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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Oxygen Help
        
(Message started by: gonz2112 on Dec 25^th, 2006, 6:42pm)

Title: Oxygen Help
Post by gonz2112 on Dec 25^th, 2006, 6:42pm

My last cycle I tried O2 for the first time and it worked about 80% of the time. This time I have had the tank for a couple of days and so far it is 0 for 7. I am using a non-rebreather at 12 lpm. I sealed the exhale holes with tape and I remove the mask when I exhale and put my finger over the hole so the bag fills with O2 only.

I just ordered a Clustermasx, but was wondering if anyone has had a similar experience or has any advice.

The good news is that I found a company who sold me a regulator for $125 and is charging me $50 per H tank. A lot cheaper than Imitrex, but not if it doesn't work.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Mark

Title: Re: Oxygen Help
Post by E-Double on Dec 25^th, 2006, 7:16pm

cluster mask rocks!!!

I have had O2 not work before. It sucks but for the most part it wipes out my attacks

Title: Re: Oxygen Help
Post by gonz2112 on Jan 3^rd, 2007, 11:13pm

Just got the clustermasx and it does rock!

Drinking Red Bull and trying the O2 again after a 10 min. break has gotten the success rate up to about 50%.

Hopefully the clustermasx will improve the effectiveness. Even if it doesn't it is well worth the $$.

Mark

Title: Re: Oxygen Help
Post by Opus on Jan 4^th, 2007, 12:16am

Sometime O2 stops working and people have to chill it. There is a page on how to build one here on on OUCH. If you can't find it let me know and I will type it out. One person puts ice cubes in his bubbler.

Paul

Title: Re: Oxygen Help
Post by michellepaul on Jan 7^th, 2007, 4:26pm

Don't want to sound like a bummer, but my husband tried the Clustermasx and O2. It seemed really promising, but had no great results. After going through a whole tank, he said that the oxygen seemed to intensify the headaches after awhile.

Best of luck to you even if it works only a little bit.

Title: Re: Oxygen Help
Post by TxBasslady on Jan 8^th, 2007, 6:01pm

The important thing about 02 is that you get on it as soon as the CH appears. If you wait, then the 02 may not be as effective.

These tips I got from Ben:

Remain as calm as possible...and breathe the 02 with normal breaths. If you "huff and puff" the 02, it's not as effective. Try to keep your posture as straight as possible, this way the 02 flows normal and quickly.

Use the large bag (Clustermasx), and when the bag fills with 02, (and assuming you breathe "normally"), you can turn your regulator down to 6 or 8 lpm, thus saving a bit of your 02.

I have 100% relief with 02. It's never failed me....and it's the only treatment I use for my CH.

FYI...regulators can be purchased on Ebay. I think you can get them for around $25 or $30. 02 tanks of all sizes are also available on Ebay.

Jean

Title: Re: Oxygen Help
Post by gonz2112 on Jan 9^th, 2007, 8:14pm

Thanks Jean for the suggestions.

Paul, I did search for info on chilling the O2, but couldn't find it.

Mark