Oxygen

[Mmike110]

Hello everyone, hope you're all well.

Just thought I'd say that my oxygen concentrator arrived today

Just wondered if anyone else uses the machine and what I should expect from it.

Thank you

Mike x

[Hidden]

Hi Mike

I have to say I have grown to love my concentrator OK they are not known for their silent running lol, but if you can find an out of the way place for it you shouldn't be bothered too much by background noise - it becomes pretty much like having a fridge - you notice the silence when you switch it off, but get used to the hum in the background when it is on. Living in a tiny bungalow there was no spare room or large cupboard for mine, so it is humming away harmlessly in the corner of the lounge here as I type this. I did find on my first few nights that I pulled the cannula down under my chin while asleep, but since then I have slept well with it, so I guess my sleeping brain has accepted the fact that it is supposed to stay stuck up my nose

You don't say whether this is your first experience with oxygen. In my case I had daytime ambulatory liquid oxygen first, needing it for housework, walking, showering, shopping etc. I still love my portable for outdoors, but have to say I stay tethered to the concentrator for all of my indoor time now. It's great to be able to shower on a 'long leash' instead of trying to do it while balancing my my LOX flask on the window sill. It gives me such a sense of freedom again to be able to wander around the house and do stuff. If you have had low oxygen for some time you will no doubt find showering/bathing much easier now. Chores such as ironing and hoovering can get you in a bit of a tangle if you don't pay attention to where the 02 hose is and where the electric cables are - but if even a klutz like myself can learnt to adapt, I am sure you will be fine after the first few days.

Curly tubing is, I believe, a problem common to us all. Considering the length involved it is no surprise really. I don't fuss that much with it these days, the 02 still finds it's way through no matter how 'curly' it is looking. That said, if anyone has any tips on how to keep it flat across all floors, do let us know the secret! Likewise getting caught up on doors, cupboard handles etc or coming to a sudden halt as going from one room to another someone accidentally stands on the hose. All these things though fade into the ether compared to feeling and knowing that you have enough 02 in your lungs! Good luck with it Mike, and do let us know how you get on. P

[libbygood]

Parvati has answered your question so well. I go up and down stairs with my pipe attached and no problem, I have an upstairs concentrator as well which I use at night. The only thing is when it gets stuck under a door and you come to a sudden halt, I do find it seems to find things to get stuck on - sometimes I think it's testing my patience because I do get cross with it occasionally and I also find myself talking to it but after all it is my best friend. The technicians are helpful and friendly, next day delivery for bottle oxygen and you don't have to be in to accept it, just leave the empties somewhere.

[Hidden]

It took time to grow used to it then it was a question of what I wanted to do with my new found energy on the expect question give yourself time to get used to using it then find what it is doing for you by trying to find out what you can do.

[Mmike110]

Hi, thanks so much for the replies, most grateful indeed.

Parvati, your reply made me chuckle in places

Well after my first full day using it I managed to get hooked up on every door handle, hoovered the tubing up and my dog thought I was some kind of alien and barked insesintly at me throughout the day....other than that I managed ok I think!

I expected the machine to be noisy but no, not at all. It's about as loud as my fan that I have going in the lounge and upstairs by the bed so that's one really good thing.

I was told not to expect dramatic results straight away but I have one major result.....I am soooo tired and I mean I could sleep 24/7, is this normal? I thought the reverse myself.

Anyways thanks for the help, always appreciated.

Mike x