Re: nne's Adventure in the Land of Portable O2

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone!

Well I got a new resevoir last Friday and it is still full so I am pretty sure

this one doesn't have a leak. However, my portable even though it is filled only

lasts 1 hour. On Saturday, I went to the gym and that's all I needed so I didn't

realize it until yesterday. When I got to work- no more air!! So I went out

anyway and it was NOT fun. I called them and am picking up another one today.

I'm so glad they are so understanding here about letting me leave early again as

I did last week for a pulmodude appt.

Speaking of pulmodude, he decreased prednisone to 10 mg. and I think I'm getting

worse although when he listened to my lungs he said it's the same. I barely

breathe and it hurts- I don't know I will just have to wait and see what

Columbia thinks on Oct 1.

[Guest guest]

nne,

Which liquid portable have they given you? Do you have a Marathon or just the little Helios Plus? The Helios Plus is not enough for most of us... I know I would empty it in less than an hour most likely. If they keep bringing you the same thing over and over again you're likely to keep getting the same result. Maybe ask them if they have a larger portable (a Marathon for example) available?

Beth

Moderator

Fibrotic NSIP 06/06 Dermatomyositis 11/08

To: Breathe-Support Sent: Tuesday, August 25, 2009 12:47:21 PMSubject: re: nne's Adventure in the Land of Portable O2

Hi everyone!Well I got a new resevoir last Friday and it is still full so I am pretty sure this one doesn't have a leak. However, my portable even though it is filled only lasts 1 hour. On Saturday, I went to the gym and that's all I needed so I didn't realize it until yesterday. When I got to work- no more air!! So I went out anyway and it was NOT fun. I called them and am picking up another one today. I'm so glad they are so understanding here about letting me leave early again as I did last week for a pulmodude appt. Speaking of pulmodude, he decreased prednisone to 10 mg. and I think I'm getting worse although when he listened to my lungs he said it's the same. I barely breathe and it hurts- I don't know I will just have to wait and see what Columbia thinks on Oct 1.

[Guest guest]

Hi Beth,

They gave me the same one again it's the Helios 300 Portable by Puritan .

So far today, it seems to be fine- the true test will be on my lunch hour when I

plan to go out and walk for an hour. But thank you for the information - if this

doesn't work for the day I will ask for the Marathon.

>

> nne,

> Which liquid portable have they given you? Do you have a Marathon or just the

little Helios Plus? The Helios Plus is not enough for most of us... I know I

would empty it in less than an hour most likely. If they keep bringing you the

same thing over and over again you're likely to keep getting the same result.

Maybe ask them if they have a larger portable (a Marathon for

example) available?

>  

> Beth

> Moderator

> Fibrotic NSIP 06/06 Dermatomyositis 11/08

>

>

>

>

> ________________________________

>

> To: Breathe-Support

> Sent: Tuesday, August 25, 2009 12:47:21 PM

> Subject: re: nne's Adventure in the Land of Portable O2

>

>  

> Hi everyone!

> Well I got a new resevoir last Friday and it is still full so I am pretty sure

this one doesn't have a leak. However, my portable even though it is filled only

lasts 1 hour. On Saturday, I went to the gym and that's all I needed so I didn't

realize it until yesterday. When I got to work- no more air!! So I went out

anyway and it was NOT fun. I called them and am picking up another one today.

I'm so glad they are so understanding here about letting me leave early again as

I did last week for a pulmodude appt.

> Speaking of pulmodude, he decreased prednisone to 10 mg. and I think I'm

getting worse although when he listened to my lungs he said it's the same. I

barely breathe and it hurts- I don't know I will just have to wait and see what

Columbia thinks on Oct 1.

>

[Guest guest]

nne

The Helios Plus will last the following times if completely full:

At 2 lpm demand, 6 hours.

At 2 lpm continuous, just over 2 hours.

It's contents will evaporate in approximately 12-14 hours if it isn't

used at all.

The Helios Marathon will give you more than double the capacity. It will

provide if completely full:

At 2 lpm demand, 14 hours.

At 2 lpm continuous, 5 hours.

If full and not used it would take approximately 48 hours to evaporate.

Now these numbers vary but these are reasonable approximations. I

personally would not settle for the limitations of the Helios Plus

(300).

