When you were first diagnosed with a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it may not have come as a great shock. You've known that something has been wrong for a long time. Chores around the house left you winded and gasping for air. You could no longer walk the two blocks to work because you couldn't breathe at the end of the walk. You couldn't even lie down to sleep any more. You had to sleep in a chair because you couldn't breathe otherwise.
The only difference after your diagnosis is that now your chronic breathing problems have a name. And once the problem has been named, you know it is not going away.
You've got a million questions running in your mind, but they all boil down to one thing: What now?
What happens with your life now?
You've seen the regimen that your doctor has prescribed for you, which includes oxygen therapy. Fortunately, with portable oxygen concentrators, it's a lot easier for COPD patients to continue many of their favorite activities without worrying about whether they'll be able to breathe.
Once you have established your regimen with your doctor, it's time to consider portable oxygen concentrator options. What kind would be best for you?
FreeStyle by AirSep
This is one portable oxygen concentrator made specifically for very active COPD patients. It weighs 5 pounds and comes with a shoulder strap for easy carrying. It works on a pulse system, which means that you are delivered oxygen as you breathe. If you do well with a pulse system, you can do just about anything you want without having to travel around with a full-sized tank all the time.
The FreeStyle also comes with a battery belt, which helps it last about three times longer than normal, and a car charger, so you can recharge the batteries on the go.
Eclipse by SeQual
If it's not possible to carry around 5 pounds for an extended period of time, look for a portable oxygen concentrators like the Eclipse. Though it's a bit heavier than the FreeStyle, it comes with a small cart that makes it very easy to tote around. It also has one rechargeable battery that you can charge in your car.
Instead of a pulse only system, the Eclipse includes a continuous flow delivery option, which means that oxygen delivery isn't dependent on the user's breathing patterns. If you've had trouble with a pulse system, try a portable oxygen concentrator with a continuous flow delivery option.
General tips for living with COPD
1) Religiously follow the oxygen and medication regimen that you doctor gives you. Don't stop or change your dosage without first consulting your doctor. Learn the purposes of all the medications that you take. This will make you a more educated patient, and you'll be able to work with your doctor to find an optimal dosage for you.
2) Quit smoking! Chances are that smoking will undo many of the benefits that your physician has prescribed, and it will make your COPD worse. If that weren't enough, oxygen is also an accelerant. Though it is not flammable, it makes fire burn faster and longer. With oxygen in your house, you greatly increase the chance of a lit cigarette starting a destructive fire in your home.
3) Get involved in a weekly support group. Dealing with a chronic illness is difficult, both physically and emotionally. A support group will help you cope with the emotions and remind you that you are not alone. Bring your family to a couple of the group meetings, and remember to stay positive.
A COPD diagnosis is not a death sentence, nor is it untreatable. By choosing the right portable oxygen concentrator, and correctly following the regimen your doctor has prescribed, you can slow or even reverse the effects of COPD. With proper exercise, a healthy lifestyle and a positive attitude, you can continue to live a happy, productive life.
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