Help...O2 Problems???

[Guest guest]

Hi all -

Here I go again...:>(

I signed up with Apria as the provider for my oxygen a couple of

weeks ago. They wouldn't attach it to my CPAP (from a different

provider in NC) even though I have the valve/connector to do so.

I'm woefully non-technical and with my poor vision...more so. I've

tried repeatedly, with both M6 tanks that they brought to fill using

the Invacare room O2 concentrator fill. After filling, I turn the

valve to close and then set the cannister aside until I need to go

out. Whenever I check later, the needle indicates EMPTY.

I've even asked my friend and my s-i-l to do this and have the same

result (but they didn't stay until it was finished...so I guess I was

still trying to close the valve. I called Apria, but they weren't

much help. I understand that if I can get Apria to send me the

certificate of medical necessity from my doctor, that I can switch to

Lincare (I need a provider available on both west coast and east

coast).

Any suggestions, answers, etc.???

Joan M CA & NC, IPF 04/08

[Guest guest]

Joan

I'm a bit confused but let me try what I can.

I rarely defend Apria but do understand not being willing to attach to a

piece of equipment for which they have no prescription, your CPAP.

Now, as to the cylinders. The cylinders they brought I'm assuming were

Invacare Home Fill Cylinders? I'm asking as my understanding is the

Homefill system requires special cylinders, not standard. Did they

supply the Homefill system itself? If so they should come and get it all

working properly and help with any problems. However, you may have an

office that just isn't very customer service oriented.

As to switching, basically you need the prescription sent by your doctor

to whomever your new provider is. It's much easier to send directly to

the new provider than to try to get Apria to forward the one they

received. Once that is done they will start servicing you. Then you can

call Apria to pick up the equipment. Now, they will sometimes start

insisting on a doctor's order to do so and even cite some non-existent

rules or laws.

>

> Hi all -

>

> Here I go again...:>(

> I signed up with Apria as the provider for my oxygen a couple of

> weeks ago. They wouldn't attach it to my CPAP (from a different

> provider in NC) even though I have the valve/connector to do so.

>

> I'm woefully non-technical and with my poor vision...more so. I've

> tried repeatedly, with both M6 tanks that they brought to fill using

> the Invacare room O2 concentrator fill. After filling, I turn the

> valve to close and then set the cannister aside until I need to go

> out. Whenever I check later, the needle indicates EMPTY.

>

> I've even asked my friend and my s-i-l to do this and have the same

> result (but they didn't stay until it was finished...so I guess I was

> still trying to close the valve. I called Apria, but they weren't

> much help. I understand that if I can get Apria to send me the

> certificate of medical necessity from my doctor, that I can switch to

> Lincare (I need a provider available on both west coast and east

> coast).

>

> Any suggestions, answers, etc.???

>

> Joan M CA & NC, IPF 04/08

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Bruce -

The cylinders were delivered by Apria and are labeled 'Invacare'.

And I have the CPAP Rx and my NC doctors write-ups/diagnosis...so I

don't know, except that the man who brought the equipment said that

if it isn't 'theirs' they don't touch it.

And of course, when I got the CPAP, it was in NC, but from the sleep

study people. I'll need to get a new one from Lincare and return the

other one. Sure are a lot of things to learn about taking care of

oneself with this stuff (and a bunch of other stuff). Really glad to

have the insurance coverage that I do have and grateful that I don't

have to pay more than I do. Have to learn what Medicare will and

will not cover as TriCare for Life won't cover expenses if Medicare

doesn't.

Thanks for your suggestions.

Joanm

>

>

> Joan

>

> I'm a bit confused but let me try what I can.

>

> I rarely defend Apria but do understand not being willing to attach

to a

> piece of equipment for which they have no prescription, your CPAP.

>

> Now, as to the cylinders. The cylinders they brought I'm assuming

were

> Invacare Home Fill Cylinders? I'm asking as my understanding is the

> Homefill system requires special cylinders, not standard. Did they

> supply the Homefill system itself? If so they should come and get

it all

> working properly and help with any problems. However, you may have

an

> office that just isn't very customer service oriented.

>

> As to switching, basically you need the prescription sent by your

doctor

> to whomever your new provider is. It's much easier to send directly

to

> the new provider than to try to get Apria to forward the one they

> received. Once that is done they will start servicing you. Then you

can

> call Apria to pick up the equipment. Now, they will sometimes start

> insisting on a doctor's order to do so and even cite some non-

existent

> rules or laws.

>

[Guest guest]

Joan

Is the homefill owned or through insurance? Thats the one item I would

encourage checking with the provider you choose regarding medicare. I

have not known of medicare to specifically provide a homefill maching.

Medicare pretty much (some exceptions) gives a set amount to the oxygen

supplier, regardless of how they service you. Therefore, their

preference is the cheapest option.

> >

> >

> > Joan

> >

> > I'm a bit confused but let me try what I can.

> >

> > I rarely defend Apria but do understand not being willing to attach

> to a

> > piece of equipment for which they have no prescription, your CPAP.

