I recently called Apria to order a refill of my oxygen, and the woman on the phone mumbled something about "well, I'll have to see because it's the weekend." Well, that's all fine and dandy, but their hours are M-F, 8-5. Guess when I work every day? It's not like I can lug a huge oxygen cylinder up the stairs all by myself.

So the delivery guy calls me and begrudgingly agrees to deliver my 02, after I tell him I won't die without it but I have cluster headaches and would REALLY appreciate it. When he arrived with the tanks, he then continued to grouse about "after-hours delivery" and how I "might get charged" for it. I was more than polite and appreciative and again, reminded him that he didn't HAVE to deliver it if he didn't want to. He pretty much proceeded to bang the tank up my stairs loudly (after 9 pm), and mumbled the whole time after I repeatedly told him I'm partially deaf.

I'm not even sure what the point of this anecdote is, but maybe it will serve as a reminder about how ignorant oxygen suppliers can be. But don't let that be a deterrent to getting oxygen therapy. Despite the hassle, it works!

Quote:

Well, that's all fine and dandy, but their hours are M-F, 8-5. Guess when I work every day?

When I worked nights and slept days, I wasn't about to stay up all day waiting for them.  When I called and ordered, I'd say the empties will be on the porch, just replace them and I'll get them later.  Hasn't been a problem over the years if you have a place outside your door they can be left.

He said that as well, but then basically told me "but we really don't allow that". Moreover, I simply can't lift the big tanks and I live alone. Although in the midst of a CH hit, I probably could drag it upstairs on adrenaline alone.  ::)

You have just learned the lesson weve all had to learn the hard way.  Never, ever let your tanks go empty before a week end.  Check them Thursday night, so you can get refilled on Friday.  I ran out on a week end only one time. Once was enough.

Some places MIGHT be closed next Monday (Christmas Eve) and most definitely closed on Christmas Day. 

So it could be a 4 day weekend by some company standards. 

Might consider filling all tanks no later than this Thursday just to be on the safe side. ;)

-Gregg in Las Vegas

Linda_Howell wrote on Dec 16^th, 2012 at 5:56pm:

You have just learned the lesson weve all had to learn the hard way.  Never, ever let your tanks go empty before a week end.  Check them Thursday night, so you can get refilled on Friday.  I ran out on a week end only one time. Once was enough.

Yup. As I see it: I don't want to suffer, so I don't let it happen. If I do, then it's on ME. (Wow, I guess it's all about me!)

Folks who don't have CH's simply cannot understand my priorities - and with CH's it's ALL about priorities............

One is none. Two is one.

Marc

Check and see if there is a Rotech store in your area.  We are on call 24/7.  We prefer to deliver during the normal daytime hours, but we will deliver when you can accept it.  I'll make a note to check on your area tomorrow when I go in to work.  In my humble (but correct) opinion, they are in the medical supply business, and that requires they provide medical service around the clock.  If someone has a medical emergency, particularly with oxygen they are obligated to care for you. 

Jerry

Edit to add:  Rotech is a national company made up of local businesses they purchased over the years.  The individual stores still operate on a local basis, and usually under the same name as before the purchase.  Rotech provides the purchasing power to allow small local stores to function compete.

I just checked our locations page.  The closest we have to you is 76 miles and another at 81 miles.  Depending on the coverage of each store you may be in their area.  I know I go more than 80 miles for a few of my patients.  I'll try to follow up in the morning.  In the meantime, check them out and see if they are an option for you.  START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

I will tell you they cannot leave bottles for you without your signature though.  The law doesn't allow us to do that any more.  Believe it or not, O2 can be classed as HazMat if you have enough of it with you.

Jerry

Marc wrote on Dec 16^th, 2012 at 10:20pm:

One is none. Two is one.

Just delightful Marc....have never heard it put that way...but is a fundamental precept in my life. When I get down to one tank I'm like a squirrel in a park with no trees.

Best,

Jon

wow... I'm sorry man.

I go through Waterville Home Oxygen here in Maine and I can get O2 within half an hour if needed. Luckily I haven't had to use much of my 2 1/2 M tanks this week, so I should be set through New years.
I'd suggest looking for another O2 place if you can find one.

For those of you saying, "well don't let your tanks go empty." I am well aware of that. It's not a matter of letting them get empty... it's a matter of the O2 company only delivering between 8-5, M-F as I've said. I work exactly those hours. Hence, the hassle when needing a refill. It doesn't matter if I order early, I'm still stuck with their crappy delivery hours.

If there is a scheduling conflict because you're working, etc when they want to deliver...you might consider asking a neighbor, friend or family member to assist in your absence...just a thought to help your situation. ;)

-Gregg in Las Vegas

Gregg, thank you. I did think of those options. But CH tends to make a guy have to fend for himself, so I do not know my neighbors, nor do I have a coworker who can accommodate my delivery needs. I'm really doing this on my own. (In fact, my neighbors smoke copiously, and they also like to toss their butts on my steps. Not exactly the best bet for 02 delivery.) I'm going to look into the other companies posted above. I just can't mess with my two jobs and work schedules, otherwise I will lose the insurance that pays for all of this.

AppleNut, I personally understand completely about fending for oneself during cycles.

Do you have a CH supporter that lives nearby?
Any friends or family that could help you with this?

There has to be a company out there that can assist with your schedule conflicts/requirement to sign for o2 tanks.

Good luck ;)

-Gregg in Las Vegas

Thanks Gregg. Yes, I really am that isolated. I have great friends at work, but they work along with me. My family is all in NH, and I'm in VA. I did have family here, but the person I was dating for 10 years flipped out, choked and beat me, then tossed everything I owned outside. So uh... yeah, TMI but I'm alone here. I don't know anyone else with CH. I did try to contact someone on this site who lives in Richmond, but they did not respond. I took the hint.

I think it will just be a matter of choosing a new O2 supplier or taking time off to wait for deliveries. (Which I'd rather not do, because I need that time off for CH!)

I checked with my boss today to see about delivery areas in your part of the country.  She doesn't have access to that, so you'll have to check with the local stores.  You may have difficulty getting tanks delivered after 5, though.  I just found out today that we aren't supposed to deliver tanks outside of regular hours.  Guess I've been doing it wrong!  (Bet I keep on doing it.)  I hope you are able to get something worked out.

Jerry

I had Oxygen delivered for the first time last week.  Luckily, my supplier delivers until 9pm.  My delivery guy was named Eddie.... he walks in and says "So you're a Clusterhead, huh?"

I nodded, he nodded.  Then he gave me an M tank in addition to the two Es, even though it wasn't on the order.  I didn't ask, but I expect he's experienced with other Clusterheads.

Damnit.....so the word's getting out, that's awesome! [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Joe

Guiseppi wrote on Jan 21^st, 2013 at 5:56pm:

Damnit.....so the word's getting out, that's awesome! [smiley=thumbsup.gif] Joe

It would seem so.  When I spoke with the lady who filled my script at the supplier, she said "normally for cluster patients..." a couple times, suggesting I'm not their first.

Sweet that you're getting what you need as people are up to speed.