Home Oxygen Therapy

[CCXLI]

I don't recall seeing this mentioned on here but was wondering if anyone had experiences of being discharged home with Oxygen after an ICU stay.

I'm a month out of hospital (after a total stay of 8 months). I was discharged with a CPAP machine for OSA and prescribed 1l of oxygen at night whilst in the mask. I also have an oxygen condenser which provides 5l of oxygen when exercising or walking short distances.

My question I suppose is if people have received these, do they eventually wean off?

[Sepsur]

This is probably a question for your medical team because all cases are different. The short answer to your question is that some people remain on o2 and others wean off.

[Estrella2020]

hi this is definitely a question for your medical

Team (respiratory consultant or treating consultant - not GP). I was in ICU for 5 months and still on oxygen 3 years later, however loving my best life!! I know others sent home and weaned off within a few months. Please do not compare as your journey is yours alone and there are many reasons for oxygen being needed. Try to see oxygen as medicine, it helps your lungs and heart not work so hard especially if in recovery.

Please ensure you ask your consultant and wish you on the best on your journey x

[Jamiesnanny]

Hi. It would depend on the reason for being there and what damage if any has been caused. As others have said it is a question to ask your medical team. I was 5.5 months in hospital, 11 weeks on a ventilator with Covid pneumonia that has left me with fibrosis in my lungs. Whilst this is not likely to get worse, as it hasn't improved much in the last 4 years it won't get much better either. However I have found as my physical fitness has improved to has my stamina so I don't get anywhere near as breathless . It is worth asking for a course of pulmonary rehab which also helps with breathing techniques for when you get out of puff. You are relatively early on in your recovery from the biggest hit your body has ever had so there fingers crossed you do get some improvement. I had to manage this myself as it was post covid when I got home and I had NO community follow up. I devised my own programme. Good luck.