> >

> > Now, as to the cylinders. The cylinders they brought I'm assuming

> were

> > Invacare Home Fill Cylinders? I'm asking as my understanding is the

> > Homefill system requires special cylinders, not standard. Did they

> > supply the Homefill system itself? If so they should come and get

> it all

> > working properly and help with any problems. However, you may have

> an

> > office that just isn't very customer service oriented.

> >

> > As to switching, basically you need the prescription sent by your

> doctor

> > to whomever your new provider is. It's much easier to send directly

> to

> > the new provider than to try to get Apria to forward the one they

> > received. Once that is done they will start servicing you. Then you

> can

> > call Apria to pick up the equipment. Now, they will sometimes start

> > insisting on a doctor's order to do so and even cite some non-

> existent

> > rules or laws.

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Joan, I am on medicare and AARP supplement. They have never questioned what my 02 provider (Apria)brings. I have a concentrator and 24 E tanks. and all the tubing and supplies I want. Talk with the manager at the provider and they'll tell you what all they can do for you. I am so sorry you need this information. I just hate this disease more every day I sit here and WANT to Go Go Go.. Oh well. I'm still here, thats the good news. ;)Take Care of you. Love and Prayers, Peggy   IPF  2004,  Florida"Worry looks around, Sorry looks back,  Faith looks up." JoanIs the homefill owned or through insurance? Thats the one item I wouldencourage checking with the provider you choose regarding medicare. Ihave not known of medicare to specifically provide a homefill maching.Medicare pretty much (some exceptions) gives a set amount to the oxygensupplier, regardless of how they service you. Therefore, theirpreference is the cheapest option.> >> >> > Joan> >> > I'm a bit confused but let me try what I can.> >> > I rarely defend Apria but do understand not being willing to attach> to a> > piece of equipment for which they have no prescription, your CPAP.> >> > Now, as to the cylinders. The cylinders they brought I'm assuming> were> > Invacare Home Fill Cylinders? I'm asking as my understanding is the> > Homefill system requires special cylinders, not standard. Did they> > supply the Homefill system itself? If so they should come and get> it all> > working properly and help with any problems. However, you may have> an> > office that just isn't very customer service oriented.> >> > As to switching, basically you need the prescription sent by your> doctor> > to whomever your new provider is. It's much easier to send directly> to> > the new provider than to try to get Apria to forward the one they> > received. Once that is done they will start servicing you. Then you> can> > call Apria to pick up the equipment. Now, they will sometimes start> > insisting on a doctor's order to do so and even cite some non-> existent> > rules or laws.> >>

[Guest guest]

Joan...from me personally, Go LINCARE!

I had Apria for a long while and wondered why I didn't leave them sooner. I think it's tantamount to abuse for a O2 provider to refuse to attach your O2!!

I have a cpap and it's extremely easy to do but you need the little "attachment" that goes from one to the other.

Lincare is available most anyplace and if they are not they simply call another provider. At least this is my personal experience.

Good luck

MamaSher, age 70. IPF 3-06, OR. NasturtiumsDon't fret about tomorrow, God is already there!

Help...O2 Problems???

Hi all -Here I go again...:>(I signed up with Apria as the provider for my oxygen a couple of weeks ago. They wouldn't attach it to my CPAP (from a different provider in NC) even though I have the valve/connector to do so.I'm woefully non-technical and with my poor vision...more so. I've tried repeatedly, with both M6 tanks that they brought to fill using the Invacare room O2 concentrator fill. After filling, I turn the valve to close and then set the cannister aside until I need to go out. Whenever I check later, the needle indicates EMPTY. I've even asked my friend and my s-i-l to do this and have the same result (but they didn't stay until it was finished...so I guess I was still trying to close the valve. I called Apria, but they weren't much help. I understand that if I can get Apria to send me the certificate of medical necessity from my doctor, that I can switch to Lincare (I need a provider available on both west coast and east coast).Any suggestions, answers, etc.???Joan M CA & NC, IPF 04/08

[Guest guest]

Hi Bruce ... once again, I'm on the other side of the coin...

I purchased my cpap from Apria (rent to own). Went to Lincare and Lincare inquired if my cpap had ever been serviced...no.

A great gal came out, no dr script needed. Obviously there had been a script or I wouldn't have cpap. Same kind, same name. She serviced the machine, brought with her a new mask (I'd never replaced mine in a couple of years) and ordered for me new filters.

You can see why I like Lincare. Plus, they call me every month to see if I need anything, from cylinders to cpap.

Thank goodness for Fax machines. If a script should be necessary it's easy to do.

BTW, I had the Homefill system and loved it. It is a system all into itself and the provider needs to service it. They do require a unique cylinder which is refilled as necessary.

Hope you're doing ok Bruce....

MamaSher, age 70. IPF 3-06, OR. NasturtiumsDon't fret about tomorrow, God is already there!

Re: Help...O2 Problems???

