I have been referred for this and told I would get a visit at home. Just had first chest infection and inpatient stay, 3 days. Antibiotics worked super well, plus excellent ambulance crew.
What is involved with oxygen at home, is it a small mobile cylinder? Do I take it everywhere. How does it work with a CPAP mask? Is it phased in as to be rid of the impurities already in my lungs. The pneumonia I had caused some damage in one lung, is that permanent?
Hi , sorry I can’t help but contact the ALUK helpline ..they gave me lots of information recently .
Hi grahame151, have you been put oxygen 24/7? If you have you will probably get a stationary Oxygen Concentrator and portable Oxygen bottles for when you’re going out and about, you could also ask about getting a Portable Oxygen Concentrator for going out instead of Bottles, you really need to speak your Respiratory Nurse/Doctor about that.
As for your CPAP machine, the Oxygen Concentrator connects via your CPAP tubing, you might need a separate adapter for the oxygen tube to connect to, this then connects the oxygen tube to your bedroom Oxygen Concentrator, but your oxygen supplier will sort that out for you.
I hope I have been some help.
Ian.
Thanks Ian - I haven't seen anyone yet, the referral was only 10 days ago, I think 15 hrs per day was mentioned, just waiting for a visit from whoever
Even if it’s 15 hours a day, they will give you a stationary Oxygen Concentrator and probably small bottles and carrying bag for going out, they will also give you a large bottle as a backup incase of a power cut for your main Concentrator.
When we go out I have smaller oxygen bottles not as heavy to carry. Have a word with respiratory nurse
Already have long list of questions, thamks
How long do the small bottles last? When I was on 2ltr resting and 4 litre active mine lasted about three hours depending on what I was doing. Now increased to 4 and 8 and find my trips out have been severely curtailed.
Jumping in here. I am on 4-5 litres per minute (ambulatory only ) and for going outside the home I use liquid oxygen flasks which I fill from a large dewar . The flask gives me 3-4 hours of use and I have two of them. Even if I fill them but don’t use them they exhaust themselves within 24 hours. I use a static concentrator at home. I have had to adjust what I do these days.
I have my oxygen assessment next week, I have been told that I may need ambulatory oxygen, which means I’m ok at rest but as soon as I move my oxygen level drops below acceptable levels. The info from my local health area shows that I will be provided with a portable oxygen concentrator and a couple of small oxygen tanks. The concentrator can be used plugged into the mains or for few hours using the battery. If 24/7 oxygen is required then this is by a large mains powered concentrator and a long plastic tube to connect to it (my friend has this) and a couple of small tanks to take if you go out. If you need 24/7 a CPAP mask is not automatic at night unless for specific reasons such as sleep apnea, in hospital on 24/7 I just had a nasal cannula. A home inspection by the local fire brigade is advisable and suitable labelling on a car is recommended. There are a host of other recommendations relating to home and vehicle safety when on oxygen, but your local oxygen provider will tell about these.
Hi Grahame, If its been 10 days since the referral for 02 it could be worth chasing it up. They are usually pretty quick smart of the mark when it comes to oxygen delivery and supply.
As for 02 equipment ask the 02 health team what is the range of equipment available to meet your prescription ? It can help to know what is available to meet your needs. If what is supplied doesn't work as well as something else then it can be changed.
As Biker says, the local Fire Brigade will do a Fire safety check and supply fire alarms and fit (free ) if required. You can let your car insurance company know that you may have to carry oxygen and your house insurance as well.
Hope you get sorted soon Grahame.
Go well,
Pauline
Hi Grahame,
Don't worry it will run as clockwork.
I'm on 24/7 oxygen therapy and I'm very happy with it. I rest about 1/1.5 litres and up to 5 litres moving about. But everyone is different
They will inspect your home and decide how many concentrators you need. I got one upstairs and one down stairs.
You get a big cylinder for emergencies.
And I got 8 bottles that I can carry in a backpack provided by the company who deliver your oxygen. Ordering full bottles is easy,
It's a great help for me.
You also get a connector so you can fix the oxygen supply on the c- pap machine.
The only downside is the noise the concentrators make but I got very used to them.
Hope it works out well for you. I know you going to feel better
Thanks to all of you for your replies and info. I have just discovered that there must be 6 weeks between any chest infections / in patient stays before an oxygen assessment, assumming thats right I have another 5 weeks to go, watch this space, I'll keep you informed.
Pat and Ian have given you very good answers, I have nothing to add apart from don't be worried by it all. You adapt to it all very quickly and figure out tricks to get over little inconveniences, or ask us!
Good luck xx
You can also get an oxygen preserver for use with the portable tanks. This makes them last 3x as long, so a tank that would normally last 2 hours will now last 6 hours with a conserver attached.
hi Grahame
Your consultant will write up a prescription and the oxygen specialist will talk you through what’s available. If you find something doesn’t work. Don’t hesitate to get back in touch with them and they will help provide alternatives. I was on the refillable system where I filled the gas flask up at home. It didn’t allow for being away for long walks etc as my dose was increased. I’m now on liquid oxygen and find that’s more suitable for my prescription dose and the level of activity I do and time away from home. There are downsides to both homefill gas and the liquid oxygen. Just reach out and seek guidance if you find something a hinderance to your daily activities .
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