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Don't want to give up my dog because of copd

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copding

03/21/2024 at 4:38 PM

copding

Last activity on 03/21/2024 at 4:31 PM

Joined in 2024

4 comments posted | 4 in the COPD Forum

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Hello everyone, I'm new here, also newly diagnosed. My CT scan shows some emphysematous changes but my doctors say I don't need any more tests. They did however say that I needed to get rid of my boxer charlie, which is definitely not happening. He doesn't even shed as much as i've seen the others shed and I have no allergies. I'm just really confused and angry. I live by myself most of the time and it seems unimaginable to not have him around. Has this happened to you? What can I do? please and thanks a lot guys

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lawless

03/21/2024 at 5:19 PM

lawless

Last activity on 03/21/2024 at 4:53 PM

Joined in 2018

14 comments posted | 12 in the COPD Forum

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We've thought about getting a dog for mental health and but it is so hard to take care of it when I have to take care of myself... Too much pressure on my wife too she is already taking care of me and then there is the fur issue... but still really sorry that you have to go through this. maybe if you can get someone else to make sure that he stays clean all the time and take him for grooming or shower
Good luck hope you don't have to give him away

Don't want to give up my dog because of copd https://www.carenity.us/forum/copd/living-with-copd/dont-want-to-give-up-my-dog-because-of-copd-5732 2024-03-21 17:19:14

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CarolSchmidt

12/21/2020 at 10:35 PM

@KathyA‍, please read what I wrote above on using oxygen. I am so, so, thrilled to have portable oxygen that gave me more of my life back. I was told in 2011 when I lived in San Miguel de Allende at 6,400 ft altitude that I needed to go on oxygen, but all I saw around town was one woman with the heavy metal canisters in a cart behind her, and that looked terrible. I moved back to near sea level and put off needing oxygen all day for another seven years, just a Bipap at night.

Finally I was huffing and having to stop every few feet even near sea level, but I still didn't want to be lugging a heavy canister behind me. I ran into an old friend who was always really active, ballroom dancing, hiking, fly fishing in rivers. And there she was with an Inogen in a backpack, doing everything she'd always done!

She showed me all about hers and the total package with machine, extra 8-hour battery, two battery chargers for house and car, carrying case, and extended warranty, was around $3,300!

Finally I saved enough for it and have loved it every minute since. I started on 2 for almost a year but had to go to 3 for every day. I switch to 4 liters a minute several times a day when I still get winded bad, and have gone up to 5 for stair climbing. I worry that I will need to go higher than 5 eventually, but I hope by then there will be sronger machines developed that go higher, though then the $500 batteries only last a few hours before needing recharging, instead of 6-8.

The portable ones now are breath-operated--you have to be breathing into the nose cannula for them to work. And my BiPap at night requires continuous flow, which the big oxygen machine Medicare covers provides, so I need both machines. Some day they may all be continuous flow and still portable.

There are cheaper, refurbished units available from the Inogen factory, too. After 1 1/2 years mine started sending strange messages and I called the factory and they sent a new one out the next day! I sent them the old one back no charge. So I am pleased with service, too.

Hope this helps you accept your machine. I am so, so happy I got mine and wish Medicare paid for everyone who needed one.(I understand in a few cases they will pay for one now, but not my particular Cigna Medicare Advantage plan.)

I bet when you go to your reunion you won't be the only one on oxygen! And everyone will be so old! The ones who are already dead and not there are the ones to think about--how many of them had COPD? Fourth leading cause of death in the US before Covid, so now we're fifth. Be glad for all the help you can get! I hope you have a wonderful reunion!

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cbholder3

12/02/2022 at 3:21 PM

@Thakera Yes, even on Medicare it was $400+ a month. My Pulmonologist arranged for me to get it with no copay from GSK, GlaxoSmithKline, you can look up their assistance program at https://www.gskforyou.com/ Hope it goes okay for you, I am just in the process fo renewing mine for next year.

GSKForYou | GSK Patient Assistance Program

Learn how our program can assist you if you need help paying for your GlaxoSmithKline prescription medicines and vaccines, whether you have coverage or not.

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CarolSchmidt

12/21/2020 at 10:35 PM

See the best comment

cbholder3

12/02/2022 at 3:21 PM

GSKForYou | GSK Patient Assistance Program

Learn how our program can assist you if you need help paying for your GlaxoSmithKline prescription medicines and vaccines, whether you have coverage or not.

See the best comment

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Don't want to give up my dog because of copd

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