JoanI'm a bit confused but let me try what I can.I rarely defend Apria but do understand not being willing to attach to apiece of equipment for which they have no prescription, your CPAP.Now, as to the cylinders. The cylinders they brought I'm assuming wereInvacare Home Fill Cylinders? I'm asking as my understanding is theHomefill system requires special cylinders, not standard. Did theysupply the Homefill system itself? If so they should come and get it allworking properly and help with any problems. However, you may have anoffice that just isn't very customer service oriented.As to switching, basically you need the prescription sent by your doctorto whomever your new provider is. It's much easier to send directly tothe new provider than to try to get Apria to forward the one theyreceived. Once that is done they will start servicing you. Then you cancall Apria to pick up the equipment. Now, they will sometimes startinsisting on a doctor's order to do so and even cite some non-existentrules or laws.>> Hi all ->> Here I go again...:>(> I signed up with Apria as the provider for my oxygen a couple of> weeks ago. They wouldn't attach it to my CPAP (from a different> provider in NC) even though I have the valve/connector to do so.>> I'm woefully non-technical and with my poor vision...more so. I've> tried repeatedly, with both M6 tanks that they brought to fill using> the Invacare room O2 concentrator fill. After filling, I turn the> valve to close and then set the cannister aside until I need to go> out. Whenever I check later, the needle indicates EMPTY.>> I've even asked my friend and my s-i-l to do this and have the same> result (but they didn't stay until it was finished...so I guess I was> still trying to close the valve. I called Apria, but they weren't> much help. I understand that if I can get Apria to send me the> certificate of medical necessity from my doctor, that I can switch to> Lincare (I need a provider available on both west coast and east> coast).>> Any suggestions, answers, etc.???>> Joan M CA & NC, IPF 04/08>

[Guest guest]

Sher

Well, some enforce rules, some of which they make up, when the mood

strikes them. Had I been the driver I would have tried to hook it up if

I knew how (note many companies use different people and the driver may

know nothing), but I'd also reach up and change the lightbulb if the one

in the room where the equipment was had just gone out and you couldn't

reach it as well.

> >

> > Hi all -

> >

> > Here I go again...:>(

> > I signed up with Apria as the provider for my oxygen a couple of

> > weeks ago. They wouldn't attach it to my CPAP (from a different

> > provider in NC) even though I have the valve/connector to do so.

> >

> > I'm woefully non-technical and with my poor vision...more so. I've

> > tried repeatedly, with both M6 tanks that they brought to fill using

> > the Invacare room O2 concentrator fill. After filling, I turn the

> > valve to close and then set the cannister aside until I need to go

> > out. Whenever I check later, the needle indicates EMPTY.

> >

> > I've even asked my friend and my s-i-l to do this and have the same

> > result (but they didn't stay until it was finished...so I guess I

was

> > still trying to close the valve. I called Apria, but they weren't

> > much help. I understand that if I can get Apria to send me the

> > certificate of medical necessity from my doctor, that I can switch

to

> > Lincare (I need a provider available on both west coast and east

> > coast).

> >

> > Any suggestions, answers, etc.???

> >

> > Joan M CA & NC, IPF 04/08

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Sher

I'm ok, except just went grocery shopping and completely exhausted.

Entire adventure took about 1 1/2 hours, overfilled cart with over $200

worth as I don't intend to go back anytime soon, used my cart I have at

home, put things in refrigerator and haven't put non-perishables away

yet. But relaxing now. I go through the store very methodically and

slowly. I wait to get the meats and other refrigerated items until I've

loaded the rest. I do all I can to go long periods between trips. I buy

my beef elsewhere at a butcher shop so still have that left to do.

Unless something happens, I won't go back for a month. If I need

anything meanwhile, I can normally pick it up at the convenience store

next to me.

> > >

> > > Hi all -

> > >

> > > Here I go again...:>(

> > > I signed up with Apria as the provider for my oxygen a couple of

> > > weeks ago. They wouldn't attach it to my CPAP (from a different

> > > provider in NC) even though I have the valve/connector to do so.

> > >

> > > I'm woefully non-technical and with my poor vision...more so. I've

> > > tried repeatedly, with both M6 tanks that they brought to fill

using

> > > the Invacare room O2 concentrator fill. After filling, I turn the

> > > valve to close and then set the cannister aside until I need to go

> > > out. Whenever I check later, the needle indicates EMPTY.

> > >

> > > I've even asked my friend and my s-i-l to do this and have the

same

> > > result (but they didn't stay until it was finished...so I guess I

> was

> > > still trying to close the valve. I called Apria, but they weren't

> > > much help. I understand that if I can get Apria to send me the

> > > certificate of medical necessity from my doctor, that I can switch

> to

> > > Lincare (I need a provider available on both west coast and east

> > > coast).

> > >

> > > Any suggestions, answers, etc.???

