General Chat

It was only as a result of my 9 weeks stay in ICU I became dependent upon the use of oxygen. During my 4 1/2 months stay in a Rehab Ward, emphasis was on lessening my use of this - although I have to admit they forgot that I had COPD and were relating to the condition I was admitted for.

This morning I visited COPD nurse (last month changed from Serentide 500 to Symbicort - big difference - hardly use Ventolin, before I was eating it). However I diverse, I was asking about a smaller pack of oxygen so we could go away for a few days. I was informed that in some cases oxygen can be delivered to wherever we are staying.

The biggest surprise had yet to come, she asked how much I used, when I replied about an hour night and morning - she said no, not sufficient - need 10 to13 hrs daily to help the lungs to work. She said she advised her father to keep it on during the night.

So poor OH who was following hosp. advice and hoping to help me get off completely is at a loss that he was doing the wrong thing.

Be interesting next week when I see Respiratory Consultant (my COPD nurse works in close contact with him). I know OH will bring this up!

Hope this info is of use to someone.

Our friend has made use of the delivery to holiday address. And was also 'told off' for not using it more often, eventually he had to use it all the time.

Thank you for posting this Chris. As I was diagnosed with COPD at the end of January (mild at the moment but no doubt will get worse) I know nothing much about the condition.

Reading about the use of oxygen has made me wonder why, if it helps the lungs to work, is it only used when the condition gets pretty bad.......why not use it in the early stages of the condition?

As I said, I know very little about it, just the info sheets that the nurse printed off for me to read.........I didn't know until I got to the bit about *palliative care* that it was (a) uncurable and (b) would get worse. :-(((

Mary

Mary you can PM me if you wish to talk/ask. Am increasing my oxygen intake and see what happens - each time I come on PC I try to remember to hook up!

I was amazed yesterday to hear this and OH's mouth fell open - he has been working hard to lessen my intake - down from 7 hours to 2!!!! He could not nelieve he was doing wrong thing but then that was hospital this is my COPD nurse and she is good always up-to-date with latest drugs and what will suit. Argues with consultant!!!

I did have a COPD thread some time ago - possibly before I had a hospital vacation. Will try to find it and nudge.

Hello Mary and Chris

I was diagnosed with COPD in 2006 - very mild. I was aware that the state would not improve but not aware that it would get worse. I know it does in people who continue to smoke but I no longer do that.

I use Spiriva and the purple puffer - through the spacer using a haler aid (when I can be bothered with all that palaver) but may be I should be a little more disciplined.

Chris I hope your breathing is easier with the increased oxygen. My situation is quite different from yours. I have only had one bout of being very short of breath and it is the worst illness I have experienced, albeit for a short period of time.

Regards

Vera

nudging for Diana

if you are given oxygen at home
please us it as directed
as if you dont you risk not getting enough oxygen to your brain and heart
affecting eventualy your brain funtion
might no notice this but your family will
they really should give a information sheet at the hospital but they dont
COPD deteriated eventualy even if you stop smoking
though the aim is to keep it steady at the level its at for as long as possible