This is a multi-faceted issue. Yes, the commercials on TV make POC's (portable oxygen concentrators) look like a dream-come-true. They make it seem like everyone should get one. The reality is that they are only really effective for patients who need no more than 1-2 LPM of continuous oxygen WITH ACTIVITY. If a patient needs more than this level of oxygen as tested WITH ACTIVITY/EXERTION (walking ), it will not be enough or last long enough for any reasonable excursion or activity. POC's are NOT for use sitting around the house or for sleeping EVER. They don't have enough capacity to cover most patient's oxygen needs for a reasonable length of time to make the device worth the government or insurance paying for it. Most patients who need oxygen on a chronic (long term) basis will tend to need MORE oxygen in about a year or less; so, if you need 2 LPM continuously (not pulsed dose) now, you will probably need 3 LPM in about a year. These devices cost at minimum about $3000.00; with extra batteries and the carrying case, that will be about $3,500. Sometimes, people rent them for trips or special occasions for about $200 per week. Please read and consider all this information carefully; I was a pulmonology RN for five years and unfortunately had explain this over and over again to many hopeful patients calling in to the clinic after they had seen the commercial. The only times I heard about qualifying for the device being paid for were in instances of VA benefits, and not all the time. Kaiser Permanente will never pay for them.
Things have changed since you were an RN. Portable concentrators do not cost a minimum of $3k anymore, they have come down in price, they go above 2 liters and contrary to what you think, they actually do allow people to have an active life. My mother has been on oxygen for years and uses portable concentrators. They work very well. Hers runs for several hours & has multiple batteries as well as a plug for the car. So you are very wrong here.
If you are on 4LPM or more continuously, you may qualify for a liquid oxygen set-up. If so, you will be provided with a large liquid oxygen reservoir to fill your own smaller tanks at home. They aren't as small and light as a POC, but they are considerably less cumbersome than the traditional green tank. They usually are provided by insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare. The liquid reservoir in your home will be filled on a schedule, such as every two weeks, so it must be used sparingly for outings and trips. While you are in the house sitting around, you would use your regular large oxygen concentrator. Ask your MD and/or oxygen provider about your qualification for this alternative (Liquid oxygen set up). I hope this helps; again, it's usually reserved for those who need at least 4LPM continuous oxygen w/ activity (walking or using your own wheelchair or walker), or at rest (sitting down, no exertion).
Seems like WE care more about her situation than she herself. Oh well; we’ll just keep going! Thank You for pointing this out so that we can respond to the active members who need our advice and support!)) it’s gratifying and fulfilling when we know someone is listening, and recognition is nice at least once in a while!))
Treechick, in terms of working part time, I read some years ago that GoodWill is an employer that accommodates worker's needs, more than regular employers. Apparently it hires people with various challenges. That might be an option.
Does TX Medicaid require compensated work? TN allows recipients to "volunteer" their hours. One seriously ill friend volunteered to work the reception desk at the local hospital, looking up patient room numbers and giving out visitor badges. Because she was so visible, she got the help she really needed (including a wavier to the work requirement) a lot quicker than usual.
JoAnn mentioned a relative who receives SS disability with Medicare as primary coverage, Medicaid as secondary. If a young person (she is 44) receives SS disability (not clear what type of disability payments she is receiving, whether SS, state or private,) they are not expected to be able to hold any job. SS assumes they are permanently and totally disabled. LW has congestive heart failure as a secondary result of her pulmonary disease. It would seem, then, that this LW may qualify for the same Medicare primary insurance. She should contact SS office to check into the availability of Medicare benefits. That would pay for whatever oxygen equipment she needs, plus other care.
A nother method of increasing the oxyen content of you blood is to inflate your lungs by taking the deppest breath of air and holding for as long as it is compfortable. Exhale comfortably. This can be repeated as often as it is comfortable.
Another is using a sonic humider with 3% peroxide in your enviornment. I do this closing the bedroom door to increase the local exposuer. The peroxide produces oxygen and water in the lungs. It reduces the coagulation of the mucus in the lungs. The inflation also which also aids the absorption of oxygen in the lungs.
I also use this technecq when exposed to fungus, virsus and backteria. I seems very effictive.
What does your Dr say? Does he/she have any suggestions? I would also contact your state representative and US representative Lambert and US Senator Cornyn. make them aware of your plight and ask them for help in finding a solution.
to have an active life. My mother has been on oxygen for years and uses portable concentrators. They work very well. Hers runs for several hours & has multiple batteries as well as a plug for the car. So you are very wrong here.
If a young person (she is 44) receives SS disability (not clear what type of disability payments she is receiving, whether SS, state or private,) they are not expected to be able to hold any job. SS assumes they are permanently and totally disabled. LW has congestive heart failure as a secondary result of her pulmonary disease.
It would seem, then, that this LW may qualify for the same Medicare primary insurance. She should contact SS office to check into the availability of Medicare benefits. That would pay for whatever oxygen equipment she needs, plus other care.
Another is using a sonic humider with 3% peroxide in your enviornment. I do this closing the bedroom door to increase the local exposuer. The peroxide produces oxygen and water in the lungs. It reduces the coagulation of the mucus in the lungs. The inflation also which also aids the absorption of oxygen in the lungs.
I also use this technecq when exposed to fungus, virsus and backteria. I seems very effictive.
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