> > >

> > > Joan M CA & NC, IPF 04/08

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Bruce, That is because you are such a gentleman and a kind, caring person. This HUGS for you..   Love and Prayers, Peggy   IPF  2004,  Florida"Worry looks around, Sorry looks back,  Faith looks up." SherWell, some enforce rules, some of which they make up, when the moodstrikes them. Had I been the driver I would have tried to hook it up ifI knew how (note many companies use different people and the driver mayknow nothing), but I'd also reach up and change the lightbulb if the onein the room where the equipment was had just gone out and you couldn'treach it as well.> >> > Hi all -> >> > Here I go again...:>(> > I signed up with Apria as the provider for my oxygen a couple of> > weeks ago. They wouldn't attach it to my CPAP (from a different> > provider in NC) even though I have the valve/connector to do so.> >> > I'm woefully non-technical and with my poor vision...more so. I've> > tried repeatedly, with both M6 tanks that they brought to fill using> > the Invacare room O2 concentrator fill. After filling, I turn the> > valve to close and then set the cannister aside until I need to go> > out. Whenever I check later, the needle indicates EMPTY.> >> > I've even asked my friend and my s-i-l to do this and have the same> > result (but they didn't stay until it was finished...so I guess Iwas> > still trying to close the valve. I called Apria, but they weren't> > much help. I understand that if I can get Apria to send me the> > certificate of medical necessity from my doctor, that I can switchto> > Lincare (I need a provider available on both west coast and east> > coast).> >> > Any suggestions, answers, etc.???> >> > Joan M CA & NC, IPF 04/08> >>

[Guest guest]

Bruce ... there is sure something to be said for being a nice guy!

MamaSher, age 70. IPF 3-06, OR. NasturtiumsDon't fret about tomorrow, God is already there!

Re: Help...O2 Problems???

SherWell, some enforce rules, some of which they make up, when the moodstrikes them. Had I been the driver I would have tried to hook it up ifI knew how (note many companies use different people and the driver mayknow nothing), but I'd also reach up and change the lightbulb if the onein the room where the equipment was had just gone out and you couldn'treach it as well.> >> > Hi all -> >> > Here I go again...:>(> > I signed up with Apria as the provider for my oxygen a couple of> > weeks ago. They wouldn't attach it to my CPAP (from a different> > provider in NC) even though I have the valve/connector to do so.> >> > I'm woefully non-technical and with my poor vision...more so. I've> > tried repeatedly, with both M6 tanks that they brought to fill using> > the Invacare room O2 concentrator fill. After filling, I turn the> > valve to close and then set the cannister aside until I need to go> > out. Whenever I check later, the needle indicates EMPTY.> >> > I've even asked my friend and my s-i-l to do this and have the same> > result (but they didn't stay until it was finished...so I guess Iwas> > still trying to close the valve. I called Apria, but they weren't> > much help. I understand that if I can get Apria to send me the> > certificate of medical necessity from my doctor, that I can switchto> > Lincare (I need a provider available on both west coast and east> > coast).> >> > Any suggestions, answers, etc.???> >> > Joan M CA & NC, IPF 04/08> >>

[Guest guest]

Bruce ...I like hearing the little ordinary things you do...like shopping. It's the 'normal' part of us doing the difficult.

I shop like you do...whoops. Well, I used to shop like you do. Now Rich does the majority of the shopping. The last few times I tagged along I had to leave and go sit in the car...just no damn energy! I think it's the pain patch making me tired but I will tolerate this to the pain I guess.

Keep on keepin' on friend.

MamaSher, age 70. IPF 3-06, OR. NasturtiumsDon't fret about tomorrow, God is already there!

Re: Help...O2 Problems???

SherI'm ok, except just went grocery shopping and completely exhausted.Entire adventure took about 1 1/2 hours, overfilled cart with over $200worth as I don't intend to go back anytime soon, used my cart I have athome, put things in refrigerator and haven't put non-perishables awayyet. But relaxing now. I go through the store very methodically andslowly. I wait to get the meats and other refrigerated items until I'veloaded the rest. I do all I can to go long periods between trips. I buymy beef elsewhere at a butcher shop so still have that left to do.Unless something happens, I won't go back for a month. If I needanything meanwhile, I can normally pick it up at the convenience storenext to me.> > >> > > Hi all -> > >> > > Here I go again...:>(> > > I signed up with Apria as the provider for my oxygen a couple of> > > weeks ago. They wouldn't attach it to my CPAP (from a different> > > provider in NC) even though I have the valve/connector to do so.> > >> > > I'm woefully non-technical and with my poor vision...more so. I've> > > tried repeatedly, with both M6 tanks that they brought to fillusing> > > the Invacare room O2 concentrator fill. After filling, I turn the> > > valve to close and then set the cannister aside until I need to go> > > out. Whenever I check later, the needle indicates EMPTY.> > >> > > I've even asked my friend and my s-i-l to do this and have thesame> > > result (but they didn't stay until it was finished...so I guess I> was> > > still trying to close the valve. I called Apria, but they weren't> > > much help. I understand that if I can get Apria to send me the> > > certificate of medical necessity from my doctor, that I can switch> to> > > Lincare (I need a provider available on both west coast and east> > > coast).> > >> > > Any suggestions, answers, etc.???> > >> > > Joan M CA & NC, IPF 04/08> > >> >>

[Guest guest]

Peggy

Thanks but I'm not such a nice guy. However, since I've been less able

and using oxygen I've found most have been. Some more than less. The guy

at the grocery store helping me out today was extremely nice. The

maintenance people where I live go the extra mile. Now my current oxygen

delivery guy isn't as personable and helpful as those before him, now as

experienced. I doubt seriously he'd have any idea how to hook up to a

CPAP but I may be wrong.

