Outings 2

[Carnival567]

Well, just returned from the BHI where l had a thorough review and discovered I am to have an angiogram and a left and right heart catheterisation. Lugged the concentrator around with me until I finally gave up when I discovered that the haematology department was miles away and took the offer of a wheelchair. Everyone commented on the size of the concentrator, apparently the supplier to the South West has a lot more small ones. Don't know whether this is true or not! Thank you everyone who sent good wishes, it is much appreciated. xxx

[Time_2_drink]

Hope your hospital visits will be whittled down when you have had your procedures. It seems never ending doesnt it. .I agree about size of so called portable concentrator. Which i loaned when i went to centre parks had to give up and use wheelchair. Was hoping it was going to be small enough to carry then When i had to use the chair attatch to handles no chance .I wish i was a nose Breather a chap at Breathe easy is and his concentrator is handbag size. So much easier love Margaret x

[Carnival567 in reply to Time_2_drink]

I hope so too, rather depends on what they find next week. The consultant said we would have that conversation later! You have to just try to enjoy what you can don't you? The oxygen has made a huge difference, pity I had to wait so long, and the antidepressant is working now. I see the counsellor tomorrow and respiratory nurse on Thursday. I have, however, joined the small choir at church and I am really looking forward to seeing if I can manage it. Do hope you are feeling better today xx

Love Rosemary

[sassy59]

Thinking of you Carnival and wishing you a time in the near future to actually enjoy outings.

Take care xxxxx

[Gayfere]

I agree about the size of the "portable" concentrator. Mine is the same weight as (or even slightly heavier than) the oxygen bottles. As I am on 4 LPM it only lasts an hour (which is the same as the bottle) before needing recharging. However they did give me a little trolley to transport it on but even so I feel like the Queen of Sheba with an entourage just to go to the toilet!!! An hour is not really long enough for me to go out and enjoy myself but it does give me the option to get a little fresh air. I have looked at buying a concentrator which is considerably lighter than the one I have been given but at £2500, for someone with a very limited life spam this seems a lot of money. I will continue to be thankful for the little things, including the picture of my grandson walking beside me with the concentrator and my granddaughter steadying me so I didn't fall. I am truly blessed.

[Carnival567]

I do so agree with you. My concentrator does have wheels, but I still tend to crash it into things if I am not careful. I am only on 2 l/m but it still only lasts an hour but the nurse kindly plugged it in for me at one point, which was useful. As I said I have cylinders as well, but when I first got them I could barely carry them ! Much better now. I too am thinking about buying my own concentrator with a small legacy my dear father in law left, but yes, they are expensive, how about a reconditioned one? Just keep breathing, that is the main thing. All the best xx