certified oxygen machine for planes needed

[arrowmyth]

Hi,
My name here is arrowmyth, I am a 41 almost 42 awwww year old female who had thyroid cancer in late 2005. To make a long story short, the surgeon messed up and cut my phernic nerve and paralyzed my right lung so I have been on oxygen 24/7 for over a year now. He never admitted to it, he in fact told me to go walk around the block a few times and it should heal me right up. Over the past year my other incredible doctors are slowly finding out about other mistakes he made at the same time... and I just want to get out of here and go relax for a couple weeks down in Mexico where the warmth is calling. The thing is... after the ticket, and then the surprize needed passport... I didn't even think I could not bring my own oxygen on board... it has to be a machine that is FAA certified. I can rent them for from $500 to up to $1000 for two weeks. This is where you all can come in:
AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
I can't afford that much! Are there any angels out there who just happen to have one that I can rent for cheaper than what has been proposed to me?
Anyone????? Time is of the essence here, so I would have to know before Friday the 25th.. which just happens to be my birthday. The airline needs time to set up the paperwork with me. I already purchased the ticket... I just really need some help here.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart in advance. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Arrowmyth
Lani
ps: here is part of my story....
http://www.seattlecca.org/patientsandfamilies/adultCare/clinicalProgs/Thyroid/Lani.htm

[Bobbi]

Hello, Lani.

I'm sorry to read of what brought you here - what you've been through :(.

When you state the 25th, you mean Friday the 25th of which month? I'm confused since the 25th doesn't fall on a Friday until the month of May.

I'll do some searching. If I find something that might help, I'll be sure to let you know.


P.S.: I'm thinking that the 5 in 25 might have been a typo (?). So, I'm gonna be the first here to wish you a happy birthday and let's see ... what we (us) working together might be able to discover that will lead you to your date with Mexico - and with oxygen that's more affordable :).

And... when you return from your trip, you're going to give us the scoop on how your journey went... Tell us about the beautiful sunsets and how you much so you enjoyed the warmth :). If you get into trouble - of the good kind - well, I'll let you off the hook on posting about that - openly. You can PM me those details :D.

I've a friend - also on oxygen - and she may have some ideas.

[Bobbi]

You've probably already done this, maybe, so forgive me if I seem lame-o for asking/suggesting as a friend related:

Checking with customer service(s) for the airline you'll be using and asking its reps. if the airline will provide oxygen in-flight as part of its service for you. And, she's thinking at "no cost" to you. (She said she would ask.)

Here are some additional thoughts that I'm passing along, as well:

If you're staying in a big-name hotel or a reputable one (and that's subjective, of course :)): Find out through its customer service people if it will help out - working it out with you and the airline respective of oxygen needed so that you have it from the time you depart until you reach Mexico, and during your stay and return trip.

My friend also suggested making sure your doctor gives you a Rx for the oxygen and a letter denoting that it's needed - for once you reach Mexico.

Too, my friend thought that, maybe, just maybe your doctor might be able to help in making arrangements, say, for instance, with a physician or medical setting in Mexico. That way, the oxygen will be ready for you in Mexico.

Again, these are just some ideas my friend had ... and who seems to think that some places (transportation and hotels) might "kick in" covering the cost of the oxygen because? It's good for service and also great for you :).

She said, she'd have an emergency back-up plan, too. It's in the event someone just makes an error, but if all worked out well in advance, she thinks everything should go well.

Ohhh, don't forget to tell them it's your birthday. That counts as well. She thinks that, with everything else, it's also something they'll consider - and favorably so.

Now... I'll continue looking and asking around.

You are going to Mexico to have some fun, gal!

:grouphug:

[Bobbi]

I don't know if the following links might affect any aspect of your air travel, Lani, yet it's worth sharing (in case you or others may find the info. helpful in the future):

New FAA Regulations Allow Patients to Bring Portable Oxygen Concentrators on Planes
http://www.calphys.org/html/bb969.asp

Travel with Oxygen
http://www.access-able.com/tips/oxy.html

Airline Travel with Oxygen
http://www.homeoxygen.org/airtrav.html

[DiMarie]

When Mom went to Hawaii, she had a perscription and note from the doctor and the medical suppy rented her one under her medicare.
But, what do you do to fill tanks and will there be a med place to care for needs once down there?
I just wondered,
Dianne