Posted by Gwen Haag
on 11/9/2009, 3:19 pm
74.65.3.212
I haven't posted in quite some time, but read the messages here every day. I was diagnosed with emphysema (mild to moderate) anad asthma, six years ago. I was "maintaining" with Advair 250/50 and Albuterol. About two weeks ago, I got the HINI virus and double pneumonia. After spending a week in the hospital, I was discarged with the diagnosis of COPD, with Asthma exacerbation and CAP (community acquired pneumonia). I am on continuous oxygen at 2 liters. Halprin medical supply set me up at home with a concentrator and 50 feet of plastic tubing. Fortunately, I live in a ranch style house and by putting the concentrator in the dining room (out of the way and quieter), I can reach all areas of the house including the basement and garage. Just getting used to dragging tubing behind me. :-)
I am also the primary, live-in caregiver for my 87 year old mother who has mild Alzheimer's. My concern with the tubing was that she would trip over it, but she's done very well with it (she says it helps that it's shiny) and I rigged up a system to run the tubing through a system of plastic hooks up on the wall to run it into my bedroom at night, so my mother won't trip over it if she gets up. I also have two portable (E) tanks and Halprin is coming tomorrow to assess my need for additional, smaller portable tanks for work, etc. I am learning the "economy of movement" and doing things the "smart" way. I already had my first "Oops" moment...went to the store with the portable tank, got home and hooked back up to the concentrator. Then I worked out a system for getting groceries in the house etc. A couple of hours later I realized I forgot to shut the portable tank off! Now I know to be very careful of that! :-)
God has given me the grace to meet this new situation without vanity or embarrassment and I will be more than willing to remain on oxygen if I can breathe and feel this much better. I have had more energy (even accounting for taking care of the remaining pneumonia) and have been breathing better that I have for a very long time.
I hope all of you are doing well.
Gwen
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