‘Oddly, I’m almost grateful that my lung condition worsened, and my needs increased, so I could have the freedom that liquid oxygen allows.’
By Amy Burant
Transitioning to liquid oxygen was challenging. My oxygen needs increased requiring me to learn a new system. This change forced me to admit that my progressive disease was, well, progressing.
However, liquid oxygen allowed me to be away from the house much longer compared to compressed air. It also meant I could have higher flows, up to 15L/min, allowing me to be more active with my family. I can walk around the park or take a trip up to the mountains – activities which I couldn’t do previously.
I can even transport my massive liberator to the middle of the Colorado wilderness to camp next to our favorite lake, something my family and I had not done since going on oxygen. Despite the initial challenges, this was a life-giving change.
Oddly, I’m almost grateful that my lung condition worsened, and my needs increased, so I could have the freedom that liquid oxygen allows.
That’s almost weird to say but it’s true. It’s disheartening that national companies are transitioning patients from liquid to compressed air for financial reasons.
Especially because I know the change will shrink their lives rather than expand them.
It also makes me nervous that these companies will eventually come for high-flow patients like me. Hopefully it will never happen, but I live each day knowing it is a possibility.