> >

> > nne,

> > Which liquid portable have they given you? Do you have a Marathon or

just the little Helios Plus? The Helios Plus is not enough for most of

us... I know I would empty it in less than an hour most likely. If they

keep bringing you the same thing over and over again you're likely to

keep getting the same result. Maybe ask them if they have a larger

portable (a Marathon for example) available?

> >

> > Beth

> > Moderator

> > Fibrotic NSIP 06/06 Dermatomyositis 11/08

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > ________________________________

> > From: teddyspenguins teddyspenguins@

> > To: Breathe-Support

> > Sent: Tuesday, August 25, 2009 12:47:21 PM

> > Subject: re: nne's Adventure in the Land of

Portable O2

> >

> >

> > Hi everyone!

> > Well I got a new resevoir last Friday and it is still full so I am

pretty sure this one doesn't have a leak. However, my portable even

though it is filled only lasts 1 hour. On Saturday, I went to the gym

and that's all I needed so I didn't realize it until yesterday. When I

got to work- no more air!! So I went out anyway and it was NOT fun. I

called them and am picking up another one today. I'm so glad they are so

understanding here about letting me leave early again as I did last week

for a pulmodude appt.

> > Speaking of pulmodude, he decreased prednisone to 10 mg. and I think

I'm getting worse although when he listened to my lungs he said it's the

same. I barely breathe and it hurts- I don't know I will just have to

wait and see what Columbia thinks on Oct 1.

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Bruce,

I am going to call Apria and see if I can rent the marathon. Right now the cost

of resevoir and Helios 300 is $15.00 a month. I would rather have the Marathon.

It felt so good to go out at lunch and walk around for an hour. However, I was

still getting out of breath at times. Could it be the heat? There were some

people staring and as soon as I made eye contact they turned away. I will have

to get over that - it's their problem!

> > >

> > > nne,

> > > Which liquid portable have they given you? Do you have a Marathon or

> just the little Helios Plus? The Helios Plus is not enough for most of

> us... I know I would empty it in less than an hour most likely. If they

> keep bringing you the same thing over and over again you're likely to

> keep getting the same result. Maybe ask them if they have a larger

> portable (a Marathon for example) available?

> > >

> > > Beth

> > > Moderator

> > > Fibrotic NSIP 06/06 Dermatomyositis 11/08

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > ________________________________

> > > From: teddyspenguins teddyspenguins@

> > > To: Breathe-Support

> > > Sent: Tuesday, August 25, 2009 12:47:21 PM

> > > Subject: re: nne's Adventure in the Land of

> Portable O2

> > >

> > >

> > > Hi everyone!

> > > Well I got a new resevoir last Friday and it is still full so I am

> pretty sure this one doesn't have a leak. However, my portable even

> though it is filled only lasts 1 hour. On Saturday, I went to the gym

> and that's all I needed so I didn't realize it until yesterday. When I

> got to work- no more air!! So I went out anyway and it was NOT fun. I

> called them and am picking up another one today. I'm so glad they are so

> understanding here about letting me leave early again as I did last week

> for a pulmodude appt.

> > > Speaking of pulmodude, he decreased prednisone to 10 mg. and I think

> I'm getting worse although when he listened to my lungs he said it's the

> same. I barely breathe and it hurts- I don't know I will just have to

> wait and see what Columbia thinks on Oct 1.

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

nne

Certainly the heat will bother you. Do you have an oximeter and are you

making sure you maintain your saturation?

As to the staring, people stare all the time. Did before we carried

oxygen. I haven't experienced any issues but I think largely I wouldn't

even notice them. I don't care. But I stare. Someone with funny dress.

Woman who was in line in front of me at convenience store this morning

everyone stared at and she obviously wanted it. Cute kids I might stare

at. If you look for negative reactions you'll see them. If you just go

about your business, you'll never notice any. If someone stares and you

do notice, pretend its because they think you're so beautiful.

> > > >

> > > > nne,

> > > > Which liquid portable have they given you? Do you have a

Marathon or

> > just the little Helios Plus? The Helios Plus is not enough for most

of

> > us... I know I would empty it in less than an hour most likely. If

they

> > keep bringing you the same thing over and over again you're likely

to

> > keep getting the same result. Maybe ask them if they have a larger

> > portable (a Marathon for example) available?

