Roger, a COPD patient, started going through 12-15 oxygen tanks a week because he “felt like [he] was smothering.” His wife said he felt like he got more oxygen with tanks than with his concentrator. She was exhausted from waking up in the middle of the night to change his tanks so he felt like he could breathe.
Roger’s friends at Rotech knew something wasn’t right. A review of his notes showed a diagnosis of COPD and Chronic Respiratory Failure. More notes from a recent hospitalization showed a PCO2 level much higher than the normal range.
Roger’s primary care provider had been reluctant to order vent therapy in the past — but after reviewing hospital notes and test results, even she agreed: Roger would very likely benefit from Rotech’s NIVnow program.
Since starting on NIV therapy, Roger’s oxygen therapy usage has decreased, and he says he feels much better. “It’s so nice to be able to breathe again,” he said, “and my wife is getting a better night’s sleep, too!”