Patient Stories

Module 5: Understanding Oxygen Therapy

Jean's story: How did you get started using oxygen therapy?

Patient advocate, Jean, was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in 2000 and has been using oxygen off and on since 2002. When she first found out she needed oxygen therapy, she was not experiencing shortness of breath or symptoms. However, her doctor insisted that she start using oxygen therapy after a pulse oximeter test revealed low levels of oxygen in her blood. Jean also describes what it was like when she first started using oxygen.

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Karen's story: How has oxygen therapy helped to improve your health?

Patient advocate, Karen, shares how she has used oxygen therapy to improve her health. Karen has used oxygen therapy for many years for her chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and uses it when sleeping, on exertion, at altitude, and during exercise.

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Jean's story: What benefits have you experienced using oxygen therapy?

Patient advocate, Jean, discusses the benefits she has experienced since she started using oxygen therapy for her chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Oxygen therapy has made it easier and more comfortable for her to walk and has helped her feel better and manage her shortness of breath while moving around.

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Karen's story: What benefits have you experienced using oxygen therapy?

Patient advocate, Karen, discusses the biggest benefits she has experienced from using oxygen therapy for her chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). She can climb stairs while using her oxygen therapy, goes on shopping trips with her friends, and enjoys many other significant improvements in her quality of life that she was not able to have before.

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Jean's story: What challenges have you experienced using oxygen therapy?

Patient advocate, Jean, talks about some of the challenges she has experienced over the years using oxygen therapy for her chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). She strongly believes there is no reason to be embarrassed about wearing oxygen in public and shares strategies for overcoming challenges. She talks about her weight loss journey which significantly improved her health, and shares advice in the hope that it will help other people who are new to using oxygen therapy.

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Karen's story: What challenges have you experienced using oxygen therapy?

Patient advocate, Karen, talks about some of the challenges she has experienced using oxygen therapy for her chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). She shares advice in the hope that it will help other people who are new to using oxygen therapy.

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Module 9: Oxygen Therapy and Healthy Living

Jean's story: Which oxygen therapy support networks have you found useful?

Patient advocate, Jean, talks about the support system she leans on to help her navigate her oxygen therapy journey, including her living community, professional network, and friends. She shares her experiences and advice in the hope that it will help other people who are new to using oxygen therapy.

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Jean's story: What advice do you have for air travel with oxygen therapy?

Patient advocate, Jean, recounts her experiences using oxygen therapy during air travel and shares useful tips and points to consider when traveling with oxygen. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have questions about your oxygen therapy prescription and using your oxygen device while traveling.

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Karen's story: What advice do you have for air travel with oxygen therapy?

Patient advocate, Karen, discusses her experiences and shares practical tips for air travel while using a portable oxygen concentrator (POC). She talks about the importance of making arrangements with the airline well ahead of time, packing extra batteries, and carrying an oximeter during travel. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have questions about your oxygen therapy prescription and using your oxygen device while traveling.

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Jean's story: What are some tips for using oxygen safely at home?

Patient advocate, Jean, discusses her experiences and shares practical tips for using oxygen therapy safely at home. She talks about keeping away from heat and flame, running your cannula down your back when cooking with a gas stove, using a curling iron carefully, and other safety considerations. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have questions about your oxygen therapy prescription and using your oxygen device.

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Karen's story: What safety issues should people watch out for with oxygen therapy?

Patient advocate, Karen, discusses a few specific safety issues to watch out for with oxygen therapy and shares tips for using oxygen safely while exercising and cooking with a gas stove. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have questions about your oxygen therapy prescription and using your oxygen device.

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Jean's story: What advice can you share for people who are new to oxygen therapy?

Patient advocate, Jean, discusses what she would share with people who are new to using oxygen therapy. She talks about the purpose and function of oxygen therapy and strongly recommends learning as much as you can about optimal oxygen usage, the equipment that is available, and how the equipment works. She shares advice in the hope that it will help other people who are new to using oxygen therapy.

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This educational activity has been developed by American Thoracic Society, COPD Foundation and Mechanisms in Medicine Inc.

Disclaimer: The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor about any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The visuals provided are meant to be representations only. No specific brand of oxygen equipment is being promoted or endorsed.

This activity is supported by educational grants from:
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and the Gawlicki Family Foundation

Thank you to the funders of You And Oxygen Therapy. All content is developed independently by the American Thoracic Society, COPD Foundation, and Mechanisms in Medicine Inc. in collaboration with an Expert Faculty group; funders are allowed no influence on the content of You And Oxygen Therapy.

This website is part of the Animated Patient™ series developed by Mechanisms in Medicine Inc., to provide highly visual formats of learning for patients to improve their understanding, make informed decisions, and partner with their healthcare professionals for optimal outcomes.