> > > >

> > > > Beth

> > > > Moderator

> > > > Fibrotic NSIP 06/06 Dermatomyositis 11/08

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > ________________________________

> > > > From: teddyspenguins teddyspenguins@

> > > > To: Breathe-Support

> > > > Sent: Tuesday, August 25, 2009 12:47:21 PM

> > > > Subject: re: nne's Adventure in the Land

of

> > Portable O2

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > Hi everyone!

> > > > Well I got a new resevoir last Friday and it is still full so I

am

> > pretty sure this one doesn't have a leak. However, my portable even

> > though it is filled only lasts 1 hour. On Saturday, I went to the

gym

> > and that's all I needed so I didn't realize it until yesterday. When

I

> > got to work- no more air!! So I went out anyway and it was NOT fun.

I

> > called them and am picking up another one today. I'm so glad they

are so

> > understanding here about letting me leave early again as I did last

week

> > for a pulmodude appt.

> > > > Speaking of pulmodude, he decreased prednisone to 10 mg. and I

think

> > I'm getting worse although when he listened to my lungs he said it's

the

> > same. I barely breathe and it hurts- I don't know I will just have

to

> > wait and see what Columbia thinks on Oct 1.

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

nne,

People stare all the time, I use it as an opertunity to tell my " story "

Give IPF a face. Next time they hear about it they will go " oh yeah

like the lady at xyz " Kids are great, they are so curious and if you

smile they just smile back! Better than staring cuz my tush is so big

LOL

Dyane Phoenix ipf 02

> > > >

> > > > nne,

> > > > Which liquid portable have they given you? Do you have a

Marathon or

> > just the little Helios Plus? The Helios Plus is not enough for most

of

> > us... I know I would empty it in less than an hour most likely. If

they

> > keep bringing you the same thing over and over again you're likely

to

> > keep getting the same result. Maybe ask them if they have a larger

> > portable (a Marathon for example) available?

> > > >

> > > > Beth

> > > > Moderator

> > > > Fibrotic NSIP 06/06 Dermatomyositis 11/08

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > ________________________________

> > > > From: teddyspenguins teddyspenguins@

> > > > To: Breathe-Support

> > > > Sent: Tuesday, August 25, 2009 12:47:21 PM

> > > > Subject: re: nne's Adventure in the Land

of

> > Portable O2

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > Hi everyone!

> > > > Well I got a new resevoir last Friday and it is still full so I

am

> > pretty sure this one doesn't have a leak. However, my portable even

> > though it is filled only lasts 1 hour. On Saturday, I went to the

gym

> > and that's all I needed so I didn't realize it until yesterday. When

I

> > got to work- no more air!! So I went out anyway and it was NOT fun.

I

> > called them and am picking up another one today. I'm so glad they

are so

> > understanding here about letting me leave early again as I did last

week

> > for a pulmodude appt.

> > > > Speaking of pulmodude, he decreased prednisone to 10 mg. and I

think

> > I'm getting worse although when he listened to my lungs he said it's

the

> > same. I barely breathe and it hurts- I don't know I will just have

to

> > wait and see what Columbia thinks on Oct 1.

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Dyane,

Thanks for the advice. When I was breastfeeding my children, I went thru the

same staring (and I was SO discrete- no one could see anything, in fact people

thought the baby was just sleeping in my arms). So I will get used to this too.

In fact, I became very active in La Leche League, a support group for nursing

mothers. This support group is so much like LLL. Lots of compassion and empathy

that is so lacking in the medical community.

> > > > >

> > > > > nne,

> > > > > Which liquid portable have they given you? Do you have a

> Marathon or

> > > just the little Helios Plus? The Helios Plus is not enough for most

> of

> > > us... I know I would empty it in less than an hour most likely. If

> they

> > > keep bringing you the same thing over and over again you're likely

> to

> > > keep getting the same result. Maybe ask them if they have a larger

> > > portable (a Marathon for example) available?

> > > > >

> > > > > Beth

> > > > > Moderator

> > > > > Fibrotic NSIP 06/06 Dermatomyositis 11/08

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > ________________________________

> > > > > From: teddyspenguins teddyspenguins@

> > > > > To: Breathe-Support

> > > > > Sent: Tuesday, August 25, 2009 12:47:21 PM

> > > > > Subject: re: nne's Adventure in the Land

> of

> > > Portable O2

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > Hi everyone!

