Need advice

[Margie2553]

Have been put on oxygen 24/7 yesterday trying to get my head around it any advice or words of encouragement would be appreciated even after 24 hours my nose feels sore

[Amethyst11]

Hi Margie, I've been on oxygen 24/7 for the past 4 years now, a single parent of 2 teenagers so haven't had much time feel sorry for myself which is probably a good thing. You will bound to feel worried or self conscious when going out at first but I have found people kind and helpful and usually let me jump the queue when shopping! I have a trolley on wheels for my portable oxygen as they are very heavy to carry. Am not sure if u using the straight or the curved nose prongs - the straight ones made my nose sore too but have found the curved ones comfortable. Please don't hesitate to ask anything else. Take care.

[Margie2553 in reply to Amethyst11]

How do you cook when you are on oxygen 24/7

[Amethyst11 in reply to Margie2553]

Presume u are hooked up to a concentrator with a long lead that goes all around house as I have & I carried on as usual with cooking although I have an electric oven. I have never used a gas oven so I would ask for advice from my oxygen supplier on safety when cooking on gas. I also find the microwave, actifryer and a slow cooker make things much easier too.

[Margie2553 in reply to Amethyst11]

I have electric and halogen oven he said gas was worse but not to cook near any heat source I'm confused yes I'm hooked to a concentrator with long tubing they tell you all the technical things but not the practical

[Hacienda in reply to Margie2553]

Ha Ha, I sometimes sling the Tube over my Shoulder..I know it's dangerous, but we have to cook and just being very careful.. having Moved house recently, I am now cooking on Gas, most of my time on Oxygen have had Electric cooker.Not sure which is the less of two evils? Some days I'm ok not to have Oxygen, so try and Plan ahead with the preparing and do it when you feel less Breathless..I'm on mine for 16/20 hours a day/night...Good Luck Margie. xxx

[Amethyst11]

Well margi I've been cooking on my oxy for over 4 years now and I haven't set myself alight yet! Lol. It's just a matter of being careful and not putting your face near to a naked flame or high heat source. I never use the hobs for that reason and don't switch the oven on until after putting food inside then switching off before removing it. Your oxygen supplier should have given you a booklet on using oxygen safely around the house or you may find extra information online.

[Margie2553 in reply to Amethyst11]

Thanks for the advice much appreciated

[Hidden]

I'm also on 24/7 Oxygen. I'm always getting mixed up with the tubes - the noise drives me mad when I want to sleep but we both need it. If it's any help - I've cut my nasal prongs down just a little which has stopped my nose getting sore. It's not easy - but give it a few days and you'll get used to things. Good luck

[joyce74]

You will get used to it and begin to see the value to be gained from it. I have been on it since May last year. As for the sore nose KY Jelly inserted in the nose clears it up in a few hours and is safe to use. I have an alternative lubricant that I buy from Poundland which works just as well. My cannisters sit in my walker when I am out and about.

[jjnanna]

Well if it is any consolation to any of you .... I have 1 lung, copd, many other medical problems and was on oxygen 15/20 hrs a day for quite a while ..... then my sats improved so take heart it isn't always forever, you can get better .... I may need to go on it again another day ... who knows but for now I am 'okay' chins up guys and take care xxxx

[Amethyst11 in reply to jjnanna]

Sadly as I have kyphoscoliosis I will now be attached to my oxygen dog lead for life 24/7 but am very happy for you jjnanna that you are improving and feeling much better which will give hope to other copd sufferers.

[jjnanna]

Also for your nose use a small dab of vaseline on a cotton bud and line just inside your nostrils with it and get some NYSTAN from docs or chemist in case your tongue and throat get sore too .... but chin up ... you are alive xxxx

[MoJones62 in reply to jjnanna]

I was advised not to use vaseline because it is flammable (?) I think. I was told to get KY jelly and that helps.

[Hidden]

You should avoid any and all paraffin or oil based creams, lotions or gels such as vaseline or E45 as these can become very flammable when saturated with oxygen.

KY jelly and other water based products do not have this problem.

Ingredient reading time i'm afraid.

[gcap]

Aquagel from the Chemists is very helpful re any soreness in the nose or on the ears.

AND YES, HAD STRICT WARNING TO AVOID VASELINE, VICK VAPORUB, ETC.

Small rubber tubes which the Oxygen people supply are helpful to avoid rubbing on the ears.

Best wishes to all in the forum, very useful and interesting. As someone said, here we get the practical.