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madamesilverspurs

(16,551 posts)
Mon Jun 8, 2026, 04:25 PM 8 hrs ago

Stuck I am.

This weekend my portable oxygen machine went weird. Wouldn't charge, not even with changing the battery. Not good. So, I just got off the phone with customer service. Very nice young man, who tried walking me through removing the cord, checking the connection, changing the battery again, asking if the green light came on (try as I might, I couldn't find any evidence of a light, green or otherwise). Then he had me turn the machine upside down to remove something called "the column"; that door wouldn't budge. I reminded him that I'm an old lady, my eyes aren't that sharp and my hands lack both strength and dexterity. He paused, then said there's clearly a problem that I can't fix, so he's sending a new machine, should be here in a couple of days. Good. But stuck I am until it arrives.

When I first got the portable and the home concentrator, I asked if I could keep a couple of tanks in case of power failure. Answer was NO. That's potentially dangerous for patients who require constant oxygen; not having a backup supply carries built-in hazards. Can't fathom the reasoning on that. It's one of those things where I'd really like to have a conversation with the person(s) who made that decision, I do have questions about their priorities.

Oh, well. Just something else to think about while I'm stuck at home instead of going to my PT appointment. Hmmmmph.


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6 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Stuck I am. (Original Post) madamesilverspurs 8 hrs ago OP
oxygen turns little fires into big ones. rampartd 8 hrs ago #1
Thinking about power failure. madamesilverspurs 7 hrs ago #5
car windows need to have a manual back up for emergency rampartd 6 hrs ago #6
If you need to... LuckyCharms 7 hrs ago #2
Oxygen is dangerous stuff ... marble falls 7 hrs ago #3
Yeppers, well aware. madamesilverspurs 7 hrs ago #4

rampartd

(5,291 posts)
1. oxygen turns little fires into big ones.
Mon Jun 8, 2026, 04:29 PM
8 hrs ago

they might be considering the fire hazard?

are the concentrators so expensive you can't find a spare?

madamesilverspurs

(16,551 posts)
5. Thinking about power failure.
Mon Jun 8, 2026, 05:27 PM
7 hrs ago

That does happen sometimes. Same reason I have a manual recliner; it's necessary backup for my electric recliner.


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rampartd

(5,291 posts)
6. car windows need to have a manual back up for emergency
Mon Jun 8, 2026, 06:20 PM
6 hrs ago

so i get the concept. the concentrator must be a great upgrade over the tanks, but you got to have a back up.

some usb charging stuff works if you are plugged into the charger. the concentrator may need more power than that.

LuckyCharms

(23,314 posts)
2. If you need to...
Mon Jun 8, 2026, 04:31 PM
7 hrs ago

You can probably rent an oxygen concentrator from a local durable medical equipment supplier (your doc can send in a prescription for you). You should be able to do a short term rental if you need coverage while while waiting.

I'm sorry this happened! Sounds like a pain in the neck.

Good luck and best wishes.

madamesilverspurs

(16,551 posts)
4. Yeppers, well aware.
Mon Jun 8, 2026, 05:22 PM
7 hrs ago

Had the big green tanks for 30+ years, mixed with propane for my glass work. Paid attention to all the safety protocols, never had a mishap. I do miss that work but wearing oxygen while working with an open flame is definitely not recommended, damned COPD.

I used the little tanks for 20 years; if one ran out, it was easy to switch to another. It was surprising that they told me that I couldn't keep a couple of those little tanks for situations just like this one. I've looked into buying a tank or two, but they are pricey and not cheap to fill. Ain't nuthin' simple.

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