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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Will 7lpm even work??
        
(Message started by: ClusterChris on May 2^nd, 2007, 9:17pm)

Title: Will 7lpm even work??
Post by ClusterChris on May 2^nd, 2007, 9:17pm

I talk to the oxygen place today and they said my script was for 7lpm I aske if they could up that for me but they can't without a doctors consent. Will 7lpm even do anything for me or would that be a waste of time???

Thanks in advace.

Oh ya they also told me they will not give me a non rebreather without a doctors conset as well, they are going to give me a rebreather mask. I called the doc but she was gone, told her secretary that i want to request all that so she will give it to her in the morning, I'm not sure she will change it though. They are dropping off two large tanks tomorrow.

Title: Re: Will 7lpm even work??
Post by AussieBrian on May 2^nd, 2007, 9:39pm

Chris, I've had terrific success at different times using pressures even lower than that with just the ordinary mask.

The trick I found was to cover the two littles holes with thumb and forefinger, inhale very slowly through the nose, then remove fingers to exhale. (You can actually feel the O2 going in 'cos it's cooler than the other air.) The same action also forces me to relax and focus so this probably helps a lot, too.

All the best, mate, and the wrong gear is still better than no gear at all, at least until you can get properly organised.

Title: Re: Will 7lpm even work??
Post by ClusterChuck on May 2^nd, 2007, 9:52pm

Yes, it CAN work, but as Brian said, it is more work, and takes a lot of concentration and skill, something that I, at least, DON'T have the ability of, when I am in the middle of a high KIP hit!

Getting the oxygen is the most important part. If the doctor will not change the prescription, that is easy to get around. Buy your own regulator (it is the regulator that controls the output, not the tank) on eBay. They can be bought for around $25.00.

And even if you do get a non-rebreather mask, you should order a clustermasx^TM from www.clustermasx.com for $25.00 plus shipping. It is WELL worth it! It is the VERY best mask available for us clusterheads. It has an air filled seal that properly fits your face, ESPECIALLY if you have any facial hair ('stash and/or beard).

Good luck!

Chuck

Title: Re: Will 7lpm even work??
Post by Chillrmn1 on May 3^rd, 2007, 5:45am

Everything Brian and Chuck said.

If you need a standard non-rebreather quickly try these folks, I believe they'll ship overnight: http://www.med-worldwide.com/page177.html

Like Chuck said the clustermasx is the way to go. I bought mine while in remission after last cycle. I have given it a dry run and one can tell it's superior to the standard mask. So while not looking forward to my next cycle, I know I'm better prepared.

Hope this helps.

Title: Re: Will 7lpm even work??
Post by Gator on May 4^th, 2007, 7:53pm

Chris, print this out and give it to your doctor. It justifies the use of high flow rates up to 15lpm. Tell him you want him to rewrite the script for "Up to 15lpm" and include a non re-breather mask.

http://www.chhelp.org/mhni.html

FWIW, I had the same trouble with my O2 supplier. They would not give me an NRB mask without it being written on the script. Now I have a Clustermasx and I throw rocks at a standard nrb mask.

Go get 'em, bro.

Mike

Title: Re: Will 7lpm even work??
Post by pieface_49 on May 4^th, 2007, 9:05pm

I have not seen Chris online today. I know he went to the Doc's office armed with info. There was another post suggesting other Doctors in his area. Considering his ordeal, maybe it is time to find another Neuro.

Donnie

Title: Re: Will 7lpm even work??
Post by mynm156 on May 5^th, 2007, 10:46pm

As long as the bag does not deflate all the way durring inhalation you wil be getting 100% 02!!!

Title: Re: Will 7lpm even work??
Post by clavers on May 7^th, 2007, 12:52pm

My regulater is at 8 lpm. I gave up on that stupid non-rebreather mask that leaked, so I took it off and stuck the bare hose in my mouth and let it blow up my lungs like a baloon.Then turn the o2 off and hold your breath as long as possible. Then repeat as often as necessary. Some say that it will burst your lungs and you will die, but you would have to be pretty determined to do that. I have enough sense to stop when my lungs are full. It has worked for me for three years.