Copd sufferer.

[winniemckinnon]

Would be very interested in finding out about a portable concentrator.

I live in Stirling , Central Scotland.

I have small oxygen bottles at home but would like to go on Holiday.

How do I go about this.

I am on my second batch of steroids and antibiotics but still not clearing well.

I take Morphine for pain as I have a problem with broken ribs which does not help with my COPD.

Can do this at!any time not only when coughing.

[Copd_athlete]

Hi Winnie, I use philips portable oxygen machines. One is on a trolley and one is a backpack. both work very well, simply go is for travel and simply go mini is for when I want to be active.

respironics.com/

[winniemckinnon in reply to Copd_athlete]

Thanks i will look into these

[stone-UK]

Hi

If your holiday is in the U.K. Speak to your oxygen provider they will arrange oxygen delivery and collection at your holiday destination.

If going abroad you can not take NHS equipment with you.

You will have to hire or purchase you own portable concentrater.

healthoxygen.com/rental-inf...

Prior to, confirm with your respitory nurse that such equipment is suitable.

You will need a copy of your oxygen prescription.

[winniemckinnon in reply to stone-UK]

Looks like i will have to buy one as we would like to go abroad.

Thank you

[Misstickle]

We have a big concentrator installed at home for my husband. We're going away for a week (in a weeks time) and his respiratory nurse has arranged for him to have a portable one on loan to take away with us (we're not allowed to take it abroad). He's had it for a few days now to try out to make sure he can get on with it. He' ll probably only use it at night-time or whilst in the hotel room as it's too heavy for him to carry if he's pushing his wheeled walker, which he uses for very short distances. Likewise very heavy for me if I' m pushing him in his wheelchair. It does have a little trolley, but not practical for us to use really. However it is a lot quieter than the big concentrator so the noise is less likely to keep us awake at night. The batteries will only last tor about 1.5 hours so we're also having portable tanks delivered to the hotel for when we're out & about. The portable one only goes up to no. 2 so if he needs more he would have to use the cylinders. They will only allow us one cylinder to be in the room where we're staying, the rest will be stored by them somewhere. It's the first time we've been away since he's been using a concentrator ( over a year now) and I' m almost beginning to wonder if it's worth it! So many things to think of, plan and take. I just hope I can pack everything into the car! The temptation to just not bother with it all is high - he's 80 and I'm 76 and I have to do everything for my husband because of his health conditions. But we both so need a break and a change of scenery so we'll give it a try!

[Tee1008 in reply to Misstickle]

I hope you both have a wonderful time. It sounds like you need the break...

xxx

[winniemckinnon in reply to Misstickle]

Want to go abroad so will have to look into buying.

Thank you

[avrilwags]

Ask your oxygen supplier.. my husband has one in the home 24/7 which you put in car and pugs into cigarette lighter to travel with it has 2 batteries that charge lasting 6 hours. Take small oxygen tanks as a back up while u away. This unit then plugs in hotel bedroom for your stay and use small portable tanks when u go out.

[winniemckinnon in reply to avrilwags]

I will check with my oxygen supplier.

Thankd

[Billybob10]

I do empathise with you.I have IPF.Although I am following expert advice and doing all they tell me to do,I am trying the Buteyko breathing method and it seems to be helping me a lot! It may not fit with your case but I've learned so much lately on correct breathing and might just help a little.All the best.

[annie-lin in reply to Billybob10]

It's good to hear from another writer who has found Buteyko breathing useful. I still use all the usual mainstream medications but learning to make the most efficient use of my 'well past sell-by date lungs' certainly makes a huge difference and has helped me sustain a lot of mobility and independence.

Regarding portable oxygen, I think there is a different philosophy on this in UK and USA, where it seems people may start on it earlier in order to maximise activity. Our NHS, constantly pressed to reduce spending (and in Mrs M's latest announcement, not to look to any increased spending in the foreseeable future) can only offer people with lung problems a small range of options re oxygen supply. If you have any savings available, then there is much more choice on the internet now in purchasing very light and portable extractor equipment, which you then have control over where you use it. I bought a small extractor system last year, and when I do need to make use of it, it makes a big difference.

[winniemckinnon in reply to annie-lin]

Always wary of buying on line but thanks i will have a look

[winniemckinnon in reply to Billybob10]

I am going to look into this.

Thanks

[winniemckinnon]

Thanks for your reply