Oxygen

[Gage]

As some of you know. I have breathing problems. I have been putting off the need for oxygen but that is coming to an end. My doctor ordered me on the stuff today and this evening I'll be getting what I need.

My question is for those who are on Oxygen. What is to be expected? I'm pretty active and have put up with running out of natural oxygen, I just sit down and take a brake to rejuvenate my supply. I haven't done much research on the subject yet but was wondering if there is small portable cylinders that you can carry with you like in a small back pack and how long will they last.

Thank you for any advice on what to expect.

[hotrod]

my neighbor used to have one that he had on a shoulder strap..Im not sure of the range he had with it...

[Fenlason]

We have a customer [at the bicycle shop] that needs one. He carries it on his bike rack. I don't know how long a bottle lasts him, but I can try to find out.

good luck.

[sagebrush]

Sorry to hear that. I have a uncle on O2, his cylinders are about the size of a 14 oz propane cylinder. know they will last him all day . He has a bag that attaches to his belt, doesn't slow him down much at all.
Will

[Gage]

Thanks Glenn, I appreciate that.

[Shadow Catcher]

It is a pain getting older!
there are a couple of alternatives hat I know of portable and non portable oxygen tanks some of which can charge a portable bottle. One other alternative are oxygen concentrators that are battery powered and can be run from 110 and 12V the Inogen is one model http://www.inogenone.com this is however a subject you will need to discuss with your respiratory therapist and doctor.

[Redgloves]

Gage,

Bravo for posting changes in your health status.

A couple ideas to ponder:

Adding oxygen improves your life, not hinder your life. Adapting oxygen into your life style, not changing your life style to fit oxygen.
Attitude baby.

What are the orders for oxygen use?
While physically active, during nightime, as needed?

Oxygen supplies come in 3 main forms: concentrator, traditional tanks, and what I call "frozen oxygen". Last is transferred from a larger tank into portable, sholder strap carriers.

Home supply: large tanks, multiple small tanks, or concentrator.
Do you use CPAP?

Home supply companies will have a large volume of information. Utilize there knowledge on adding oxygen to your life style.

I have seen large oxygen tanks that sit in a garage, a small access hole thru the wall into the home, and "miles" of tubing in the home. Extensive tubing allowed the person to remain active without dragging a tank around all day.

Travel: keep a tank in the car, ready to go so you don't have to pack into car with each trip.

Long distance travel can be arranged with oxygen pick up points.

Get to know your insurance provider coverage rules and regulations.

Jean

[mandy]

It depends on how many liters they have you on and how deep you breathe. My Mother is on 2 liters so the smaller tanks last anywhere from 2-3 hours. When she is at home she uses a concentrator. I have been looking into the battery opperated portable concentrators for her. That way she has more freedom and dosen't have to be tied down by how long the tank lasts when she is away from home.
She had a hard time accepting the oxygen untill she saw how well she felt on it.
Hope this helps.

[caseydog]

My grandfather had emphysema, and was on oxygen, and my sister is a very experienced RN who studies her profession constantly. I'll be seeing her tomorrow. I'll see what she can add to the discussion. She got me through cancer very well informed.

For my grandfather, it was a PITA, but did not stop him from doing what he wanted to do. He just adapted. He was hard headed, so he didn't let much stop him from doing what he wanted to do.

Are you definitely looking at tanks, or possibly oxygen concentrators or generators? I'm assuming you aren't looking at a full mask -- just a little oxygen boost.

Do what you gotta do, but also do what you love to do. I'll let you know if my sister has some advice for you.

CD

[caseydog]

My sister said that my grandfather used an oxygen generator in the house, but did not use any portable oxygen. She has patients that use portable bottles that are the size of a woman's purse, but they only last a few hours. You could use a generator when you are on hanging out inside, or on your scooter. Then, use the bottles when you are tinkering in the shop. They should not interfere with using tools or working.

A lot depends on what you insurance/medicare covers. The bottles are obtained through services that exchange the empties for full bottles.

She recalls seeing some promotional materials at the hospital for new generators that are pretty small. A man was wearing it while playing golf.

There are a lot of options for oxygen users. You should be able to find one that fits your lifestyle.

CD

[steve smoot]

Gage,

My mother has been on oxy 24/7 for two years now. She uses a concentrator while in the house, and portable unit while out and about.

We have tried three different portable units. The best for her is a small cylinder about 15" long by 3" in diameter. She got a new regulator that only draws oxy when you breath. This makes the cylinder last four to six hours, which is twice as long as her old regulator which ran all the time.

Hope this is helpful. Best of luck to you.

[Gage]

First of all, I want to thank all who have responded, And CD, thank you for the follow up.

Gage,
My mother has been on oxy 24/7 for two years now. She uses a concentrator while in the house, and portable unit while out and about.

Yep that's what I received Wednesday night. Except my portable cylinders are 4"dia x 25" tall on a cart. A little large for teardropping. And it looks like for right now, that I'm to be on it 24/7 also. Maybe I can fab something to my mobility scooter to tow the cylender around when at gatherings. I've been looking into the INOGEN ONE and that looks real doable. New, that unit cost between $3000 & $5000 depending on who is selling it. I can't get to my doctor until Monday to discuss it. For the most part my insurance covers 80% but don't know if they will cover anything more than what has already been delivered. There just happens to be an INOGEN ONE on ebay for a lot less. I just may take a gamble and go for it and then talk to my doctor about it's use. I don't think it would hurt anything. The way I see it, it's just another Concentrator, just more portable. Still a lot to learn about my new way of life.

Again, thank you everyone. I appreciate all your advice and suggestions. For this is one subject I know nothing about. Any one who wants to add something, please do.

[Catoosa Grani]

Good luck Gage. Knowing you, you will adjust fast and it won't keep you from doing anything you want to do.

Hope to see you both again real soon!
Grani

[Gage]

Good luck Gage. Knowing you, you will adjust fast and it won't keep you from doing anything you want to do.
Hope to see you both again real soon!
Grani

Thank you Grani. You know, I've been wanting to build a small teardrop to pull behind my scooters. Seems like now I have a reason to proceed. The challenge will be to build in such a way that it won't be to top heavy with the cylinder loaded. Maybe now I'll be able to attend Cloudcroff and stay more than just one night.

[Roly Nelson]

Hi Gage, sorry to hear about your new challenge, but being the resourseful guy that you are, it will just be an inconvenience, not a hinderance. Ollie had both the bottle, when away from the house and a concentrator when at home. (with miles of tubing). Her main problem was with the nose tubes falling out when she was asleep. Hope all goes well and you get the info you need. Now, you must tell us more about a teardrop that can be towed around with your scooter.

BTW, where and when in this Cloudcroff event? All I could find on Google was a Cloudcroft campground in Cloudcroft, New Mexico. Any info would be helpful. Take care, my friend, and good luck on your new proposed build.
Roly