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What is the basic rule for using oxygen?

By April 29, 2010 - 9:48pm
 
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Which is best? Use o2 only when o2 level gets below 90% or just use it periodically
through out the day regardless of the level. If I use the o2 it may only take a few minutes to be above the 90% level. Is there some rule I should follow? Thanks, Karl

Add a Comment6 Comments

Treecookie, I was so glad to find out that you were obtaining care at the Medical Center. Please continue giving us updates. I am doing just fine and getting a little bit better every day. I know that these stiches could come out anytime now, they are really getting tight. Hang in there with the oxygen at night--it will get better. Sincerely, Lioness111

May 5, 2010 - 6:13am

Hi Karl, In answer to your question about having trouble sleeping with oxygen, I have not had that problem.
It makes me wonder what kind of equipment ou are using. I have an oxygen consentrater machine that I
use with 50 feet of hose and a nasal canula that goes in the nose and rope over the years. It is really very
comfortable and allows me to go anywhere in my house and out on the patio or the front porch. When I go
somewhere I have a portable machine that you fill with frozen oxygen. I am so glad that you are going to
the Medical Center and I am confident you will find a good Doctor who will help you with everything. Be
sure to let us all know the outcome. Thanks for putting me in your prayers! I can really use them. Sincerely,
Lioness111.

May 3, 2010 - 10:51pm
(reply to lioness111)

Hello lioness111, I just wanted to let you know I finally was able to fall asleep on the oxygen and I just hope I can do it again tonight. I think I am using the same concentrator as you have for use indoors but I have been using the small bottles and putting one in a backpack to work outside. It will only last for 2 to 3 hours so I think I will get the bigger tank on wheels to use for outside work and won't have to wear the backpack. I am not aware of using frozen oxygen so I will have to look that one up on the computer. We have done the paperwork for the Medical Center and if the referring Dr did his paperwork I hope to hear from them tomorrow. You are in our prayers so keep getting better each day! Take care now. Sincerely, Karl

May 4, 2010 - 9:40pm

Hello Karl, I am Lioness111., and I have quite a few years of oxygen usage experience. I have severe cardiomyopathy-the left ventricle operates around 35%. And I just had lung surgery for cancer. The advice that Susans right on the money. If I were you, I would hurry and get myself a new doctor, the
best would be a Pulmonary - Thoracic Specialist. If by any chance you live close to a University Medical School that is affiliated with a Major Medical Center, just call and they will refer you to the proper department and give you a referral to the Doctor that specializes in treatment for your condition. Just
olne thing, wear your oxygen 24/7 at 2 to 3 liters, until you get to a Doctor. You only have one pair of
lungs and they deserve the best care possible;.I will put you in my prayers, Karl-take care. Sincerely, Lioness111

May 2, 2010 - 5:43pm
(reply to lioness111)

Hello Lioness111, Thank you for your help and information. I just answered Susan and told her I am fortunate that we live where there is a large University Medical Center and we will proceed to get a second opinion and a new Dr. Also I am using the oxygen as much as possible but still can't sleep with the oxygen on. After 3+ hours of trying I shut the oxygen off and get some sleep and try again later in the am. Did you ever experience any problem sleeping with the oxygen on? I hate to do it but wearing myself out is the only way i can sleep and have oxygen at the same time. This doesn't sound like the correct answer to me! Thanks again for your help and prayers for me. You will be in my prayers also! Take care. Sincerely, Karl

May 3, 2010 - 3:47pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to treecookie)

I was just going to let you know. That I only 46 years old having been using mine for a year and a half. But, I also found out that I have obstructive sleep apnea. If I use my oxygen at night then my body does not need any during the day. My numbers drop at night but they stay above 90% all day. Which was really wonderful for me. If you are having trouble sleeping with yours. YOu might try changing to a different nasal canula. They have all kinds. I started out having to use a pediatric canula. I now use the 1800 or 1820 series. They are very soft. And, if you run them under hot water for when they are new to kinda loosen them up a bit. Its much easier to sleep with the canula. I don't even know mine is on anymore..Good Luck...Rita from Alabama

July 8, 2011 - 2:21am
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