> > >

> > > Hi all -

> > >

> > > Here I go again...:>(

> > > I signed up with Apria as the provider for my oxygen a couple of

> > > weeks ago. They wouldn't attach it to my CPAP (from a different

> > > provider in NC) even though I have the valve/connector to do so.

> > >

> > > I'm woefully non-technical and with my poor vision...more so. I've

> > > tried repeatedly, with both M6 tanks that they brought to fill

> using

> > > the Invacare room O2 concentrator fill. After filling, I turn the

> > > valve to close and then set the cannister aside until I need to go

> > > out. Whenever I check later, the needle indicates EMPTY.

> > >

> > > I've even asked my friend and my s-i-l to do this and have the

same

> > > result (but they didn't stay until it was finished...so I guess I

> was

> > > still trying to close the valve. I called Apria, but they weren't

> > > much help. I understand that if I can get Apria to send me the

> > > certificate of medical necessity from my doctor, that I can switch

> to

> > > Lincare (I need a provider available on both west coast and east

> > > coast).

> > >

> > > Any suggestions, answers, etc.???

> > >

> > > Joan M CA & NC, IPF 04/08

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Sher

Doesn't your store have scooters? If so, don't sit in the car. Go ride

around as you tag along and Rich loads the shopping cart. Not that there

is anything exciting about grocery shopping but beats sitting in car and

makes you feel a part of it.

> > > >

> > > > Hi all -

> > > >

> > > > Here I go again...:>(

> > > > I signed up with Apria as the provider for my oxygen a couple of

> > > > weeks ago. They wouldn't attach it to my CPAP (from a different

> > > > provider in NC) even though I have the valve/connector to do so.

> > > >

> > > > I'm woefully non-technical and with my poor vision...more so.

I've

> > > > tried repeatedly, with both M6 tanks that they brought to fill

> using

> > > > the Invacare room O2 concentrator fill. After filling, I turn

the

> > > > valve to close and then set the cannister aside until I need to

go

> > > > out. Whenever I check later, the needle indicates EMPTY.

> > > >

> > > > I've even asked my friend and my s-i-l to do this and have the

> same

> > > > result (but they didn't stay until it was finished...so I guess

I

> > was

> > > > still trying to close the valve. I called Apria, but they

weren't

> > > > much help. I understand that if I can get Apria to send me the

> > > > certificate of medical necessity from my doctor, that I can

switch

> > to

> > > > Lincare (I need a provider available on both west coast and east

> > > > coast).

> > > >

> > > > Any suggestions, answers, etc.???

> > > >

> > > > Joan M CA & NC, IPF 04/08

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Bruce ... I jokingly said to Rich, "I guess that's next for me" referring to the scooter.

At first I struggled with the O2 and now I struggle with the scooter! When the need is great enough (like O2) I'll do it of course.

MamaSher, age 70. IPF 3-06, OR. NasturtiumsDon't fret about tomorrow, God is already there!

Re: Help...O2 Problems???

SherDoesn't your store have scooters? If so, don't sit in the car. Go ridearound as you tag along and Rich loads the shopping cart. Not that thereis anything exciting about grocery shopping but beats sitting in car andmakes you feel a part of it.> > > >> > > > Hi all -> > > >> > > > Here I go again...:>(> > > > I signed up with Apria as the provider for my oxygen a couple of> > > > weeks ago. They wouldn't attach it to my CPAP (from a different> > > > provider in NC) even though I have the valve/connector to do so.> > > >> > > > I'm woefully non-technical and with my poor vision...more so.I've> > > > tried repeatedly, with both M6 tanks that they brought to fill> using> > > > the Invacare room O2 concentrator fill. After filling, I turnthe> > > > valve to close and then set the cannister aside until I need togo> > > > out. Whenever I check later, the needle indicates EMPTY.> > > >> > > > I've even asked my friend and my s-i-l to do this and have the> same> > > > result (but they didn't stay until it was finished...so I guessI> > was> > > > still trying to close the valve. I called Apria, but theyweren't> > > > much help. I understand that if I can get Apria to send me the> > > > certificate of medical necessity from my doctor, that I canswitch> > to> > > > Lincare (I need a provider available on both west coast and east> > > > coast).> > > >> > > > Any suggestions, answers, etc.???> > > >> > > > Joan M CA & NC, IPF 04/08> > > >> > >> >>

[Guest guest]

Sher

If you're choosing to sit in the car rather than accompany him then it

sounds like the need is there. I grocery shop without one but I have

been in a hurry in a Wal-Mart and used one because walking that fast and

that far would have been too much. I'm waiting for a good zoo day and

will use one there. I could certainly enjoy the zoo for a while without

it, but I want to have a long zoo day, eating lunch there, and just

enjoying. I know that is too much on my feet.

