Home oxygen.

[Damon1864]

I am really pleased with my ambulatory oxygen, I thought I might have been a bit unsure of wearing it in public but actually I don't mind. I did get some funny looks off people, but hey if it helps me then let them look. 😊 Bernadette xxx

[O2Trees]

O2 is so associated, often in TV hospital series, with serious accidents, post operative or end of life care that people are a bit surprised to see people using it while living a normal life. When I go to our Waitrose, (doesnt seem to happen in Tesco or Sainsburys for some reason) there are lots of people in wheelchairs looking quite frail using supplementary O2 - then when I march by with mine on my back I do get a lot of stares.

You're an oxygen warrior and a great role model Bernadette - remember that! The more we are out there with our O2, the more it gets normalised and easier for everyone to feel ok using it out in the community.

[Stumpy55 in reply to O2Trees]

Absolutely 02Trees, I agree with you 100% about 02, I really don't care what anyone thinks about what looks right, if it's needed then use it. I would sooner breath properly with oxygen than panic without it. After all, all of us are only on this planet once so upwards and onwards.

[Damon1864 Volunteer in reply to O2Trees]

That's a wonderful way of looking at it. I will remember that. Thank you.😊xxx

[Hidden]

I’m glad for you Bernadette..people who give you funny looks are just ignorant.

Take good care 🌸🌼🌻

Fran x

[Robin77]

That's really nice!

[sassy59]

Great attitude Bernadette and glad you are getting out and about. Xxxx

[2greys]

Go for it, let them stare. Look at it this way, girls have always found ways to get noticed, whether wearing mini skirts to just plain make-up. Lucky girl

[Damon1864 Volunteer in reply to 2greys]

I like your thinking 2greys, 😂xxx

[Carnival567]

I quite agree. Most people are helpful, some give you funny looks and children will ask questions. You are, of course, training to be an astronaut!

[Judith41 in reply to Carnival567]

Love the astronaut idea. Could look out the old goldfish bowl as a headpiece. Then winter boots, gardening gloves and a onsie.......Thank you Carnival for my Sunday smile. 😊 xx

[Judith41 in reply to Judith41]

I have really just fancied adding a false moustach to mine ! ! Xx

[skischool]

i am trying to organise my wardrobe around my portable concentrator,anything that goes with black seems to blend in well.perhaps we should get cannula's with different colours as well,bit like chords for spectacles.good to hear you are getting about and enjoying life with your new pal..................Ski's and a tube free Scruff's x

[Damon1864 Volunteer in reply to skischool]

Thanks ski.xxx😊

[Misstickle in reply to skischool]

You can actually buy cannulas in different colours - I've seen them on the internet. Though I can't think why anyone would really want to buy them unless they are a bit of an exhibitionist. You can barely see one is wearing the neutral ones and, also, if you're in the UK, you get them free anyway so why pay for them.

[skischool in reply to Misstickle]

But the whole idea is to wear one with as loud a colour as possible and have not a care in the world about what people think,that's not exhibitionism that's utter freedom.must hunt them out and to hell with the expense x

[Damon1864 Volunteer in reply to skischool]

Will do ski and scruff.xxx😊

[Stumpy55 in reply to skischool]

Too right Skischool go for it, be true to yourself and enjoy all that life has to offer, and why not. I know one thing for sure, you will always put a smile on our faces and the encouragement to move forward, thankyou for that. ✋️😉

[Stumpy55]

I'm pleased for you Damon1864, as long as you can breath better, well that's a blessing in itself isn't it. Bless your heart and stay happy and don't worry about others it's a wasted energy. 🌹✋️

[Lmax]

Doesn’t matter what anyone thinks - the oxygen is enabling you to get out and live as normal a life as possible. I have been on oxygen therapy for over 10 years now and know I wouldn’t be here without it.

[Hidden]

Well done. Majt 🌻

[Hacienda]

Good for you Bernadette. I was at a family Christening today, I had bought a lovely Red Dress and felt Glam, I had thought about Coloured cannulas , today would have been ideal to have had one in red to match my lovely Dress... Yes, Stand tall and proud of our Oxy Friend who keeps us alive...I may put some little flowers on the ear loops to Brighten these rainy days...I never shy away form my friend, wherever I go, my friend is always there to support & Help me. Happy Sunday Tomorrow, Have a Great day Hun...Carolina XXXXX

[Robin77 in reply to Hacienda]

Flower power! What a sweet idea!🌸🌸🌼🌼🌹🌹🌹

[Caspiana]

That's the spirit Bernadette!! So glad it's working well for you. xx 🙋🐕

[joyce74]

Glad you are getting used to it when outdoors. Think we probably all get the stares , I just smile at them, sure they don't mean any ill will.

[Hidden]

I was embarrassed at first now doesn't bother me, off i go with my Gertie ,that's my walker, as I have spine trouble as well !! I get the odd state but hey who cares I'm alive !!! Children on a couple of occasions have come up to me and said "what's that up your nose??" And I just tell them it's my special medicine and they accept it !!! Out of the mouths of babes !!! Bless you all xxxx

[Tomcat98]

I’ve found everyone offers to help me with oxygen concentrator , even my grocery delivery man puts everything away for me.

[John_Keegan]

I feel as though I am starting a trend in Kirkby Lonsdale. We haven't yet got droves of people wearing little blue rucksack up and down Main St. but the Manager of Avanti, one of our popular wine bars, ask for my assurance that the bottle wasn't filled with Sauvignon Blanc.

