Posted by Jim Ambrose on May 12, 1999 at 20:00:54:
In Reply to: Re: O2 posted by Lee M. on May 11, 1999 at 22:00:49:
Lee,
I had a supply of humidifiers and masks from various trips to the ER. They are supposed to be single use so the hospital doesn't mind if you take them with you after a "session". A regular welding oxygen regulator I bought for around $60 works just fine. The humidifier screws right on to the regulator. I went hard core and don't use them anymore. I just crack the valve and breathe right from the bottle. I also had a "pig tail" made up. Three feet of steel braided high pressure hose with brass fittings for transfering O2 from one bottle to another. The pig tail was expensive but necessary if you are going to transfer from one bottle to another. I have 4 bottles a very large one that I lease, a smaller (2 and a half feet tall)one I bought that travels in the car/truck with me, and 2 small (about a foot long) bottles that I carry in the saddle bags of my motorcycle. (Love my Gold Wing) I get the leased one filled and then transfer into my more portable ones. Costs about $20.00 a refill.
This is how I can lead a normal life. I take care of myself, making sure never to be out of range of my O2. I decided to take charge of my life and this is the solution I came up with. Now I am in charge, not begging a doctor or an insurance company to please let me have O2. Taking control of the situation has stopped me from feeling helpless, and that is the best medicine of all!
Good luck Lee. I hope you find the solution that is right for you.
Remission for all!!