> > > > >

> > > > > Hi all -

> > > > >

> > > > > Here I go again...:>(

> > > > > I signed up with Apria as the provider for my oxygen a couple

of

> > > > > weeks ago. They wouldn't attach it to my CPAP (from a

different

> > > > > provider in NC) even though I have the valve/connector to do

so.

> > > > >

> > > > > I'm woefully non-technical and with my poor vision...more so.

> I've

> > > > > tried repeatedly, with both M6 tanks that they brought to fill

> > using

> > > > > the Invacare room O2 concentrator fill. After filling, I turn

> the

> > > > > valve to close and then set the cannister aside until I need

to

> go

> > > > > out. Whenever I check later, the needle indicates EMPTY.

> > > > >

> > > > > I've even asked my friend and my s-i-l to do this and have the

> > same

> > > > > result (but they didn't stay until it was finished...so I

guess

> I

> > > was

> > > > > still trying to close the valve. I called Apria, but they

> weren't

> > > > > much help. I understand that if I can get Apria to send me the

> > > > > certificate of medical necessity from my doctor, that I can

> switch

> > > to

> > > > > Lincare (I need a provider available on both west coast and

east

> > > > > coast).

> > > > >

> > > > > Any suggestions, answers, etc.???

> > > > >

> > > > > Joan M CA & NC, IPF 04/08

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Sher and Bruce, I LOVE THE GRO. STORE love the shopping, looking smelling mostly love the food. I love filling my pantry full of good stuff. It is suffering a little right now because is doing the shopping. I am going with him tomorrow I think and FILL'er up.. I'm excited.Sher I have had to use a cart for years. My hip then  Fibromyalgia, then the monster. I don't mindbecause I get to see what all is out there. So relax and enjoy the adventure.Don't worry about knocking things over-- been there done that.. lol Not even embarrassed anymore..That means I am just an ol' poop.. Love and Prayers, Peggy   IPF  2004,  Florida"Worry looks around, Sorry looks back,  Faith looks up." Bruce ... I jokingly said to Rich,  "I guess that's next for me"  referring to the scooter.At first I struggled with the O2 and now I struggle with the scooter!  When the need is great enough (like O2) I'll do it of course.MamaSher, age 70. IPF 3-06, OR.   NasturtiumsDon't fret about tomorrow, God is already there!  Re: Help...O2 Problems???SherDoesn't your store have scooters? If so, don't sit in the car. Go ridearound as you tag along and Rich loads the shopping cart. Not that thereis anything exciting about grocery shopping but beats sitting in car andmakes you feel a part of it.> > > >> > > > Hi all -> > > >> > > > Here I go again...:>(> > > > I signed up with Apria as the provider for my oxygen a couple of> > > > weeks ago. They wouldn't attach it to my CPAP (from a different> > > > provider in NC) even though I have the valve/connector to do so.> > > >> > > > I'm woefully non-technical and with my poor vision...more so.I've> > > > tried repeatedly, with both M6 tanks that they brought to fill> using> > > > the Invacare room O2 concentrator fill. After filling, I turnthe> > > > valve to close and then set the cannister aside until I need togo> > > > out. Whenever I check later, the needle indicates EMPTY.> > > >> > > > I've even asked my friend and my s-i-l to do this and have the> same> > > > result (but they didn't stay until it was finished...so I guessI> > was> > > > still trying to close the valve. I called Apria, but theyweren't> > > > much help. I understand that if I can get Apria to send me the> > > > certificate of medical necessity from my doctor, that I canswitch> > to> > > > Lincare (I need a provider available on both west coast and east> > > > coast).> > > >> > > > Any suggestions, answers, etc.???> > > >> > > > Joan M CA & NC, IPF 04/08> > > >> > >> >>

[Guest guest]

Bruce... oh I really want to do the zoo! Our granddaughter Hannah works in the gift shop so it's fun to see her there too.

Yes, I, no WE, plan on renting scooters for that day. Rich can't do a whole lot of walking since his knee surgery and heart. I procrastinated too long and now it's getting cooler days here in Oregon. If I'd get off my rusty-dusty we could still make it.

MamaSher, age 70. IPF 3-06, OR. NasturtiumsDon't fret about tomorrow, God is already there!

Re: Help...O2 Problems???

SherIf you're choosing to sit in the car rather than accompany him then itsounds like the need is there. I grocery shop without one but I havebeen in a hurry in a Wal-Mart and used one because walking that fast andthat far would have been too much. I'm waiting for a good zoo day andwill use one there. I could certainly enjoy the zoo for a while withoutit, but I want to have a long zoo day, eating lunch there, and justenjoying. I know that is too much on my feet.> > > > >> > > > > Hi all -> > > > >> > > > > Here I go again...:>(> > > > > I signed up with Apria as the provider for my oxygen a coupleof> > > > > weeks ago. They wouldn't attach it to my CPAP (from adifferent> > > > > provider in NC) even though I have the valve/connector to doso.> > > > >> > > > > I'm woefully non-technical and with my poor vision...more so.> I've> > > > > tried repeatedly, with both M6 tanks that they brought to fill> > using> > > > > the Invacare room O2 concentrator fill. After filling, I turn> the> > > > > valve to close and then set the cannister aside until I needto> go> > > > > out. Whenever I check later, the needle indicates EMPTY.> > > > >> > > > > I've even asked my friend and my s-i-l to do this and have the> > same> > > > > result (but they didn't stay until it was finished...so Iguess> I> > > was> > > > > still trying to close the valve. I called Apria, but they> weren't> > > > > much help. I understand that if I can get Apria to send me the> > > > > certificate of medical necessity from my doctor, that I can> switch> > > to> > > > > Lincare (I need a provider available on both west coast andeast> > > > > coast).> > > > >> > > > > Any suggestions, answers, etc.???> > > > >> > > > > Joan M CA & NC, IPF 04/08> > > > >> > > >> > >> >>

