Walking with Oxygen Campaign - Living life with Oxygen
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Walking with Oxygen Campaign - Living life with Oxygen
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When i was first on Oxygen in 1999 and I had my Concentrator installed the problem was to ensure that i could use my whole house. After the shock of being on Oxygen it was very important to be able to lead as full a life as possible, starting with your own home. The Engineer from BOC Vitalair came and showed Peter how to use it and then plumbed around the house plastic tubing that had points in the bedroom, the hall downstairs and by the back door so that i could enjoy the garden. The plumbing was done as inconspicuously as possible and also we were very much guided by the experience of the Engineer doing the job. He wanted to ensure that the House was fully accessible. At each point we had humidifiers and some tubing to walk around with. So to take a shower or to sit in the garden was not a problem. I had no restrictions and the only trailing cable was from my local point.
Since the new service came in many more people have benefited from having Concentrators, at the same time many people who have started Oxygen more recently have had a Concentrator delivered and no plumbing. So in effect they are tied to their machine. Also I have spoken to someone whilst in Hospital who had been plumbed in with large chunks coming out of the wall. Given the chaos and pressure of the first year then perhaps it was seen as a luxury. But this was very much a part of the standard service in 1999 and so with all the improvements should be so now. So we would like to know how many of you are plumbed in and also if you are not and it impacts on your ability to live then ask firstly you Oxygen company and then your PCT about it. I note that some people have been reluctant to give them to patients in case of infection. However one important aspect in all of this is your own personal responsibility. I would sterilise mine twice a week. |
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