We had a power outage last night…

[WCGreen]

A new entry on my blog...


I was not planning on writing for the Blog last night. In fact I was just going to post about the Blackout on the Facebook or over at Democratic Underground, you know talk about rummaging around, looking for the candles and the wind up radio. I really didn’t think it had too much to do with the thrust of the blog.

But when I sit down and really think about it, about how much my life is centered on medical devices, medical devices that need electricity, it becomes something more than unnerving. Even a chance occurrence such as a Blackout can have a profound effect on my life.

Yep. Now, it seems, in pretty much every corner of my life, no matter how small and insignificant it may have seemed to me back when I was a regular walking talking breathing person, I am dependent and restricted because of my attachment to some sort of enhanced Oxygen supply. These items range from my concentrator to that mobile tank I sling over my shoulder or even that big 50-hour tank stashed in the corner of the living room. Whichever one it is, I cannot escape that reality. It is my life.

http://mylungtransplantyears.wordpress.com/about/

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. That power outage ...

I too wondered how long you could do without power...

4 days seems like a long time...to me.

But when you're dependent on electricity to deliver oxygen that you must have in high concentrations in order to live, well, that puts a whole different complexion on it.

Very well written, very compelling.

Thank you!

[Brickbat]

2. When I was given my CPAP several years ago,

I had a form from the doctor I could fill out and send to the power company. The form said I had been issued a lifesaving appliance and in the event of a blackout it requested that my area get priority for power to come back on. Because my apnea was mild and the CPAP was not really a life-or-death thing for me, I didn't send it in. You might want to let your power company know that you would like priority, if possible.

[HillWilliam]

7. That should have occurred to me

I can't do without my CPAP. I have every form of apnea there is and about the worst presentations. I don't even nap without it any more. You'd think since I live way out in the country with sometimes-iffy power service, I'd have thought to make a provision -- at least a UPS that would beep enough to wake me up.

I didn't know the doctor could issue a form for the power company. I have an appointment in a couple of weeks for a download from the CPAP and I'll ask the technician then. Thanks for the reminder!

[WCGreen]

8. They should do that.

We have a sign on our window that signals that an O2 dependent person is located here.

The problem in a highly concentrated urban area is that probably half of the substation have people dependent on electricity to live.

[Brickbat]

10. No problem!

I hope your doctor has something that's helpful. Even calling the power company might help -- I know everyone wants their power on first, but sometimes it helps for them to know these things.

[Dappleganger]

3. We depend upon nebulizers during certain times of the year...

which is whey dh's family bought us a generator to keep them going, just in case. And you're right...it does take one good power outage to bring that to light. Once we were out for nearly two weeks (hurricane season of 2004).

[Liberal_in_LA]

4. do you have backup? Battery or generator?

[WCGreen]

5. The back-up is that 50 hour tank...

I think I am going to invest in a generator...

But after I get the transplant, it would be a moot point.

Still, I think it a good idea to be more prepared.

[Liberal_in_LA]

6. Oh good!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

9. Generators are an excellent idea...

Even for folks without medical devices.

We have one, and it has been useful more than once...

It is weird though, being the only lit house on our street!

[WCGreen]

11. Attracts the Zombies and the Marauders

[CaliforniaPeggy]

12. ...

:scared:


:rofl:

[WCGreen]

13. For some reason the original post is not showing up in my

My DU place...

Funny

[CaliforniaPeggy]

14. That is weird...

I think it must be some kind of bug.

You could tell EarlG. He's in charge of bugs, I think...

No, sorry, I'm wrong. Elad is in charge of bugs...