[Guest guest]



Well, Peggy, as I've said to you before, it takes an old poop to know an old poop! Love ya anyway.

MamaSher, age 70. IPF 3-06, OR. NasturtiumsDon't fret about tomorrow, God is already there!

� Re: Help...O2 Problems???

SherDoesn't your store have scooters? If so, don't sit in the car. Go ridearound as you tag along and Rich loads the shopping cart. Not that thereis anything exciting about grocery shopping but beats sitting in car andmakes you feel a part of it.> > > >> > > > Hi all -> > > >> > > > Here I go again...:>(> > > > I signed up with Apria as the provider for my oxygen a couple of> > > > weeks ago. They wouldn't attach it to my CPAP (from a different> > > > provider in NC) even though I have the valve/connector to do so.> > > >> > > > I'm woefully non-technical and with my poor vision...more so.I've> > > > tried repeatedly, with both M6 tanks that they brought to fill> using> > > > the Invacare room O2 concentrator fill. After filling, I turnthe> > > > valve to close and then set the cannister aside until I need togo> > > > out. Whenever I check later, the needle indicates EMPTY.> > > >> > > > I've even asked my friend and my s-i-l to do this and have the> same> > > > result (but they didn't stay until it was finished...so I guessI> > was> > > > still trying to close the valve. I called Apria, but theyweren't> > > > much help. I understand that if I can get Apria to send me the> > > > certificate of medical necessity from my doctor, that I canswitch> > to> > > > Lincare (I need a provider available on both west coast and east> > > > coast).> > > >> > > > Any suggestions, answers, etc.???> > > >> > > > Joan M CA & NC, IPF 04/08> > > >> > >> >>

[Guest guest]

scooters!!! that's a great idea!!! I didn't think i was ready to use them, but if it enables me to do more things and go more places then it's a great idea.

can you rent them at the zoo?Pink Joyce IPF 3/06 Pennslvania

Subject: Re: Re: Help...O2 Problems???To: Breathe-Support Date: Wednesday, September 3, 2008, 5:49 PM

Bruce... oh I really want to do the zoo! Our granddaughter Hannah works in the gift shop so it's fun to see her there too.

Yes, I, no WE, plan on renting scooters for that day. Rich can't do a whole lot of walking since his knee surgery and heart. I procrastinated too long and now it's getting cooler days here in Oregon. If I'd get off my rusty-dusty we could still make it.

MamaSher, age 70. IPF 3-06, OR. NasturtiumsDon't fret about tomorrow, God is already there!

Re: Help...O2 Problems???

SherIf you're choosing to sit in the car rather than accompany him then itsounds like the need is there. I grocery shop without one but I havebeen in a hurry in a Wal-Mart and used one because walking that fast andthat far would have been too much. I'm waiting for a good zoo day andwill use one there. I could certainly enjoy the zoo for a while withoutit, but I want to have a long zoo day, eating lunch there, and justenjoying. I know that is too much on my feet.> > > > >> > > > > Hi all -> > > > >> > > > > Here I go again...:>(> > > > > I signed up with Apria as the provider for my oxygen a coupleof> > > > > weeks ago. They wouldn't attach it to my CPAP (from adifferent> > > > > provider in NC) even though I have the valve/connector to doso.> > > > >> > > > > I'm woefully non-technical and with my poor vision...more so.> I've> > > > > tried repeatedly, with both M6 tanks that they brought to fill> > using> > > > > the Invacare room O2 concentrator fill. After filling, I turn> the> > > >

> valve to close and then set the cannister aside until I needto> go> > > > > out. Whenever I check later, the needle indicates EMPTY.> > > > >> > > > > I've even asked my friend and my s-i-l to do this and have the> > same> > > > > result (but they didn't stay until it was finished...so Iguess> I> > > was> > > > > still trying to close the valve. I called Apria, but they> weren't> > > > > much help. I understand that if I can get Apria to send me the> > > > > certificate of medical necessity from my doctor, that I can> switch> > > to> > > > > Lincare (I need a provider available on both west coast andeast> > > > > coast).> > > > >> > > > > Any suggestions, answers,

etc.???> > > > >> > > > > Joan M CA & NC, IPF 04/08> > > > >> > > >> > >> >>

[Guest guest]

Pink...we can rent them at the Portland OR Zoo. I would think most larger zoos would have them. I think they are about $20/day but that's all day long. There are also shuttle buses but that presents problems of waiting "for the next one" and not always accessible for where I may want to go.

