A successful Vacation

[anrean]

Just got back from an overnight vacation to Baltimore. It was a spooky undertaking since I am on O2 24/7 and was scared because I could not take my O2 tanks with me. Instead I had to take a portable concentrator that met airline regulations. It took a lot of fighting to get the right equipment and getting extra battery so I did not run out. With the extra battery I got about 5 hours of O2 on pulse setting instead of continuous flow.

The trip was very successful once everything was in place. The portable O2 concentrator, with the extra battery worked well since the flight was only 2 hours. Unfortunately it was a battle with the concentrator supplier - they sent a power pack that had a plug for the car cigarette lighter but not one to plug into an electric outlet, so they had the overnight shit a new power pack.

I plugged it at the airport while waiting to board the plane. We went from the airport to a nice restaurant, and the restaurant had a table near a plug, so I was able to plug in, recharge the batteries, and use the concentrator at the same time. My doc said it was okay to double up on the breathing meds for a few days, and that helped a great deal !! I slept with the concentrator plugged in at the hotel and it charged while I slept.

We spent about 4 hours at the aquarium before the concentrator started to get too low. Another restaurant for lunch, and they also had a spot to plug in.

The take away from all of this is to make sure you get the 2nd battery - you may have to fight to get it, but it IS available and doubles the life of the concentrator. Make sure you have the equipment delivered at least 3 days before leaving so that if anything isn't right the supplier has time to fix it. And ask everywhere you go for a place to plug in - I was very surprised that the restaurants had one! And be prepared to alter your plans if necessary It IS doable with careful planning!!

I have heard some have had to pay to rent the concentrator - mine was free, but the extra battery was $25.

Lauri-Anne

[JeanE41]

Glad you had a successful trip in spite of the roadblocks you encountered. Now you know what is possible even with an oxygen concentrator in tow. Enjoy your new found freedom.

Jean

[anrean in reply to JeanE41]

Thank you, Jean. I posted so that others know the ropes and can fight, too!

Lauri-Anne

[SusieJo1948]

lauri anne i,,m glad you had a good vacation. I know all about that concentrator. I didn,t think i was going to go didn,t have extra batteries. they finally let me go .Had a good time anyway haven,t been on an airplane since. I,m happy for you. susiejo

[anrean in reply to SusieJo1948]

Susiejo, I had to fight hard for the extra battery. My supplier contracts with Air Flo, and they did not want to give me the extra battery - so both my provider and I had to raise the roof to get it. I'm glad you got to go anyway, and hope that next time you can fight hard for the extra battery - it made w world of difference in what I could do!

Lauri-Anne

[FtB_Peggy]

Congratulations on a successful trip...I am wow'd by your resourcefulness and perseverance...but not surprised

[anrean in reply to FtB_Peggy]

Peggy, the trip was a blast once the O2 problems were solved. Fortunately my supplier was very helpful in the fight to get what I needed - that and I asked for a supervisor because my supplier had told me about the 2nd battery! Things would have been very different if I was working on only one battery. We have to know what is out there and then fight to get it. Very frustrating since we are already fighting for our lives, but it is doable! I can get very witchy when it is necessary - and so can the rest of us!

[FtB_Peggy]

My hero!

[PegD]

Thanks for sharing your experience, Lauri-Anne and glad you had a good trip!

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

Wonderful job advocating for yourself and I’m grateful you shared so others can learn from your experience. Thank you!