Book presentation: "Living with long-term oxygen therapy"„
Author
Annette Hendl
My name is Annette Hendl, and I would like to introduce you to my new book, "Living with Long-Term Oxygen Therapy." I myself was prescribed long-term oxygen therapy in 2013. In 2014, I took over as group leader of the Mühldorf Oxygen Group, which meets every first Tuesday of the month at 2 p.m. in the Haus der Begegnung (Community Center) in Mühldorf am Inn. In 2017, I was elected as group spokesperson to the board of the German Oxygen and Respiratory League (LOT e.V.).
My book is divided into two parts.
In the first part of my book, I describe how my lung disease, asthma-COPD overlap syndrome, developed and how it changed my life. Like me, many sufferers are often left alone after being discharged from the hospital. Through medical and therapeutic help, and especially through a self-help group, I rediscovered my zest for life.
„"I've ended my friendship with my illness," and I can say from experience that life is far from over with long-term oxygen therapy. My book aims to support those affected and help them not to become discouraged. Often, simply changing one's perspective is enough. Even though we know that long-term oxygen therapy cannot cure lung disease, it can improve the quality of life and extend life.
This book isn't just for those affected by oxygen therapy. I want to give all readers who aren't personally affected a glimpse into life with long-term oxygen therapy.
The second part of the book provides numerous tips and practical advice for everyday life: explanations of the most common lung diseases, suggestions for breathing-easing postures, advice for traveling with an oxygen concentrator, and safety information for handling oxygen. Helpful contact addresses and websites round out this highly informative patient guide.
This patient guide is aimed at all people who have to live with a lung disease and long-term oxygen therapy, as well as doctors, psychotherapists, nurses, respiratory therapists, relatives and interested parties.
I am happy to give book readings upon request for groups or at events.
»Annette Hendl's book is a moving account of her personal story. At the same time, it is a helpful guide for patients on how to overcome personal crises and see life with long-term oxygen therapy for what it is: an opportunity to continue leading a self-determined life despite everything.«
Dr. med. Christian Wiesner, Mühldorf
Contact information for the self-help group: Annette Hendl
muehldorf@sauerstoffliga.de
