mum on oxygen
Posted , 4 users are following.
Hi I'm new on here and not know about Oxygen in house. My mum has COPD and comes out Hospital in this Thursday. The Oxygen is in the house now, and the ones i see for outside use are heavy, and were told they last 2 hours. She will be on setting 0.5 for 16 hours. and was told we she can take off for say maybe a hour at time. How can she get out, as she stays in Tenement block, 3 stairs up, and runs out of breath just going to toilet. Will it mean my Mum be house bound for rest of life. Carers will be coming in to dress her and wash her only, 2 times a day so will she enjoy life as before. What about these tanks, are these dangerous to be stored in house. It's all going through my head at moment regarding mum,, as i wish her ok in her house. Do people monitor this machine that wil be next to her, as i worry,what if it has fault. Can someone please set me right on my troubled mind John
0 likes, 4 replies
ellen68007 john87344
Posted
Hi John. The people that delivered the oxygen are the ones to show you and your Mom how and when to use it. The tanks are not dangerous as long as nobody smokes. The oxygen providers will go through all of this with you. If you are worried then call them and have them return to you Moms place so both of you have a good understanding of how to use it. Please don't worry. Help will be available to you. Just pick up the phone and call.
Ellen
john87344 ellen68007
Posted
Stone-UK john87344
Posted
Firstly regard supplementary oxygen as a extra medication.
general rules are keep away from naked flames, and don't use any petroleum based products , creams or make up.
if you are on long term oxygen therapy at rest, you need to be assessed for Ambulitory oxygen for when you are out and about, which would be a higher rate than you are at rest.
have you any means of getting to ground level.
mobility scooters or powered wheel chairs are ideal for keeping you independent.
i am in the U.K. And use Ambulitory oxygen via a portable concentrater. Gives all the independence I need still driving, use a mobility scooter in local shopping centre.
Vee2 john87344
Posted
You have been given very good advice as above. The one thing I would add, if your Mum was active before going on the oxygen she can still be as active but with a little extra help. You say she lives 3 stairs up. The Manager of the Tenement block will be able to arrange a ramp if its not too steep, if this is a problem, perhaps consider relocating to ground floor accommodation suitable for wheels chairs and scooter. If your Mum is ok walking you could get a portable oxygen something that you can manage for her when you go out together.
Try and attend each doc appointment with your Mum and just phone the specialist consultant, respiratory team and the oxygen supplier for anything you are unsure of, also when the nurses attend for any queries and advice.
Best wishes V