Every Step of the Way

In 2001 Richard Gasser was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and shortly thereafter was prescribed oxygen. For his first 8 years using oxygen, he worked with two local oxygen providers and had poor experiences with both of them. Then about 4 years ago he saw an ad for the EverGo/EverFlo bundle and started doing research on Open-Aire.  He was a bit cautious at first, and had reservations working with a company in Florida instead of a local brick and mortar provider. However, since his local providers hadn’t given him the help he needed he decided to try out Open-Aire and he has been very pleased with the results, particularly with the customer service he’s received. Richard says, “I’ve had my supplies replaced a couple times and everything was great. Anytime I’ve needed them, they have been there.”

About a year ago Richard’s IPF started to worsen, and during the past winter it really took a toll on him. Once he stabilized he required more oxygen, and standing and walking became extremely difficult for him as well. While on the phone with Open-Aire’s customer service department to discuss his new oxygen requirements Richard learned about the Mobility section of Open-Aire.com.

He started doing some investigating into power wheelchairs, and took the information to his pulmonologist and physical therapist. They both agreed that a power wheelchair would be the right solution for him. Once again Richard was working with Open-Aire case managers, but this time it was with the Open-Aire Mobility Division team. The equipment may have been different, but the customer service experience was just as good as ever. Richard says it best in his own words though. “I would choose Open-Aire over any brick and mortar company. They have all bent over backwards helping me and my every need. I know what customer service is, and this is it!”

Riding With Her Dogs

Joanna Small of Klamath, CA has long suffered from multiple sclerosis. A few months ago she and her doctor agreed that she would benefit from using a power wheelchair. However, Joanna had an extremely difficult time finding a company to work with her insurance. By the time she found Open-Aire in the phone book she was not very hopeful. Joanna says, “I was skeptical since lots of other companies told me they’d be able to help me, but couldn’t. They told me confusing things and I wasn’t sure if my insurance would qualify or not.”

After spending time on the phone with Joanna’s insurance providers, Open-Aire Mobility Division case managers confirmed that she was in fact covered for power mobility equipment. They handled her paperwork and worked with her doctor to get everything completed. A few weeks later Joanna finally got the new power wheelchair that she needed.

Now Joanna is very happy and doing her best to get the word out about Open-Aire Mobility Division. “I’ve told the MS Foundation, the MS Society of San Francisco and I’m ready to tell some more people,” she says. The only ones happier about her new power wheelchair are her dogs who love to ride with her. “When I beep the horn they come running and jump up into my lap. They’re even trying to drive, but right now they just push the joystick and make us do donuts in the living room.” Is driver's ed in the future for Joanna’s dogs? We’ll check back in with her soon and find out. 

Getting Around By Himself

Today’s story comes from Bob and Ann Sisk of Roscommon, Michigan. Previously, Bob used a cane and had struggled greatly with it. He was at risk of falling, so Ann always had to be at his side to help stabilize him. Taking more than just a few steps would leave him out of breath. It was getting difficult for the both of them, and when they learned about Open-Aire Mobility Division, they thought a power wheelchair could be just what he needed.

From their first time speaking with a Mobility Case Manager and throughout the entire process, Bob and Ann found Open-Aire Mobility Division to be fast and easy to work with. They particularly appreciated the day when Bob’s new power wheelchair was delivered. Ann says, “The installer went over and above to help us. He explained the features of the power chair and showed us how it worked. He walked alongside Bob as he rode it for the first time and answered all the questions he had about how to control it.”

Bob is ecstatic with his power wheelchair. For the first time in quite a while he’s able to be more independent and do things without Ann by his side. He’s already taken it into the hallways of their senior-living apartment by himself to visit his friends. They’re all asking where he got his new power wheelchair from, and he’s very happy to tell them Open-Aire Mobility Division. 

No More Falling In Fall River

Not long ago, Joe Vallon of Fall River, MA began suffering from orthostatic hypertension, a medical condition which results in a sudden increase in blood pressure when a person stands up. When Joe stands up, he must stand still until his blood pressure goes back to normal. Coupled with some difficulties walking, getting around had become very difficult for Joe. According to his wife Mary, “If Joe needed to move around, he would rise from his recliner, stand up to keep his balance, and then go over to his walker or a wheelchair.” It also resulted in him falling multiple times and injuring himself in the process.

