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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> O2 Whack-a-mole? (aborts & postpones)
        
(Message started by: tomoca on Aug 9^th, 2006, 2:02pm)

Title: O2 Whack-a-mole? (aborts & postpones)
Post by tomoca on Aug 9^th, 2006, 2:02pm

Hi folks,

Sorry if this is a FAQ but I couldn't find anything through the search.

I just re-tried O2 and remembered why I didn't like it the last time - it aborts HA in 10 min, but then an hour later it's back and back and back (like the carnival Whack-a-mole game)... Typical cycle for me is 3-4 hours/night and last night it was 9+ hours (albeit mostly pain free, but no sleep). Has anyone experienced this and figured out a way to abort the entire HA rather than just postpone? I was only able to get 8 l/min with a standard non-rebreather. Clustermasx and higher regulator are on the way, but I'm not hopeful (unless anyone has experience that says these are the magic bullets for this particular scenario?!).

Thanks!

Title: Re: O2 Whack-a-mole? (aborts & postpones)
Post by Bob_Johnson on Aug 9^th, 2006, 2:08pm

Yes, this reaction is mentioned in the medical literature so you are not alone having this experience. It simply means that you will have to try other abortives and find one which gives the long term relief you want.

Title: Re: O2 Whack-a-mole? (aborts & postpones)
Post by seasonalboomer on Aug 9^th, 2006, 2:26pm

I've had some nights like that. But, then I've had great success other times where once it was knocked back, it was done for the night. You might find that the higher flow and Clustermasx make a difference with this issue as well. For instance Ive had situations if I only stay on the O2 to the point where it is melting away it'll come back in an hour or two, where when I stay on the mask for about 5 minutes after initial "melting" away I don't have the issue.

I wish it was more scientific than all that but its hit and miss and I personally think O2 has been lifechanging for me and many others.

Good luck.

Scott

Title: Re: O2 Whack-a-mole? (aborts & postpones)
Post by serendipity on Aug 9^th, 2006, 2:28pm

I've used O2 for the past 3 or 4 cycles, and what you described started happening to me this cycle. During previous cycles, I could suck on some oxygen at 12-15 liters/min. for about 15 or 20 minutes and completely abort the HA, but for some reason that's not working as effectively this time around.

This cycle, I've learned that I have to let the headache get pretty intense first, then start the oxygen therapy. I do think you need more liters per minute, though. And I just got my Clustermasx last week. It's wonderful! I hope it works as well for you as it has for me. I feel like I used less oxygen with it, since there's none being wasted.

Keep us posted.

Title: Re: O2 Whack-a-mole? (aborts & postpones)
Post by LeLimey on Aug 9^th, 2006, 7:08pm

My top tip for managing my o2 and hits is that however long I'm on the o2 to abort the hit is how long I'll stay on it once the pain has gone "winding down"
For instance with my clustermasx I can usually abort in 5-7 minutes.

Call it five for simplicity here.

Once the pain is gone I'll stay on the o2 at 15lpm for about another minute, gradulally reducing to 12lpm 10lpm and so on and loosening the mask from my face so that my return to breathing common or garden air is "kinder".

I've found that since using this tip I've never had the beast bounce back at me.

Hope it helps
Helen