Paper or Plastic?

February 7, 2012

Very often in this blog we profile people who use their portable oxygen concentrators to go on vacations or take long trips, but it's important to remember that this equipment helps people achieve the little things that they could not do while on oxygen. Marion Gibbs of Chester, VA is a great reminder of that. Marion has been an oxygen patient for several years, and while on traditional equipment she was literally tethered to her home. "I was hooked up to a 50 foot cord and I couldn't even go to the mailbox or my clothes line."

With her new portable oxygen concentrator, she's free to get the mail and do laundry. But her biggest acheivement so far has been going to the grocery store. It had been 4 years since Marian had last been to the grocery store, since being on oxygen made it so difficult to leave the house. Once she got there, she stayed for 3 hours! "My husband was getting a little mad. He was leaning against the freezer with his hands on his hips, waiting for me to be ready to leave. As soon as we got home though we had a good laugh about it."

What's next for Marian? She's looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of her car again. "It's been 5 years since I last drove, but the car is paid off and my insurance is up to date. I want to get back in the swing of things and do for myself again." A few months from now we'll touch base with Marian again and see just how far she goes once she's got her keys in her hands again.

The Grass Is Greener In Paul's Yard

January 23, 2012

Mr. Paul Gibson of Newport News, VA has been with Open-Aire for over three and a half years. In that time, Paul’s life has absolutely been enhanced by his portable oxygen concentrator. "It's really nice. It beats dragging those old tanks around. I recommend it to everyone I see." No longer homebound, Paul is able to take trips to Maryland to see his close friends and plug his oxygen concentrator right into his car’s cigarette lighter. He's been able to continue to do his own chores and not be tied to a heavy tank. Even just sitting at home and watching TV with his Westie is more enjoyable, now that he doesn't need to keep an eye out for how much oxygen he has left in his tank.

Most of the time though, Paul uses it while he's working outside. Neighbors who drive by often see Paul toiling away in his yard - mowing the lawn, taking care of flowers, raking leaves, and most recently digging a trench to install a new electrical line all while carrying his portable oxygen concentrator. It’s a lot of work putting all that care into his yard, but he doesn’t mind. Paul’s motto is "once you quit, you quit" and his portable oxygen concentrator from Open-Aire is helping to make sure he won't be quitting anytime soon.

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