which concentrator?
Posted , 9 users are following.
May be u can assist me:
I do not use any concentrator yet.
I am afraid soon I will need it
I wonder if u may recommend?
Tnx Nili
0 likes, 17 replies
We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.
×
Notes on which concentrator?
aitarg35939 nili50312
Posted
What is a concentrator? If your healthcare provider, trained & licensed, gave or prescribed it to you, why ask us? We're not doctors, just folks with lung disease.
james80978 nili50312
Posted
we cant recommend any medication as not everyone needs the same You have to take what dr in charge of your care thinks what is best for you and if its not suitable will look at something else In the UK you cant buy prescription drugs
larry49033 nili50312
Posted
I too felt that an O2 concentrator would greatly benefit me, but my Dr. explained to me that I did not. He told me that my problem was not O2, but exhaling Carbon Dioxide. Breathing out more than I was breathing in was what would help me the most. Example: Breath in 1 and 2, then breath out 1 and 2 and 3 to 4.
It helps when I'm out of breath, and I'm always out of breath. I may still purchase an O2 concentrator anyway as I still feel that O2 therapy would benefit me. In any case I will be most careful with the use of it.
The only manufacturer of O2 Concentrators that I know of at this time is made by Inogen. I'm still researching them myself.
Please speak with you Dr./Nurse before you try this yourself.
All the Best
martin63346 nili50312
Posted
typically your doctor will determine if you need supplementary oxygen. This is determined after pulmonary function test and a six minute walk test. Generally if you oxygen saturation level falls below 88% then you could require supplementary oxygen. Supplementary oxygen will not cure breathlessness although it may help. It purpose is to protect your vital organs from deterioration due to lack of oxygen.
Hope this reply helps.
larry49033 martin63346
Posted
You are correct, but it does not take Quality of Life into consideration. I'd like to find out first hand that O2 does not help at all. A short trial period with the option of returning the O2 Concentrator equipment should confirm or not weather is helps. I'll be sure to report how it turns out.
aitarg35939 larry49033
Posted
There IS a problem with this. Once one goes on oxygen -- whether from a can or an O2 concentrator -- one must be weaned off, and that's not always possible. Your quality of life will be better the longer you stay off O2. Once you go on it, your life is consumed by it: where it's safe, whether the battery/can will run out, replacing tubing, and most importantly, needing higher and higher mixes. Not to mention the schlepping.
FYI, Himself also had COPD. He was below 40% lung function for years before he was put on oxygen. That was a good thing as not being on O2 let him work several years longer than with it. And he HATED the prison of oxygen machinery, and i came to hate it, too, in terms of schlepping everything everywhere for him with my damaged back, shoulder, knee & hip. If your doc doesn't think you need it, you don't. Inogen is a for-profit corporation which also has some bridges to nowhere and reconstitutable igloos which it will gladly sell you, whether or not you need them.
hypercat larry49033
Posted
If you went onto oxygen and the problem was air trapped in your lungs then you could cause further damage.
As has been said oxygen does not help with breathlessness! it is only prescribed to support your other organs if your sats are too low.
leonard89152 nili50312
Posted
as aitarg said we are not doctors if you are not happy you should go back and see them
martin63346 nili50312
Posted
There is considerable consensus among respiratory specialists that supplementary oxygen does more good than harm. There is a contrary lobby that seems to suggest that oxygen is a drug that is addictive and harmful, but this "flat earth" stance is largely discounted and ignored. Oxygen has been proven to extend life and improve quality of life, certainly compared to not taking it which placed significant stress on the heart which may lead to pulmonary hypertension.
aitarg35939 martin63346
Posted
We are not "flat earthers" Martin, and i will put 15 local pulmonologists up against your Trumpite "alternative 'no such thing as science' facts" Inogen sales force any day. Just how much kickback are they giving you? And yes, when you take off the gloves and start the name calling, i feel free to return in kind.
sunflowerseed aitarg35939
Posted
theres really no reason to bring your politcal hate to this forum.
aitarg35939 sunflowerseed
Posted
No need for you & Martin to bring yours, either.
sunflowerseed aitarg35939
Posted
hmmmm i dont see where i brought one.
martin63346 aitarg35939
Posted
I'm sorry but your post does not deserve a reply.
sandy58386 nili50312
Posted
I was put on oxygen the day that I was diagnosed with emphysema. On that day, my oxygen level had dropped to 72. Prior to that, I had thought for many years that I had asthma. I am currently on Spiriva and Symbicort and oxygen during the night. I have a constant feed concentrator, which my pulmonary doctor prescribed, that I rent for $22.00 a month..... and a "breath activated" concentrator which I own, that I take in our motorhome when we travel, or if we stay in a hotel, because it is much lighter. I FULLY trust my General Practitioner AND my Pulmonary Specialist. I have been on the above routine for 12 years now and I have GREAT quality of life, tremendous energy, do gardening, all of my household chores, etc. The only time I become breathless is when I go above 11,000 feet into the mountains. I TRULY believe that the oxygen has saved my life and keeps me going. I have only had ONE flare-up in 12 years. I don't understand why people make the statement (which many do) "oh! I dread the day I have to go on oxygen". By the way....I am 77 and plan to live to be 95!!! 😃