COPD Complaints: The Frustrations of Oxygen

We asked our community members what they’ve found most frustrating about receiving oxygen therapy. Here’s what they shared.

If a doctor prescribed supplemental oxygen for you to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you may remember how frustrating it was when you started taking it.

As with any other treatment or medical device, it can take time to adjust to receiving oxygen, but that doesn’t change the fact that it can sometimes become cumbersome.

Whether you’re just getting started with oxygen therapy or you’ve taken it for years, we want you to know you’re not alone. We asked our community members what they’ve found most frustrating about receiving supplemental oxygen. Here’s what they said.

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Tethered to tubes

Doing simple chores around the house, eating, or showering while tethered to tubes can test even the most patient people. This was the most common complaint among people who answered our question. Here’s how others have felt about it.

Mobility issues

Since mobility can be the epitome of freedom to some people, it may be no surprise that the difficulty with mobility caused by COPD and the need for oxygen is annoying (to say the least).

Travel with tubes

Booking a vacation that requires planes, trains, or automobiles can be stressful enough. If you take oxygen therapy, this may resonate with you. Ensuring you have what you need, from medications to supplemental oxygen, can be a chore before rushing to the airport.

Takeaway

We wanted to highlight a few ways you’ve found oxygen therapy frustrating. Perhaps you only receive it overnight or not quite 24/7, or maybe you aren’t taking it yet.

To continue sharing, head to our Bezzy COPD forums. Others can relate and offer tips based on what’s worked for them.