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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2004 >> O2 Treatment - Best way
        
(Message started by: Reecy on Jan 13^th, 2004, 11:40pm)

Title: O2 Treatment - Best way
Post by Reecy on Jan 13^th, 2004, 11:40pm

Okay, I got my O₂ today. I am told by one respiratory company to take at the beginning of each headache, 8 L/min for 10 min. But another company that was to deliver first (and was the most accomodating) but insurance refused to cover said that I should take it at 12-15 L/min for 15 min every 3 1/2 hours regardless of onset to prevent headache. I like the idea of preventing and I'll take the O₂ that often that's fine with me. Has anyone tried using O₂ as a preventative instead of an abortive?

Heck I'd understand if they were just trying to get me to use their O₂ but they WERE the only one's on the ball to deliver, had my paperwork ready, had great customer service, and tried to work with my insurance. They also offered that if the other company wouldn't deliver by a certain time, they'd go ahead with their delivery at no cost until the other company got out to me. :o

So what do you all think, try it as a preventative or use as abortive only?

Thanks!

Title: Re: O2 Treatment - Best way
Post by Rick_K on Jan 13^th, 2004, 11:51pm

It's an abortive...

You should use 10-15 LPM. Read the O2 info to the left and make sure you are using it correctly. Keep that tank with you and when you feel the beast a knockin use it right away. The sooner the better but use it whenever you need it. The SOB treats us all a little different but as a prevenative, don't wast your time or money.

Title: Re: O2 Treatment - Best way
Post by BillyJ. on Jan 14^th, 2004, 3:32am

15-20 minutes with a NON-REBREATHER MASK
flow rate varies from person to person.turn up the
flow rate until it keeps up with your breathing,any
higher would be a waste,any lower would be too low.
O2 as a prevent,,,hmmmm,,,,,,well if you have O2 to spare give it a try and let us know how it works
PF2U
Billy

Title: Re: O2 Treatment - Best way
Post by toader on Jan 14^th, 2004, 11:36am

Every doc will tell ya it is abortive only!! ;;D

Flow rate ... well this is what has worked for me. . .
1) early onset of a headache - 8-10 L/min
2) severe pain - 12-15 L/min
3) total and complete agony - rip mask off and run around crazy like MJ with hair on fire

After I put on my mask, I usually cover my face with my hands. Then, when in severe pain, my first instinct is to hold my breath. After that, I usually go into hyperventalate mode. I've been told these are all bad habits.

My wife has been my "breathing coach" throughout this ordeal. (heh heh - who thought all those childbirth lessons would come back full circle???)

I'm not going to tell you not to push or anything, but try this....practice "belly breathing". That is, lie on your back 02 mask on, and make your stomach move up and down when you breathe. It doesn't have to be "deep breaths" every time, but the belly breathing does help with proper diaphram contraction which basically is going to get the air into your bloodstream faster (and she knows what she is talking about dammit!).

I have a love/hate relationship with O2. It dries my mouth and throat. I can't help but injest some when breathing it, which makes me sick to my stomach. :-X

Title: Re: O2 Treatment - Best way
Post by t_h_b on Jan 14^th, 2004, 6:05pm

If I were an oxygen supplier, I would not recommend that you take O2 at 12-15 L/min for 15 min every 3 1/2 hrs. I would recommend that you take it at 20 L/min for 1/2 hr every hr. around the clock.

Just like the insulin/Imitrex syringe manufacturers say that you absolutely should not under any circumstances ever use them more than once......