> > > > > Well I got a new resevoir last Friday and it is still full so I

> am

> > > pretty sure this one doesn't have a leak. However, my portable even

> > > though it is filled only lasts 1 hour. On Saturday, I went to the

> gym

> > > and that's all I needed so I didn't realize it until yesterday. When

> I

> > > got to work- no more air!! So I went out anyway and it was NOT fun.

> I

> > > called them and am picking up another one today. I'm so glad they

> are so

> > > understanding here about letting me leave early again as I did last

> week

> > > for a pulmodude appt.

> > > > > Speaking of pulmodude, he decreased prednisone to 10 mg. and I

> think

> > > I'm getting worse although when he listened to my lungs he said it's

> the

> > > same. I barely breathe and it hurts- I don't know I will just have

> to

> > > wait and see what Columbia thinks on Oct 1.

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

nne,

Small world! I was a LLL leader for many years up in Massachusetts. Support groups when they work well (like this and like LLL also) can be a literal Godsend. Don't know what I'd do without this group!

Beth

Moderator

Fibrotic NSIP 06/06 Dermatomyositis 11/08

To: Breathe-Support Sent: Thursday, August 27, 2009 10:32:03 AMSubject: Re: nne's Adventure in the Land of Portable O2

Hi Dyane,Thanks for the advice. When I was breastfeeding my children, I went thru the same staring (and I was SO discrete- no one could see anything, in fact people thought the baby was just sleeping in my arms). So I will get used to this too. In fact, I became very active in La Leche League, a support group for nursing mothers. This support group is so much like LLL. Lots of compassion and empathy that is so lacking in the medical community.> > > > >> > > > > nne,> > > > > Which liquid portable have they given you? Do you have a> Marathon or> > > just the little Helios Plus? The Helios Plus is not enough for most> of> > > us... I know I would empty it in less than an hour most likely. If> they> > > keep bringing you the same thing over and over again you're likely> to> > > keep getting the same result. Maybe ask them if they have a larger> > > portable (a Marathon for example) available?> > >

> >> > > > > Beth> > > > > Moderator> > > > > Fibrotic NSIP 06/06 Dermatomyositis 11/08> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > >> > > > > ____________ _________ _________ __> > > > > From: teddyspenguins teddyspenguins@> > > > > To: Breathe-Support@ yahoogroups. com> > > > > Sent: Tuesday, August 25, 2009 12:47:21 PM> > > > > Subject: re: nne's Adventure in the Land> of> > > Portable O2> > > > >> > > > >> > > > > Hi everyone!> > > > > Well I got a new resevoir last Friday and

it is still full so I> am> > > pretty sure this one doesn't have a leak. However, my portable even> > > though it is filled only lasts 1 hour. On Saturday, I went to the> gym> > > and that's all I needed so I didn't realize it until yesterday. When> I> > > got to work- no more air!! So I went out anyway and it was NOT fun.> I> > > called them and am picking up another one today. I'm so glad they> are so> > > understanding here about letting me leave early again as I did last> week> > > for a pulmodude appt.> > > > > Speaking of pulmodude, he decreased prednisone to 10 mg. and I> think> > > I'm getting worse although when he listened to my lungs he said it's> the> > > same. I barely breathe and it hurts- I don't know I will just have> to> > >

wait and see what Columbia thinks on Oct 1.> > > > >> > > >> > >> >>

[Guest guest]

MB/nne

I just don't care who stares at me. They aren't important. I don't feel

a need to answer to them either. Let them assume unless they actually

ask.

Now a short rant....people stare at someone using oxygen or in a

powerchair or scooter, get upset over breastfeeding a baby, get upset

when they see a couple kiss passionately. Yet, you can see couples

arguing bitterly, parents mishandling kids in public, and so many other

negative things and we seem to accept it somehow. Then we just spend too

much time caring what others think. Do what you're comfortable with and

it doesn't matter what all these strangers in public think.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > nne,

> > > > > > Which liquid portable have they given you? Do you have a

> > Marathon or

> > > > just the little Helios Plus? The Helios Plus is not enough for

most

> > of

> > > > us... I know I would empty it in less than an hour most likely.

If

> > they

> > > > keep bringing you the same thing over and over again you're

likely

> > to

> > > > keep getting the same result. Maybe ask them if they have a

larger

> > > > portable (a Marathon for example) available?

