I joined the Foundation tonight and looking forward to hearing the collective wisdom of the group.
My 85 year old Mom uses oxygen at home at level 4-4.5 mostly 24/7 and while she does get to her doctor, rehab, and chiropractor appointments, she feels uncomfortable and says it is too much effort to go outside to sit on a bench or to come to my house which is a 5 minute drive. She has plenty of excuses from the weather to the need to make phone calls or organize stuff in her house.
She's been on O2 for about 6 months now and started at a 2.5-3 level with only partial usage is now very dependent on it. She was probably diagnosed about 5 years ago. She is frail and so we are also trying to get her to gain weight, which isn't easy. She's going to gastro specialist tomorrow. She coughs up mucous about every other day and that isn't pleasant for her. She also has some vanity concerns about being seen with the tubes and the portable device. Lastly, she hasn't gotten comfortable with pulse breathing yet but hasn't tried all that often. She does use the nebulizer and tries exercises at home.
I welcome and appreciate any suggestions for encouraging her confidence or reducing her anxiety for going to places outside the home. Fortunately, my 90 year old Dad is there for company and acting as her caregiver and I'm close by.
Thanks in advance,
SPG