Missing out hi

By CommunityMember1623

1 min read

Hi I'm Jill and I have stage 4 COPD I jumped pretty fast from 3 to 4 and find I can't do the things I have done a year ago. Digging in the garden, watering, walking the same distance going to visit people, my inogen is not doing a good job anymore. I had to have a nurse put me on a tank when I got to Dr a few steps and I was at 79 oxygen put me on the tank and got to 97. I really don't want to get pulled behind but I don't think I have a choice can still do dishes and cook dinner but that's about it.

Lavender color rose

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Jill.Brodie Community Admin
Hi Jill, it's Jill 😀. I can hear how difficult this is for you. I wish it wasn't so challenging for you to get around and do the things you like. Your roses are beautiful, I really hope you get to be outside and enjoy them. I am wishing you all the best. Jill, <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>, team member
Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
Hi <inline-mention username="CommunityMember1623" user-id="4768783"/> (Jill) - I hear you! Thanks for your post. I am sorry it took this long for me to respond. I see my colleague, <inline-mention username="Jill.Brodie" user-id="4603105"/>, has already responded and provided support for your own comment. I also have something to contribute. When you shared the oxygen concentrator you have isn't as effective as it once was, I had a thought to send your way. Not everyone is aware that the oxygen supplied by a concentrator is not the same grade as oxygen supplied by an oxygen cylinder. That is because the oxygen concentrator takes the air around us, the atmosphere, and 'concentrates' it, for dispensing to the patient. All this to say the oxygen coming out of a concentrator is not really 100% oxygen. However, the oxygen coming out of an oxygen cylinder is 100% oxygen, which is then provided to the patient at the prescribed liter flow. This may be the reason you don't do as well (any longer) on the concentrator. The reason I say this is because you also shared your oxygen saturation went from 79% to 97% in the doctor's office. You may want to discuss this further with your own prescribing physician. You may do better on an oxygen cylinder in the home, rather than a concentrator. What do you think? Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 <inline-mention username="tomboyer46" user-id="4140736"/> Understood, Tom! Thanks, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 <inline-mention username="tomboyer46" user-id="4140736"/> Hi Tom - how cool that you actually checked into this! For some folks, who are very sensitive to oxygen concentration, the lesser oxygen concentration from a concentrator may have an effect on them. As well, the difference between continuous flow and pulse flow may also have a bearing on how one feels. Either way, I am glad to hear you are comfortable with your oxygen source. Thanks so much for chiming in here! All the best, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
CommunityMember3046 Member
You are probably right: Your INNOGEN isn't doing a good job anymore! Their O2 output often declines bit-by-bit until the machine needs to be serviced. Have it checked ASP.