Decisions, Decisions

I've been on oxygen for almost 1o years. In all that time, I've used a concentrator and portable tanks. Well, I'm trying to make a decision on whether or not to change this. Why? The electric bill is just getting out of hand. I'm on the budget plan for National Grid, but I still have to pay at least $100 a month! I have tried so much to cut down on energy. I've changed almost all my light bulbs to the new energy saving ones. I keep my toaster unplugged, parts of the computer unplugged, the washer unplugged. I'd unplug the dryer, but I just can't reach the cord all the time to keep taking it out and putting it back in. I'm just at a loss, and I don't know what to do to make my bill cheaper!

I hadn't really considered getting liquid o2 before because I just don't have the room. The hallway wasn't safe because of having a tenant upstairs. Every room of my apartment just didn't have the space for the liquid o2 unit. I have a lot of furniture!! However, since I'll be giving my daybed to my niece very soon, there will be room in the jewerly room! So when the o2 guy was here delivering my o2 tanks today, I asked him about the liquid o2. He feels that I'd be able to get 2 units since I'm on 3L, and that I could fill a Helios portable, but I'd only last a few hours with it. I posted on Facebook and the PH boards asking about liquid o2, and it seems that many who are on high flow rates are able to last much longer with the portables than what the o2 guy told me. So I'll try to call tomorrow afternoon at my o2 company's main office to ask more about the liquid o2 option! I really do feel I'll end up changing, and if it doesn't work out, I know I can change back!

I've also got some decisions to make about my jewelry, but I just don't want to say much about that yet until things are finalized. There might be something in the works. I just hope it works out, but we'll see!

I've also started making decisions about.....Christmas gifts!! And yes, I have 4 already! Whoo hoo! I know, people think I'm nuts, but I start shopping early since I already have some money, and I just like to!! This year, we decided to draw a name of one person to buy for, between my sisters and brothers-in-law, and Rick. So I'm focusing on my BIL, Brandon! It's made it a bit easier to shop, since I don't have as many people as before. I just like to do things early so I'm not out there shopping with the crazy people right before the holiday!!

Well, now I've decided to end this blog post! Until next time!!

Comments

Anonymous said…
Hi there :))
Well I really like the Helios when I used Jeannies, but I think I would need a concentrator as well (for nights)and not sure the Ins. would pay both?? I know Jeannie does have both..I know I was thinking of trying it for that same reason..but I keep forgetting, Maybe I will ask again when I go tomorrow to drop off the POC..
Hope all turns out with your jewelry...and christmas shopping, you are always way ahead of me in that dept..LOL..Maybe this year I will do better..LOL

Take care..TTYL...BTW..just saw your avatar on 2 different farms and you did not answer me..LOL
Hugs..Love ya :)))
11:01 PM
Nancy said…
I started with a concentrator and compressed gas, but the bottles were too cumbersome and the concentrator too expensive to run. So with my doctor's blessing (you'll need a new script from your doctor) I made the switch. It was wonderful.

The liquid reservoir did not take up any more room than the concentrator, and oh my, it didn't heat up my house or make any annoying noise. Extended trips (over night and longer) were sometimes difficult because liquid O2 is not carried by all providers. :o(

I managed on the long trips by making prior arrangements for a small reservoir that sat in the back seat (I belted it in) or in the back of an SUV so I could refill my portable. It is heavy and awkward to move (it takes two people to carry). It looks like a little R2D2 unit.

I hope you find the O2 system that works for you.
8:51 AM
Judith HeartSong said…
Oh, I hope you find just the right thing for you!

A big hug your way!
7:18 AM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Health Changes

 I finally thought I was making progress with my anxiety that had ramped up again back in November of last year. It's been a very long road of not feeling good, trying to increase the Remeron, trying to learn once again that my life is worth a whole lot of SOMETHING. The tremendous loss of my mom, my grandma, a couple of dear phriends, and the nursing home volunteering put a huge pressure of my value of what my life is supposed to be like. However, I had finally started to turn that around. In June, I was robbed (another story for another time, maybe), and on that day I figured that out, I realized I wasn't anxious at all. I was pumped with adrenaline that whole day since I was so angry, so I thought for sure the anxiety would be back again, but it wasn't. And for at least a month and a half, it's been pretty decent. I've been so thankful for that.  But in the last several weeks, I don't know what has happened to my body, especially my abdominal area, but I have
Read more

My Most Inspiring Possession

Image
A dear friend named Judi, whose journal I've been reading for years, has brought back her ARTSY ESSAY CONTEST ! I'm very excited about this, and hope that others will read the wonderful essays already posted in Judi's blog! Here is the topic for this month's new installment: What is your favorite and most inspiring possession? Tell us about it, and if you want an extra creative challenge... tell us about it without naming it until the very last sentence of your essay:):):) I own alot of possessions. When I first moved out of my parents' house, almost 9 years ago, I took this possession with me. It was mine, I had bought it, but I did allow the other members of my family to use it from time to time while I was at home. This possession has been a tremendous outlet for me to do a wide variety of things. I was able to record the barking of our first family dog, something that was cherished when she sadly died way too early for her doggy lifespan. I also was able to save
Read more

The Ideal Day

Once again, it's that time of month for dear Judi's Artsy Essay Contest! Please see the rules and regulations for this month here . I entered a couple month's ago when Judi decided to revive this wonderful contest, and decided I'd like to give it a shot this month! Here goes! My Ideal Day My ideal day would start out at 7am to get ready for work, instead of getting up to take a pill. My ideal day would be going to work as a teacher, instead of wondering if I'd feel well enough to do anything for that day. My ideal day would be working out at a gym, instead of hoping to have enough energy to just walk for 6 minutes on the treadmill at home. My ideal day would be to freely walk about around my home and in public, instead of being tethered to a plastic tube going into my nose, providing oxygen to keep me going. My ideal day would be remembering meeting times with friends or family, instead of keeping track of the 8 different times I need to take a pill or vitamin in
Read more