The gradual decline
Over 12 years, between ages 55 and 67, I had relatively stable COPD. I played. I performed. I lived. I used inhalers. I followed everything.
At 67 the decline started. In one year my lungs dropped from 55% to 38%. The pulmonologist suggested home oxygen. I firmly refused. "I'm a musician," I said, "I can't perform with a tank."
For a year I insisted. On every performance it was harder. Until the day I couldn't get out of bed. My chest was so heavy, the air so thin. I talked with my son, Nadav, and said: "I think it's time."
"When they offered me home oxygen 6 years ago, I said 'absolutely not.' I was ashamed, scared, insisted I could do without it. A year later, when I couldn't get out of bed anymore, I agreed. And it was the first day of my new life."
The oxygen that changed everything
On the first day with the oxygen machine, my heart sank. The equipment was massive, I had to connect a plastic tube to my nose, and it felt like I was "truly disabled." I stayed home for 3 weeks.
But when I started using oxygen — something unexpected happened: I could stand. I could walk. I could make myself a coffee. My head became clear. The burning in my chest disappeared. I felt like I hadn't felt in years.
After a month I also got a portable oxygen device — a small tank with a strap. On the first day I went out with it for coffee in the street. People looked at me. At first it was uncomfortable, then I got used to it. Now sometimes I explain to people: "It's just oxygen. Like glasses — only you can't see them that way."
My life today
I still play. Not in the philharmonic — but at home, twice a week, I play with 3 other musician friends, also retired. We play together 2 hours, stop for coffee, play more. One of them, Jacob, also has oxygen — he plays violin.
I go out with my grandchildren. Nadav visits me every week with the grandchildren, Noa and Yair. We go to the park, I sit on a bench and play them the harmonica. They love it. I'm happy.
I follow everything: inhalers twice a day, vaccines, spirometry every 6 months, oxygen 16 hours a day. That sounds like a lot. It's not a lot. It's my life, and it's the best life I can live. And I'm grateful for it every day.
My message
Don't be afraid of oxygen. It's not an enemy — it's a friend. If your doctors said you need home oxygen, don't delay it. Delaying oxygen therapy can cause cumulative heart damage — damage that doesn't come back.
Life with oxygen is life. You can travel. You can work. You can cook. You can enjoy. The equipment today is much more portable and convenient than people remember.
And most importantly — don't be alone. The Linshom community is full of people like me, going through the same thing. A conversation with someone who went through it before you is worth hours of doctor appointments.
"Oxygen didn't change who I am. It just gave me the tool to keep being who I am."
— Avi Stein