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Beth

> > > > > > Moderator

> > > > > > Fibrotic NSIP 06/06 Dermatomyositis 11/08

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > > ____________ _________ _________ __

> > > > > > From: teddyspenguins teddyspenguins@

> > > > > > To: Breathe-Support@ yahoogroups. com

> > > > > > Sent: Tuesday, August 25, 2009 12:47:21 PM

> > > > > > Subject: re: nne's Adventure in the

Land

> > of

> > > > Portable O2

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Hi everyone!

> > > > > > Well I got a new resevoir last Friday and it is still full

so I

> > am

> > > > pretty sure this one doesn't have a leak. However, my portable

even

> > > > though it is filled only lasts 1 hour. On Saturday, I went to

the

> > gym

> > > > and that's all I needed so I didn't realize it until yesterday.

When

> > I

> > > > got to work- no more air!! So I went out anyway and it was NOT

fun.

> > I

> > > > called them and am picking up another one today. I'm so glad

they

> > are so

> > > > understanding here about letting me leave early again as I did

last

> > week

> > > > for a pulmodude appt.

> > > > > > Speaking of pulmodude, he decreased prednisone to 10 mg. and

I

> > think

> > > > I'm getting worse although when he listened to my lungs he said

it's

> > the

> > > > same. I barely breathe and it hurts- I don't know I will just

have

> > to

> > > > wait and see what Columbia thinks on Oct 1.

> > > > > >

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Beth,

I am really not surprised that you were an LLL Leader; you are so empathetic.

Too bad breastfeeding your baby could protect you from this lung disease as it

protects a woman from breaast cancer and protects babies with antibodies against

many illnesses. Hey maybe they should study the immunoglobulins in breast milk

for a possible cure.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > nne,

> > > > > > Which liquid portable have they given you? Do you have a

> > Marathon or

> > > > just the little Helios Plus? The Helios Plus is not enough for most

> > of

> > > > us... I know I would empty it in less than an hour most likely. If

> > they

> > > > keep bringing you the same thing over and over again you're likely

> > to

> > > > keep getting the same result. Maybe ask them if they have a larger

> > > > portable (a Marathon for example) available?

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Beth

> > > > > > Moderator

> > > > > > Fibrotic NSIP 06/06 Dermatomyositis 11/08

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > > ____________ _________ _________ __

> > > > > > From: teddyspenguins teddyspenguins@

> > > > > > To: Breathe-Support@ yahoogroups. com

> > > > > > Sent: Tuesday, August 25, 2009 12:47:21 PM

> > > > > > Subject: re: nne's Adventure in the Land

> > of

> > > > Portable O2

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Hi everyone!

> > > > > > Well I got a new resevoir last Friday and it is still full so I

> > am

> > > > pretty sure this one doesn't have a leak. However, my portable even

> > > > though it is filled only lasts 1 hour. On Saturday, I went to the

> > gym

> > > > and that's all I needed so I didn't realize it until yesterday. When

> > I

> > > > got to work- no more air!! So I went out anyway and it was NOT fun.

> > I

> > > > called them and am picking up another one today. I'm so glad they

> > are so

> > > > understanding here about letting me leave early again as I did last

> > week

> > > > for a pulmodude appt.

> > > > > > Speaking of pulmodude, he decreased prednisone to 10 mg. and I

> > think

> > > > I'm getting worse although when he listened to my lungs he said it's

> > the

> > > > same. I barely breathe and it hurts- I don't know I will just have

> > to

> > > > wait and see what Columbia thinks on Oct 1.

> > > > > >

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I found that if someone stares, look them in the eye and

smile and they almost always smile back. If they don’t, forget them. Little kids of course are curious and want

to know. They can be great for a laugh.

I thought I had explained it pretty good to one little guy, but as they walked away, I heard his mother

say, “No it is not a fire

extinguisher.†I did have a

disconcerting encounter with an 11 year old boy. You know how boys that age can

be.

I had an

E-tank on a cart in my shopping cart.

He politely asked if he could ask me a question about my oxygen. I said yes and his question was, “Is it a pain in the butt dragging that

thing around?†I had a hard time not

laughing as his Grandmother tried to sink thru the floor. I told him, that “Yes it is.†And “Not to

ever smoke.†I didn’t tell him that I

never smoked. I think of it as an adventure.

