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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> O2 question
        
(Message started by: She-ra_mommy on Jun 23^rd, 2006, 5:57pm)

Title: O2 question
Post by She-ra_mommy on Jun 23^rd, 2006, 5:57pm

My tanks where delivered today. The mask is not like the one in the oxygen info. I am not getting much relief. How long should I be using it ? They just showed me how to turn it on and the flow rate of 10 but not for how long. the makes does not have the bag hanging from it. I will be getting a cluster mask.

I do get kinda of dizzy and a very little relief but I don;t know if it not long enough or the mask. I have dr. order but it is in my file never giving to me.

Title: Re: O2 question
Post by maffumatt on Jun 23^rd, 2006, 6:04pm

until you get your clustermask pull the one you have away from your face when you exhale so you don't rebreath you CO2. That should help until you get your non rebreather mask.

Title: Re: O2 question
Post by marlinsfan on Jun 24^th, 2006, 8:37am

Or go to a medical supply store and buy a $2 non-rebreather mask to hold you over until the good one arrives.

Title: Re: O2 question
Post by Barry_T_Coles on Jun 24^th, 2006, 9:44am

on 06/23/06 at 17:57:41, She-ra_mommy wrote:

How long should I be using it ? They just showed me how to turn it on and the flow rate of 10 but not for how long.

What I have got into the practice of is to count the number of breaths I take before the headache goes & then repeat that number of breaths again to be sure that it's gone.

Hope This helps
Kind Regards
Barry

Title: Re: O2 question
Post by Squanto on Jun 24^th, 2006, 9:49am

How long for the O2?

Some of us get total relief within 5 minutes. Others get only partial relief after 10-15 minutes. So your milleage may vary.

After you get a non-rebreather mask (preferably the Clustermasx) experiment a little with different flow rates for different hits. Some folks find a different benefit between 10 liters per minute and 12 liters per minute. Other can't tell any difference and save O2 by using the lower rate. Therefore, if you get relief at 8 LPM or 15 LPM - go with what works for you.

Myself, I breathe the O2 for about 5 minutes after I notice some change in the pain. I don't know why - I just do it that way. If I don't notice any change (which very rarely happens) I don't continue past about 15 minutes.

About the "dizzy" feeling. If your fingers and mouth start tingling while your on the O2 - it's problably because you are "hyperventilating" ( i.e. breathing too deep and too fast) Try to relax (and think nice thoughts.)

Squanto

Title: Re: O2 question
Post by Richr8 on Jun 24^th, 2006, 10:23am

As long as it takes up to about twenty minutes seems to be a common reference. If it's going to relieve that particular HA, it will within twenty minutes. More than that is a waste of O2. Maximizing the amount of pure O2 getting to your lungs is the key. Without the bag there is no place for volume to accumulate between breaths and you will be essentially drawing in room air along with the O2. With the bag, volume accumulates and you are drawing in a large volume of pure O2 with each breath. You will understand once you have the non-rebreather. Also, I prefer using the mouthpiece instead of the mask with the non-rebreather set-up. Adjust the flow rate so tht the bag fills up between breaths. At 15lpm, I empty the bag with every breath and it fills in between. Don't give up on O2 until you have the right equipment and training. It does take a little practice.