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        New Message Board Archives >> 2004 Cluster Headache Specific Posts >> Time to look at O2 ?
        
(Message started by: jeremy on May 25^th, 2004, 11:23pm)

Title: Time to look at O2 ?
Post by jeremy on May 25^th, 2004, 11:23pm

I'm having a lousy time of it this cluster. I had 5 yesterday and so far 4 today, with the night ahead of me. I take Imitrex which, if I take it early enough, deals with it in between 6 and 12 minutes, but mostly around 6 - 9 minutes if caught early. I take partial injections, about 3 ml's, so I don't go over the recommended amount (by too much), but once in a while, if I'm late, a full blast.

Does O2 get rid of 100% of an attack? If it works once, will it always work, like Imitrex? If Imitrex takes 6-9 minutes for me, what would you guess for O2?

Thanks in advance.
Go Flames.

Title: Re: Time to look at O2 ?
Post by FZfan on May 26^th, 2004, 12:16am

Get the o2 and give it a try, it certainly can't hurt. For me it was effective at completely aborting an attack about 80% of the time. There was the occasional attack that o2 did nothing for, but 8 out of 10 is wonderful relief for me.

Don't give up after your first try if it fails. Give it several tries before giving up. Make sure your breathing it properly, using a non-rebreather mask and a high flow rate, 10-20 lpm, and make sure the mask is functioning properly. Press the mask tight against your face and breath deeply. Using this method I get complete relief at about the 10 to 12 minute mark. I feels wonderful, words can't describe how good it feels when the pain litterally melts away.

o2 won't abort much faster than 10 minutes, but the payoff is - no meds. Save the imitrex for the h/a's that o2 fails on. While o2 doesn't work for everyone, it does work for the majority at least on some level, and the only way to find out if it'll work for you is to try it. Get some now!

Title: Re: Time to look at O2 ?
Post by Superpain on May 26^th, 2004, 3:16pm

I inhale O2 straight off a 1/2" hose from a welding tank, hard and fast. It completely kills my headaches in less than 5 min's.

Title: Re: Time to look at O2 ?
Post by FZfan on May 26^th, 2004, 11:26pm

oops, sorry supe, forgot about your 5 minute hit it off the hose method. I should have said, as a general rule o2 won't abort much faster than 10 minutes.

Whatever method you choose, neither one will work without a tank of oxygen. Get one now Jeremy. You've got nothing to lose.

Title: Re: Time to look at O2 ?
Post by ave on May 27^th, 2004, 6:52pm

Guys, it can abort faster 'n those 10 mins. I have had it kick in at 5-7 mins, just using the old mask.

But yes, I'd say it is ALWAYS O2 time if youhaven't tried it.
But no, they don' kill attacks 100 % and not for 100% of the sufferers.

Beats injecting, though.

Just read the info under the oxygen button on the left of this screen.

Title: Re: Time to look at O2 ?
Post by Mac_Muz on May 27^th, 2004, 7:21pm

I use the "Superpain" method because he found I had the equipment, and told me how...

I can kill an attack in minutes so once I am sure it will be an attack.. I remain on 02 for a bit longer...

I see it as stages...

Stage one I get a warning which can be a false warning... or real... Once I know it is real I go on 02 and deep breath holding each breath 10 secs or so, and if I can exhale out my nose...

Some where between 15 and 20 breaths the CH is gone, and I remain on 02 as far as 35 breaths... Little insurance.. Mac

Title: Re: Time to look at O2 ?
Post by Gator on May 27^th, 2004, 7:37pm

I get hit on the average of about 3 - 5 times a day. At least one of which can really drive me into the floor. O2 works for me about 75% to 80% of the time. Considering how expensive abortive drugs are and how few times you can hit them per day, O2 is the best first line of defense when the beast hits.

Gator