[NeuroNixed Craig]

My last primary care doctor visit didn't go so well because I didn't look so well. He took a pulse-ox, normally 98% to 100%, mine was from 87% to 91% and concerned him quiet a bit. He mentioned I may need to go on home oxygen, I didn't want to hear or discuss it and told him to simply call my wife about it.

Last evening a home healthcare nurse came in and did a complete evaluation. I literally squeaked by with about 3 to 4 percentage points above the oxygen required standard. She did admit it is only a matter of time due to my rapid progression. OK! Tell me something I don't know. What I do know is I'm not going to have to deal with that at this moment.

This is a case of count you blessings, no matter how small they may be. I don't know what's going to happen next and will deal with it when it does. Until then, I have stuff to do. I look on the bright side, there is still no blue ink stamp on the bottom of my foot with and expiration date. When I find it, I'll try my darnedest to wash it off.

I you can still breath, life is good!

[Kitty]

Great attitude to have, Craig. I agree with it 1000%. I know you'll take care of yourself when you need to. Enjoy life - whatever stage of it you're in - and make the most of every day. All of us need to adopt this principle whether healthy or not. None of us are promised tomorrow.

[SallyC]

What she said... Make that a double!

[kicker]

I salute your decision to not wear an oxygen hose leash until you really have to.

[Debbie D]

(((Craig)))
Prayers and blessings going out for you...

[doydie]

I come from an RN point of view. If wearing that oxygen WHEN needed only can give you a better quality of life then why not.

[Koala77]

Another RN here who knows the benefit of home oxygen, but I'm also OK with accepting your decision to hang on until you think you need it.

I'm sorry that it's come to this Craig but please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you, no matter what you decide.

[NeuroNixed Craig]

I don't disagree with anyone regarding the benefits of having oxygen.

What got me was in the aftermath of;

• A tough beach vacation and long hard recovery in September,
• Realizing my big travel days are over when my doctors determined the risk was too high and I couldn't join my family on our long planned reunion to Disney World in October,
• The disease now having a serious impact on my GI system and bladder,
• Then hearing my diaphragm and lungs are involved and progressively weakening to the point of requiring oxygen

It was all just too much to deal with at one time feeling like the oxygen was just another "nail in the coffin." Even I can only be beat up so much, with so much and so quickly, without having a negative affect. Do I think I'm scared? No, not really, but I can tell you I'm a "tad" PO'd.

I fully realize I will absolutely accept whatever assists, benefits, or adds to a more comfortable situation. It only makes good common sense since I got over that "macho pride thing" and got a cane and handicapped hanger years back.

Thank you all for you words of support and concern because it does make a difference coming here and freely expressing myself while receiving positive feedback.

[wkikta]

What may work very well for you is an Oxygen Concentrator when you are sleeping. No tank of Oxygen, just a quiet Machine running. Many older people use them to boost their Oxygen level, it can significantly reduce falling.