Posted by Joy (207.1.45.126) on February 05, 2001 at 16:03:52:
In Reply to: O2: prescription necessary??? posted by Kevin on February 05, 2001 at 14:48:25:
We needed a prescription to get Lee's O2, but had no problem getting the script. Actually, the first ER doc wrote us the prescription. As far as being dangerous, I was a little worried at first. But, when we picked up the O2, we were given a thorough "lesson" on its use and were assured that the dangers we had heard about were overblown. We were warned about not tipping over the tanks--to transport them on their sides. Obviously, it's dangerous to light up while using O2. The RT who gave us the "lesson" told us he was amazed at the number of burns to the nose and lips he sees every year from O2 users who smoke while using it!! Anyway, I hope you can convince your doc to prescribe it. It has helped Lee and many others.
I know non-medical O2 is obtainable without the prescription, but I was told that was not safe due to possible impurities. Maybe some of the O2 gurus on the board can comment on this!
Good luck, Kevin.