Mary thought that a power wheelchair would give him more independence and reached out for help. Due to some of Joe’s other health issues, his experience wasn’t as quick and easy as it could have been, but Open-AireMobility Division helped him every step of the way. Mary says, “When we first started working with Open-Aire, they set up a meeting with his doctor, but Joe went into the hospital and we couldn’t proceed. His case manager helped reschedule his appointments and got him some time extensions that we needed until he was out and ready to move forward. We had an excellent experience with Open-Aire.”

Now Joe has his power wheelchair and has indeed become more independent. Getting around from one room to the other is just a simple matter of grabbing the joystick and pointing it to where he wants to go. Joe no longer worries about his rising blood pressure or about falling.

King of the Road

William Johnson of Hope Mills, North Carolina loves to travel across the country. After he retired, he and his wife frequently took road trips, and drove over 9,000 miles across the United States. Unfortunately, in October of 2010 his traveling ended, as a series of health issues kept William in and out of the hospital for over six months. “I saw so many doctors in that time, the only one I didn’t see was a veterinarian,” jokes William.

When William came home, he had to use oxygen tanks. His tanks only lasted an hour and a half, which made even short trips around town difficult. Just as he was starting to get frustrated he saw a commercial for Open-Aire portable oxygen concentrators, and he knew that was the solution he needed. It’s been an absolute joy for him. With his portable oxygen concentrator he has unlimited oxygen. Worrying about running out of oxygen is a thing of the past for him because he can charge it in his cigarette lighter, power outlets, and put in an extra battery if he needs to. And with all these ways to keep his portable oxygen concentrator powered, William can travel again!

This past Christmas William traveled to see his kids and grandkids and spent the holidays with them. It was the first time in a year and a half he was able to see them. It was the best Christmas he had in years and says, “I had such a good time I told some of my friends I may never come back.” William is looking forward to being able to get back to his old life in 2013. This February he and his wife already have a trip planned to go to a trip in the mountains, and plenty more after that.

Winning Over Her Doctor

In early 2011 Barbara Lott of Baton Rouge, LA was getting very frustrated with her oxygen tanks. Even though she primarily used them at night, she was too nervous to travel anywhere far from home. She was unable to visit friends, family, and even her son who only lives a few hours north. Then one day she saw a commercial for Open-Aire and decided that a portable oxygen concentrator could be the answer to her problems.

At first her doctor was hesitant to give her a new prescription. Her doctor wasn’t familiar with portable oxygen concentrators and didn’t know if it would be right for Barbara’s needs. But Barbara was insistent. She provided paperwork and information from Open-Aire, and eventually the doctor was convinced to give the portable oxygen concentrator a try. After a few months of seeing how well it performed for Barbara, she became a believer. “Now my doctor recommends it to all of her patients who don’t want to sit at home with their tanks,” says Barbara. And Barbara isn’t sitting at home with her tanks anymore either. She’s able to go where she likes, and is making plans to visit her son again very soon.

Missing Out on Thailand

Nancy Simmons was traveling to Thailand to see her brother when she experienced serious headaches.  Instead of getting on the plane, Nancy had to go to the hospital which resulted in her being diagnosed for oxygen.  Having to use oxygen tanks prevented Nancy from going on her trip.

Life with oxygen tanks was very limiting, particularly for someone who enjoyed traveling as much as Nancy does. Even just going to the store for groceries was now difficult. Fortunately for Nancy, one day she saw a commercial for Open-Aire and their portable oxygen concentrators and she knew she wanted one. Before long, getting around town was easy for her again. "I bring the carrier with me and I can roll it around behind me, or I can just put in my cart if I go shopping," says Nancy.

While she hasn’t made it to Thailand yet she’s still managed to get around. She’s made several trips to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and she’s visited the Appalachian Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina. And we're sure that thanks to her portable oxygen concentrator she'll be adding many more destinations to her list soon.