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        New Message Board Archives >> 2004 Cluster Headache Specific Posts >> oxygen and imitrex
        
(Message started by: elaine8488 on Oct 5^th, 2004, 11:06pm)

Title: oxygen and imitrex
Post by elaine8488 on Oct 5^th, 2004, 11:06pm

Hello,
My first time posting, I'm 43,,female and have had clusters since 18. I have tried many different therapies, and am in month 7 of this cycle, after 3yrs of none.I use oxygen @7-8 liters a minute at the FIRST sign of an attack. It's effective for me 75-80% of the time IF it is used very quickly. Imitrex is my back-up, and works 90% of the time for me.Onlty being allowed 6 injections a month has posed a problem and am searching for a preventative method. I am also an LPN and have been researching clusters for 25 years. In the early years I met many a Dr. with much indifference for cluster.I was told I'm depressed,"Its all in my head" DUH! and met with many other adverse reactions. I now see a VA Dr and he researched these headaches to try and help me. I pray someday more Drs will educate themselves to cluster and understand the PAIN that is experienced with them. :)

Title: Re: oxygen and imitrex
Post by BlueMeanie on Oct 5^th, 2004, 11:16pm

Welcome Elaine,

Sounds like you've got the right stuff for kicking the Beasts' ass. I know what you mean about the low amount of monthly Trex. Glad the 02 works most of the time. Do you know about splitting Trex ? If not, check the Imitrex tip to the left of this page.

Keep edumicating them docs. Some day they will understand Clusters.

Good luck to you & PF vibes coming your way. Hang in there Elaine.

Title: Re: oxygen and imitrex
Post by Tom K on Oct 6^th, 2004, 8:50am

I hear ya with the indifference. Have gone to many a neuro and gp, with the same blank look on their face. Stockpile your trex when you aren't in cycle and look into verap as a preventitive. Works wonders for a lot of people. Hope you find some relief, soon!

T

Title: Re: oxygen and imitrex
Post by Kevin_M on Oct 6^th, 2004, 8:55am

Elaine,

Since being shorthanded on the trex, try a higher flow regulator on the oxygen. A lot of doctor research mentions the adequate flow to be 8Lpm, but most of us abort the headache better at 12Lpm, some 10Lpm, some 15Lpm. That seems to have a lot more effectiveness.

Welcome

Kevin M