Marcia

[Guest guest]

Hi Marsha,

I'm going to try staring back and smiling. That's a good idea. I was talking

with a co-worker today about the staring and she said they are probably not used

to seeing anyone on O2 who is not elderly and frail. Who knows! I was taught it

is impolite to stare.

I guess it is just curiosity and I too never smoked.

nne, ILD 6/9

>

>

>

>

>

> I found that if someone stares, look them in the eye and

> smile and they almost always smile back. If they don’t, forget them. 

Little kids of course are curious and want

> to know. They can be great for a laugh. 

> I thought I had explained it pretty good   to one little guy, but as they

walked away, I heard his mother

> say,  “No it is not a fire

> extinguisher.â€Â Â  I did have a

> disconcerting encounter with an 11 year old boy. You know how boys that age

can

> be.

>

>  I had an

> E-tank on a cart in my shopping cart. 

> He politely asked if he could ask me a question about my oxygen.  I said yes

and his question was,  “Is it a pain in the butt dragging that

> thing around?â€Â  I had a hard time not

> laughing as his Grandmother tried to sink thru the floor.   I told him, that

“Yes it is.†And “Not to

> ever smoke.â€Â  I didn’t tell him that I

> never smoked. I think of it as an adventure.  

> Marcia

>

[Guest guest]

Oh I almost forgot- another chapter in my portable O2 adventure.

Called up Apria yesterday and they said they would try to locate a Marathon but

they are getting away from liquid O2 so they may not be able to locate one

because a Marathon is a very old unit. It seems like so many people here use it

how can it be " old " ?. This afternoon I called again since I hadn't heard back

and my local distributor said it will take 5-7 business days (ugh). Also I

wanted to ask everyone if there is a an inexpensive one I could buy as a backup

maybe not a Marathon but something similar. My husband's niece is getting

married in October and I sure would like to have a backup.

nne, ILD 6/9

>

> Hi everyone!

> Well I got a new resevoir last Friday and it is still full so I am pretty sure

this one doesn't have a leak. However, my portable even though it is filled only

lasts 1 hour. On Saturday, I went to the gym and that's all I needed so I didn't

realize it until yesterday. When I got to work- no more air!! So I went out

anyway and it was NOT fun. I called them and am picking up another one today.

I'm so glad they are so understanding here about letting me leave early again as

I did last week for a pulmodude appt.

> Speaking of pulmodude, he decreased prednisone to 10 mg. and I think I'm

getting worse although when he listened to my lungs he said it's the same. I

barely breathe and it hurts- I don't know I will just have to wait and see what

Columbia thinks on Oct 1.

>

[Guest guest]

I don't wear O2, but I've been around people who do. So I never gave it a lot of thought. Now that I have this lung disease I'm looking at things much differently.I know my son and daughter kinda freaked when they saw me use an inhaler for the first time. But, I decided there's no sense in hiding it.They too will get used to it. We're all human with different problems, some apparent, others not. I wish I could walk away from this. Hopefully some brainiac will come up with a cure and let us off the hook. I'm all for that!!!!!!!!!!!!!It's a breezy warm day with a scattering of rain here in NE Ohio. Hoping all of you out there are having a pleasant day.PJ in Ohio, 54, IPF '09, Sjogren's '95. Re: nne's Adventure in the Land of Portable O2

Hi Marsha,I'm going to try staring back and smiling. That's a good idea. I was talking with a co-worker today about the staring and she said they are probably not used to seeing anyone on O2 who is not elderly and frail. Who knows! I was taught it is impolite to stare.I guess it is just curiosity and I too never smoked. nne, ILD 6/9>> > > > > I found that if someone stares, look them in the eye and> smile and they almost always smile back. If they don’t, forget them. Little kids of course are curious and want> to know. They can be great for a laugh. > I thought I had explained it pretty good  to one little guy, but as they walked away, I heard his mother> say, “No it is not a fire> extinguisher.�  I did have a> disconcerting encounter with an 11 year old boy. You know how boys that age can> be. > >  I had an> E-tank on a cart in my shopping cart. > He politely asked if he could ask me a question about my oxygen. I said yes and his question was, “Is it a pain in the butt dragging that> thing around?� I had a hard time not> laughing as his Grandmother tried to sink thru the floor.  I told him, that “Yes it is.� And “Not to> ever smoke.� I didn’t tell him that I> never smoked. I think of it as an adventure.  > Marcia>