MamaSher, age 70. IPF 3-06, OR. NasturtiumsDon't fret about tomorrow, God is already there!

Re: Help...O2 Problems???

SherIf you're choosing to sit in the car rather than accompany him then itsounds like the need is there. I grocery shop without one but I havebeen in a hurry in a Wal-Mart and used one because walking that fast andthat far would have been too much. I'm waiting for a good zoo day andwill use one there. I could certainly enjoy the zoo for a while withoutit, but I want to have a long zoo day, eating lunch there, and justenjoying. I know that is too much on my feet.> > > > >> > > > > Hi all -> > > > >> > > > > Here I go again...:>(> > > > > I signed up with Apria as the provider for my oxygen a coupleof> > > > > weeks ago. They wouldn't attach it to my CPAP (from adifferent> > > > > provider in NC) even though I have the valve/connector to doso.> > > > >> > > > > I'm woefully non-technical and with my poor vision...more so.> I've> > > > > tried repeatedly, with both M6 tanks that they brought to fill> > using> > > > > the Invacare room O2 concentrator fill. After filling, I turn> the> > > > > valve to close and then set the cannister aside until I needto> go> > > > > out. Whenever I check later, the needle indicates EMPTY.> > > > >> > > > > I've even asked my friend and my s-i-l to do this and have the> > same> > > > > result (but they didn't stay until it was finished...so Iguess> I> > > was> > > > > still trying to close the valve. I called Apria, but they> weren't> > > > > much help. I understand that if I can get Apria to send me the> > > > > certificate of medical necessity from my doctor, that I can> switch> > > to> > > > > Lincare (I need a provider available on both west coast andeast> > > > > coast).> > > > >> > > > > Any suggestions, answers, etc.???> > > > >> > > > > Joan M CA & NC, IPF 04/08> > > > >> > > >> > >> >>

[Guest guest]

Sher/Pink

Fort Worth is $25 for three hours and $10 for each additional.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Hi all -

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Here I go again...:>(

> > > > > > I signed up with Apria as the provider for my oxygen a

couple

> of

> > > > > > weeks ago. They wouldn't attach it to my CPAP (from a

> different

> > > > > > provider in NC) even though I have the valve/connector to do

> so.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > I'm woefully non-technical and with my poor vision...more

so.

> > I've

> > > > > > tried repeatedly, with both M6 tanks that they brought to

fill

> > > using

> > > > > > the Invacare room O2 concentrator fill. After filling, I

turn

> > the

> > > > > > valve to close and then set the cannister aside until I need

> to

> > go

> > > > > > out. Whenever I check later, the needle indicates EMPTY.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > I've even asked my friend and my s-i-l to do this and have

the

> > > same

> > > > > > result (but they didn't stay until it was finished...so I

> guess

> > I

> > > > was

> > > > > > still trying to close the valve. I called Apria, but they

> > weren't

> > > > > > much help. I understand that if I can get Apria to send me

the

> > > > > > certificate of medical necessity from my doctor, that I can

> > switch

> > > > to

> > > > > > Lincare (I need a provider available on both west coast and

> east

> > > > > > coast).

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Any suggestions, answers, etc.???

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Joan M CA & NC, IPF 04/08

> > > > > >

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Bruce and everyone -

Thanks for your helpful comments.

1) The homefill is provided by Apria and is covered by Medicare and my

supplemental TriCare (USAF/DoD...my late husband was career USAF)

2) After a lot of phone calls, Apria (due here before noon; arrived

after 5PM...but did arrive) finally came and brought what I was told

wasn't available...a cart for the cylinder! Great timing as I was due

to attend my grandson's wedding rehearsal/dinner tonight. Having it

made my evening much easier and enjoyable.

3) I discovered that there was apparently a defective dial on the

Apria 'reconverter' ??? on top of the cyinder...so that it sometimes

registers empty, when it is in fact full! Giving it a 'thwack' with my

fingertip caused the needle to move into the 'full' range...that's

happened with two of the cylinders that I have.

4) I contacted Apria for a copy of my CMN, and was told it will take

about 2 weeks; I'm calling the doctor for another one Mon. AM. and will

be switching to Lincare.

5) One thing that I did learn...apparently I MUST keep the CPAP that I

got in NC for 5 years before I can change providers. However, Lincare

will at least connect and provide any supplies for it. They just will

not do any repairs. The previous one that I had worked fine for the 5

years, so hopefully, this one will too.

Thanks again to everyone...this group is tee-riffic!

Joan

>

>

> Joan

>

> Is the homefill owned or through insurance? Thats the one item I would

> encourage checking with the provider you choose regarding medicare. I

> have not known of medicare to specifically provide a homefill maching.

> Medicare pretty much (some exceptions) gives a set amount to the

oxygen

> supplier, regardless of how they service you. Therefore, their

> preference is the cheapest option.

>