[MoyB]

I've noticed lots more people using oxygen when they are out and about in the Eastbourne area and have wondered whether there has been a change in policy for prescribing it or whether everyone is saying, 'Sod it!' and getting out when they used to be shy about it. Either way, it can only be a good thing. Enjoy the freedom it gives you! xx Moy

[Damon1864 Volunteer in reply to MoyB]

I will certainly have more freedom. I will go out with my head held high and proud of myself for my achievements.xxx😊 Bernadette

[MoyB in reply to Damon1864]

Go for it! xx

[BevMG74]

Agree with you, Bernadette! I march along too when I have my oxygen backpack and sometimes get funny looks. The little kids are fun and you can see the look of curiosity on their faces. I'm waiting for the first comment from one of them! The first time I went out with ambulatory oxygen I passed a woman in a wheelchair with oxygen, gave her a friendly grin as I sailed past her, and she just looked so grateful to be acknowledged. Or I guess that's what the look was. Cheers, BevM

[John_Keegan]

Kirkby Lonsdale, where I live, is a very tourist town. We get lots of families and many men with backpacks carrying young children on their back. I love to ask them if they are aware that someone has popped a child into their rucksack. When they see the oxygen on my back, the cannula up my nose and the grin on my face, it always brings a smile and a smart quip.

[MrsGif]

Big thumbs up for everyone getting out with their O2 boxes. I've had mine for a couple of years now and use it at home as well; when I'm doing chores or want to go upstairs for a nap (that way I can get to my bed and then switch it off, were I to use the big box which is downstairs I have to leave it running having climbed the stairs).

I have stage 4 COPD so I'm really struggling outside and alone these days, it's only recently dawned on me that I'm probably now at the point where I really need someone to accompany me. Nethertheless going out would not be an option without it and people are very kind, helpful and patient when they see it. Without my box I just look like a normal if pasty individual so I think it is helpful for me to have something which flags what is otherwise an invisible disability. Children are either fascinated by it or terrified of it, both are amusing. People are no longer baffled when I have to park my bottom on the kerb and catch my breath. Now I get offers to help as opposed to disapproving stares or offers of change as they assume I am a beggar!

The box is a little heavy, I can't carry anything extra although I think I will make a backpack to see if it helps. At the end of the day for me it is not just about independence, I've just spent four long winter months confined to barracks because, with all the oxygen in the world my lungs won't tolerate the cold. Now the spring is here I am wrestling with some residual agoraphobia after the long confinement. Rather than independence the concentrator means that I can stave off the isolation that goes with my condition. I can take the dog out, even if I can't make it as far as the park I can enjoy the incidental meetings with individuals outside of the very limited group of people with whom I have regular contact. That is really something I miss in the winter months. Chatting to folk in my local shop when I'm out on a chocolate mission at the time of my own chosing is a real luxury and I am so very grateful to have it.

I would urge anyone who is stuck at home with breathing difficulties to give it a try if they are a suitable candidate. I don't know how easily available they are on the NHS but I had no problem getting one so don't wait to be offered, ask! They are prohibitively expensive to buy (£2500+), would be way out of my budget but in the long term maybe cheaper than cylinder oxygen. In addition to that I'm sure that the gain of getting more exercise must help with retaining what lung function one has and being fit and strong enough to fight off infection and stave off the inevitable deterioration that goes with COPD is important.

Goodness I'm afraid this turned into a huge essay but this thread has served to remind me just what a wonderful device my little box is and I want to spread the word. Now I know that cannulas can be had in groovy colours I'm off to trawl the net in the hope that my little nephew doesn't continue to think I am a cyberman. Hurrah for technology, while I may not be around to see the day when nanobots will be able to knit me a new pair of lungs I'm very glad of what I have!

[Smee2]

I went from not being on oxygen to being on oxygen 24/7in less than 24 hours, wow, that was a huge shock to take in !

But, with just being positive, I managed and coped with it, I returned to a full time office job. My portable oxygen concentrator is now just a part of my life, as putting on my specs (glasses). I need them to see better just as I need oxygen to breathe better. I also have an hearing aid, to help me hear better, so if you put that into perspective it all become easier to adapt.

After a while, I forget that I have a nasal cannula on! And wonder why people are looking at me in a “strange” way. Then it occurs to me !

I walk around the supermarket just like everyone else, my concentrator sits in the trolley with my shopping. Oh the joy of not having to carry it!

Children can be very accepting if you tell them the truth, “everyone needs air to breath, but I need a little bit more “. I’ve found that they are usually happy with that.

Just be confident, and remember you are not alone. We are here to help and support you in anyway we can. Onwards and upwards, to infinity and beyond, as Buzz Lightyear would say....I think

[Caspiana in reply to Smee2]

I just flash the kiddies a big smile. 😃 They usually smile back and sometimes I get a wave. 👋 They are so precious. xx 💓

[Damon1864 Volunteer in reply to Smee2]

I decided that having a positive attitude would help me come to terms with having oxygen. I explained to my grandchildren that I needed more oxygen than them and as you say they accepted it. I also have an hearing aid and wear glasses, so it has become a routine putting everything on in the morning. Thank you .😊 Bernadette xx

[O2Trees]

Kids are bound to stare, aren't they? Endless curiosity. I often just say "I come from outer space" as I go by, and leave it to the parents to explain - they usually laugh.

[UHelga]

A wonderfully inspirational thread 🧡