Portable oxygen use; do you know of a convenient walker device that can hold a cylinder?

[Geoffu]

in August I fell at home and, in addition to damaging my knees and elbows, I broke my collar bone and #2 vertebra in my neck. I use portable oxygen when out of our apartment, but can’t easily cope with the weight of the cylinder over my shoulder, as before.

Does anyone know of a lightweight wheeled walker that can take a cylinder rather than just a general purpose bag/seat? I have scoured our local suppliers, and the internet, without success. A walker would allow the weight of the cylinder to be borne on the wheels, and the handles would help my stability, to avoid a recurrence.

All suggestions gratefully received

GeoffU, Conwy, North Wales

[Craftymouse]

Hi, I am prescribed ambulatory oxygen alongside my two concentrators, and the supply company provided me with a wheeled trolley for my cannister when out and about. It easily carries the large (not giant) cannister, and to be honest, if going out I squeeze 2 cannisters into it.

It's as tall as a shopping trolley, but approx one quarter the width. It has a pull up handle and it's lightweight. It's really handy, I too wouldn't be able to carry a heavy cannister for long.

Have you asked your supplier, they will hopefully be able to help 😀

[Craftymouse in reply to Craftymouse]

I'm ever so sorry, I've just re read your post. You have asked for a walker suggestion not a trolley. Apologies for that. Hopefully someone will have a helpful answer soon.

[gingermusic]

I use to use a normal 3 wheeled walker with a bag on it and found I could put the oxygen in the bag quite easily. Hope this helps you

[CDPO16]

I have a 3 wheel rollator. The bag holds a small cylinder quite safely and is very easy to use as a walking aid. Like craftymouse I had a trolley bag supplied but didn't find it helpful.

[Sallywal]

I’ve just been given a new oxygen device instead of cylinders it’s an Inogen I think it’s called portable machine it’s small and compact and comes with a bag with a carry handle or shoulder strap it’s like a handbag a little heavy but not as heavy as a cylinder and easier to get about with. lasts 6 hours on full charge but if you have a cigarette lighter socket in a car you can charge it on the go. It’s taking me a bit to get used to it as it shoots oxygen when you breathe in instead of a steady flow. Ask your respiratory team apparently they want to stop the cylinders to lower the risk of burns these portable little machines do what your concentrator does apart from the continuous flow handy when I can get used to it. They do have little trollers for the cylinders ask Baywater for one until/if you get the new machine. Good luck

[snow54flake in reply to Sallywal]

hi sallywal I have seen my oxygen therapy nurse last Thursday and I am having an inogen portable delivered today. Feeling a bit wary about it all. My supplier is BOAC. Any tips welcome thanks.

[leo60 in reply to Sallywal]

This is very interesting, thanks. Cylinders always seem pretty prehistoric to me! I am seeing my oxygen nurse next week, I can feel a conversation coming on 😀😀 xx

[PaulineHM]

When I was on holiday this year in Pembroke, Baywater were supposed to supply a LOX dewar which they refused to do because the hotel could not store it outside.

They left me Oxygen bottles and a small trolley to move the bottle around on. Not ideal but better than nothing.

Someone here has suggested an Inogen portable might help you but I am sure you know already that if your prescription exceeds that, then it won’t be any help.

Go well.

Pauline

[Izb1]

Oh my word Geoffu that was some fall you had , so sorry the hear that you had so much damage and hope that you are recovering well. I cant advise on the type of aid you need but wanted to wish you well and hope you find something that will work for you x

[leo60]

I was just about to to say what Izb1 has just said! There must be something out there that would suit your (and potentially my) needs. If not, someone is missing a trick! Good luck and let us know if you find something, I for one would be very interested 😘 xx

[Geoffu in reply to leo60]

It Was! My (grown up) kids called me the Champion Face Planter! I’ve just been able, after 2 months, to stop using my neck brace! GeoffU

[Geoffu]

Sallywal and the other respondents. Thanks for taking the time. I should have said that my oxy cylinder bag also carries a small computer device called an Oxymo. It senses when I breathe out, and squirts oxygen up my cannula. The rest of the breathing cycle it shuts off the supply, meaning that a cylinder lasts me up to 8 hours (at 2 litre flow rate) instead of just 2 hours.

The walker that I have found, which might be used in plan B, is a Freestyle walker. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a seat, which I might need eventually, and using it for oxygen would mean not having the shopping bag on it either.

GeoffU

[Oshgosh]

Hi, I have rheumatoid arthritis and lung fibrosis. When we go out I use a 3 wheeled walker . It was supplied by OT . I put my oxygen condenser on the pocket, also room for purse etc underneath. I can’t carry the condenser due to the weight. I hope this helps. If you are looking online try asking a question after the reviews,

[Patk1]

Hope u soon recover from Yr awful injuries - have they checked u for osteoporosis x

[Geoffu in reply to Patk1]

Hi, not as yet, but I will mention it to my consultant when I meet him on Monday next. I seem to recover quickly from cuts and falls, but that is no reason to keep on doing it! I am planning a little gym work to improve my balance and posture, but at 82 years, overweight, asbestosis, and fibrillation I am not in the best physical health!

Geoffu

[Patk1 in reply to Geoffu]

Yes dp get checked.hav u been referred for pulmonary rehab x