A momentous day as I broke free of the hospital. All went smoothly which was good so we were able to beat the Uber rush that will be servicing tonights Taylor Swift concert in the football stadium with a Seattle Mariners baseball game going on simultaneously in the field next door.
Being out of the hospital feels great. I hope to continue to improve. Upon arriving home I was able to meet our new R2D2 home oxygen device. A behemoth and loud. Lucky for me my hearing sucks so I don’t hear the grind of the motor. Not so good for Sharon. We will try to place it in as far away a closet or bathroom for the evening so she can try to sleep as it will need to be pumping away for me.
The equipment comes with what is referred to as a portable unit. We tried to fill the tanks to find out that one of the tanks they gave me is defective. The main valve does not seal so when it is opened to supposedly place oxygen into the nasal cannulas the oxygen just escapes through a top valve. We called Apria and through a lot of explanation convinced them then need to come out tomorrow and take care of this, so I have something to get me up and back to the clinic.
We were able to fill the second “portable” bottle and it did work. So after dinner we ventured outside and took a short walk to the Lake Union shore. Now I am not sure what is considered portable, but this oxygen bottle is heavy. When we got home I weighed it and it was 8+ pounds. I know not as bad as a heavy backpack but very awkward and will not allow me to get very far.
I took a look on the Internet today, of course, as see that portable oxygen systems can weigh anywhere from 3-5 pounds. Much more manageable I think to allow me to get back to walking. If Medicare will not cover it, I think it will be a worthwhile investment for my mind and body.
As to my scorecard today happy to report that I walked 3,000 steps over 1-mile distance through the day. At least a start. My other labs are good, although with the Prednisone I am taking my blood sugars have bumped up a bit. I have no doubt that will recover as I taper off the Prednisone over the next 2-weeks.
As an emotional part of the day, as if I needed any more, we were able to video screen time with Lila to wish her a happy birthday. Life is good.
Larry and Sharon