badly in both shoulders; like you I haven't been able to carry anything for a good long time.

I'm 58 but pretty frail at the moment and do get very breathless.

My oxygen was delivered 3 days ago with a trolley to wheel it around on, (it's in a canvas bag also if you want to lift it off). And there it sits in the corner at the moment. I don't want to put you off but Hank the Tank and me quickly fell out as I found him clingy and quite restrictive!

On a more positive note and after trying him out again over this weekend (just around the home) I feel we might yet reach some kind of understanding

Am not even looking beyond to outdoors - I live alone and though I use a shopping trolley think it would be just too heavy and bulky to cart around. Wonder if anyone else in a similar situation could offer their experiences on this?

Lovelight x

[wellman2]

Hi Polly been on ambulatory oxygen for over a year now it is awkward to get used to I still get tangled in the tubing but am not very co ordinated any way. I just phone up when I need a ne w cylinder The cylinders are quite heavy and they have now provided me with a trolly to tow it around, Not too much of a problem getting used to it, might be worth mentioning to them when you have your assessment , that you have a problem with carrying heavy weights. The used toi provide smaller cylinders but my oxygen provider says the are now for children only. Good luck with your assessment maybe you won t need it after all.

[stone-UK]

Hi

When you go on Tuesday , ask about alternatives.

There is two types of delivery systems , contious, or pulse.

If you do not ask they will leave you on cylinders.

Also ask for a bag and trolley.

Cylinders. On pulse last twice as long.

There is also liquid oxygen,

And thirdly a portable concentrator .

Your supply Air Liquid? do all three

I was assessed by my respitory nurse prior to PR classes .

Given 2 lpm on exercise and moving around

I have to go for a full assement , at the local hospital

.

[pollyjj in reply to stone-UK]

Thank you for that I did not know that I will ask on Tuesday.

[Jemma]

Hello Polly

I'm a lightweight too and my muscles have also disappeared so I appreciate your problems about carrying things.

Press this weight difficulty subject home to the assessor for a start.

I first started on the tanks but too heavy. I now have Liquid Oxygen which is lighter but still not that light. Also with LOX you have to factor in filling the tank from the main Dewar (my husband does that).

One word of advise - I was going to buy a Portable Oxygen Concentrator which run off the mains and also batteries and some are advertised as weighing "only" 2 lbs or something like that. The fact is that by placing together all the gizmos that come with them, they can well double or treble their true weight. Luckily I was able to try one from my 02 supplier before purchasing.

All the very best.

[pollyjj in reply to Jemma]

Hi that is very interesting and something to reember. I can't have liquid oxygen as I believe it has to be kept somewhere outside and I don't have anywhere suitable

[Hidden]

Hi, I have been on oxygen when active for a while now. I am strong enough to carry the bottle on my back or when we go shopping I put it on the back of the trolley. At home I have a concentrator with a 50ft pipe. I have seen bottles on trollies at the hospital so that could be an option for you. What ever solution there is I am sure it will work out for you. I must confess I wasn't keen on the idea of having to use oxygen but now I realise what a benefit it is and how it keeps me from being out of breath. Keep well.

[Mocarey]

I have been on oxygen for a few years now. The little bottles are quite good if you have the strength to carry them, I don't. My oxygen supplier doesn't supply a trolly to cary it about. However as my walking was becoming more dificult and my physio at my local health centre provided me with a rollator, The little bag at the front carried my cylinder easily and has transformed my life. If you can't get one from them they are not too expensive from some of the mobility centres.

[pollyjj]

Thank you everyone for your advice will let you know how I get on Tuesday.

polly xx

[dunmow1]

I have a little trolley for my cylinder, so it is easy to move around. Fed up today another chest infection, will be 78 on Friday and was looking forward to a lunch out, its hell being old.