I am new but would like to know how many folks are on O2

Hello Shannon

I am not on oxygen but I have met many who are.

Having a chronic illness brings on a variety of psychology, isn't that so? Each of us feel and think in several ways.  And one of the ways we may feel, is being 'inadequate' as you say. Not  being able to 'measure up' to others who are able to do, unlike those of us who are ill.

I would like to ask a question of you.

Do you consider someone who has diabetes inadequate? Or would you label someone who has depression inadequate?

I do not.

And I would not label you as being such for having a chronic illness either.

Are you aware that oxygen is identified as a medication?

Diabetics take pills or perhaps insulin.

Depression sufferers take medications as well. Neither are inadequate, both are necessary treatments.

Oxygen is necessary. And it is a treatment.

I believe that once you think on this, you may feel differently about yourself!

Lill

I'm on oxygen 24/7 , I hate it and embarrassed so I stopped going places. I no longer go to family get togethers etc. I miss out on many good times thru this but I can't change. I have tried , the last time I went out for a meal for my granddaughters birthday . I hardly touched the meal and watched the clock the whole time wishing it was over, I was very anxious, nauseous and sob. I was only out 2 hrs but when I got back home I was worn out and wept buckets .i felt so bad  I vowed not to do it again. My partner spends a lot of time with his family so I spend a lot of time on my own. It's been like this since 2011 and I get so depressed .

That was a brilliant reply llill. My husband is on oxygen 24/7 and finds it embarrassing when he goes out. He avoided going out at first but we started by going to restaurants with family at very quiet times. Being one of 4 or more and not many people about , slowly started to lessen the embarrassment . Whilst he still is not really comfortable he realises that it is either with O2 or not at all. Believe me, most people are polite enough to ignore you and those that aren't  are not worth bothering about!

Reminds me how lucky I am to only have to wear a face mask at night! Not from the COPD, but the sleep apnea. I empathise with him, sticking a mask on overnight and feeling like something from a horror movie isn't pleasant and I'm lucky because my wife is the only one to see it - having to walk out wearing a mask must be horrible for him.

Wish you and him all the best

Hi shannon

Bless you.

What ever you do, DO NOT feel inadequate.

There are alot of people who have to use this to help them breath.

It probably will take time before you are comfortable with using the Oxygen with people around, even your family, but you will.

Do you use it all the time, or when you need to ?

Lots of love to you.

Kev  (UK) 

Hello Shannon,

I am on oxygen mostly overnight at first the thought of having to go on it made me feel like I just wanted to cry, but I have found people very understanding, also if you want to go out and shop holidays etc. it's a must we went to Canada last year never thought that would happen, but please do go out you will be surprised at how quickly you enjoy it.  There's a big world out there,  Enjoy it Shannon! All the best Jen.

Hi Shannon, I've been mixing with people on oxygen for over 12 years, it really is no big deal, for me or for them,  I guess I got very familiar with people on oxygen through our local breathe easy group,  if you are in UK I suggest you contact the British Lung foundation to find out more about the breathe easy groups, also if you are living in UK you might want to check out the healthunlocked / blf discussion forum, there are many people on that forum using oxygen, living a reasonable quality of life.  Going out and about, having holidays overseas, go out for walk to improve their level of fitness.  ~There are so many people of oxygen still living an out and about life. 

Of course if you are living overseas, try and make contact with your countries lung foundation, US for instance have their own groups equivalent to breathe easy in UK.  If you mention which country you are residing in people here may be able to suggest other things to you.

Many people on oxygen do go out and about, some hire a scooter so they can easily manage their oxygen tank, some who are fit enough use their oxygen on their person as a back pack, some with smaller cylinders that last only 3 hours for instance wear them on a belt provided round their waist, others have their own carry handle and fitted trolley so the cylinder can be wheeled behind them.

There really is no need to feel embarassed, I think if you managed to mix with others socially through a lung group, such as breathe easy you would feel more at ease among others with a lung condition those on oxygen and those not on oxygen.

The danger of not going anywhere because you are embarassed is really not helping you, by not being sociable, not going out, you will get to a point where you can't go out, so I would say while you still can do it, its a good way to help yourself become more comfortable and more confident, trust your family and friends when they offer this sharing of time with you, be thankful that you have them around.

I think if you are having anxiety about this situation you should speak to your doctor as to restrict yourself from going out will hinder your health in many ways, your doctor can help you to overcome this, consider referral for counselling, cognitive therapy training to get you beyong the fear, embarassment and feelings of inadequacy.

Be courageous and go get what life you can while you still can.

Best wishes V