Paper or Plastic?

Very often in this blog we profile people who use their portable oxygen concentrators to go on vacations or take long trips, but it's important to remember that this equipment helps people achieve the little things that they could not do while on oxygen. Marion Gibbs of Chester, VA is a great reminder of that. Marion has been an oxygen patient for several years, and while on traditional equipment she was literally tethered to her home. "I was hooked up to a 50 foot cord and I couldn't even go to the mailbox or my clothes line."

With her new portable oxygen concentrator, she's free to get the mail and do laundry. But her biggest acheivement so far has been going to the grocery store. It had been 4 years since Marian had last been to the grocery store, since being on oxygen made it so difficult to leave the house. Once she got there, she stayed for 3 hours! "My husband was getting a little mad. He was leaning against the freezer with his hands on his hips, waiting for me to be ready to leave. As soon as we got home though we had a good laugh about it."

What's next for Marian? She's looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of her car again. "It's been 5 years since I last drove, but the car is paid off and my insurance is up to date. I want to get back in the swing of things and do for myself again." A few months from now we'll touch base with Marian again and see just how far she goes once she's got her keys in her hands again.