Does anyone else think it's strange that I asked my home health company for two oxygen tanks?  I explained to them that my youngest son was born with asthma, and there's probably not a room in my house where an inhaler can't be found.  There's also one in my purse and in the console of each of our vehicles.  Though he's outgrown much of his symptoms (he's almost 10), I remember what it used to be like, and I'm not taking any chances!

My husband and I own our own automotive performance company and generally work out of our home office.  However, we do have a shop and are sometimes there.  When I spoke with the home health care rep, I asked if there was any way I could have a second tank -- even if I had to pay for it -- because just the thought of being somewhere and having a cluster headache hit with no way to treat it was enough to cause a panic attack.  She said she understood completely and would get back to me.

Well, she called back just a few minutes later and said that it would be a problem.  I believe she said I could have two of them -- size "H" -- at the same cost of one and two non-rebreathing masks!

Of course, I will still keep my Stadol in my purse, as I can't really carry an oxygen tank around with me 24/7, but I definitely feel much better knowing that I'm covered at home and at the shop.   :)

I'd believe most oxygen users here, especially if using E tanks, keep a bunch around.  When you call your provider to exchange and refill, let them know how many you need. 

If you're using H tanks, you could also ask for a more portable E on next delivery to use for traveling.

I currently have 3 M-tanks, 6 E-tanks, and 4 D-tanks in my possession. They all belong to Apria.

I think the key words on my prescription are "as needed."

I forgot to mention, the smaller tanks like E and D would most likely require a different kind of regulator to go with them.  There are two kinds of regulators for different sized tanks. 

I'm an E-Tank man just because they're much more portable. I keep 8 in my garage, on or off cycle, they're like a security blanket. Like Brew, I have APRIA, they've been awesome. When I call and tell them I have a few empties, they're here the next day. As Kevin mentioned, it does require a different regulator then the large tanks.

Joe

And while an E tank is bigger than a stadol inhaler, it's better! lance

We have 2 M tanks through Lincare.  They are a 24/7 operations so we can call them in the evening and they come right out.  I agree,, the Neuro used the exact script that is recommended in the "Oxygen Info" papers.

If they wont give you a second one,just get it thru you welding supply company,you did say you were an auto shop..Thats where I got mine,and only 12 bucks a fill..

Brew wrote on Mar 16^th, 2011 at 10:28am:

I currently have 3 M-tanks, 6 E-tanks, and 4 D-tanks in my possession. They all belong to Apria. I think the key words on my prescription are "as needed."

Update: I just returned all but the following: 1 M, 1 E, and 1 D (home, office, and car). Haven't used any in almost a year.

Damn Brew, that's awesome news on several fronts! ;)

Joe

Guiseppi wrote on Mar 19^th, 2011 at 5:53pm:

Damn Brew, that's awesome news on several fronts! ;) Joe

I know, right?

Brew wrote on Mar 19^th, 2011 at 5:20pm:

Brew wrote on Mar 16th, 2011 at 10:28am: I currently have 3 M-tanks, 6 E-tanks, and 4 D-tanks in my possession. They all belong to Apria. I think the key words on my prescription are "as needed." Update: I just returned all but the following: 1 M, 1 E, and 1 D (home, office, and car). Haven't used any in almost a year.

I hadn't had a high cycle in 2 & a half years but I still kept the 2 cylinders I had from my last dance with the demon, the AU $90/year rental is a pittance to pay for the comfort of knowing the o2 is there when the demon comes calling without notice.
I'm currently in Perth 2000 Km away from home & my 2 lovely cylindrical friends but a simple call to BOC had me fixed with with an E size in no time at all when the demon showed up again.

PF times to all
Cheers
Barry

Barry_T_Coles wrote on Mar 19^th, 2011 at 9:29pm:

Update: I just returned all but the following: 1 M, 1 E, and 1 D (home, office, and car). Haven't used any in almost a year.I hadn't had a high cycle in 2 & a half years but I still kept the 2 cylinders I had from my last dance with the demon, the AU $90/year rental is a pittance to pay for the comfort of knowing the o2 is there when the demon comes calling without notice. I'm currently in Perth 2000 Km away from home & my 2 lovely cylindrical friends but a simple call to BOC had me fixed with with an E size in no time at all when the demon showed up again. PF times to all Cheers Barry

Once one knows the true value of O2, one will never get caught without it. Even during extended periods of remission.

Brew wrote on Mar 19^th, 2011 at 9:57pm:

Once one knows the true value of O2, one will never get caught without it. Even during extended periods of remission.

Damn right......because some unwritten law states that the one time you don't have any is the very time you'll need it.

The above not only applies to O2 but also spare tires, batteries and gas for the generator.....among other things.