Cycle starting again, and seems like the neuro went back to school since last cycle.  She prescribed a prednisone taper, O2, and had me get an ekg for verapamil.

O2 was delivered that night, but they only brought a nasal cannula, so I ordered the mask from the store and received it last Friday.

When I set it up and tried it out, I noticed the system wasn't keeping up with my breathing.  I would inhale/exhale several times and after a few times, the bag would collapse before I received a full breath.  The flow valve is on 15 lpm, but it doesn't seem like it's getting there.

Anyone have suggestions?

Crank the regulator up or use the mouth piece.

        Potter

It's sensational your neuro now seems to know a little more. Only good times ahead.

About your regulator, does it go any further than 15lpm? Many people find they need a higher flow rate, at least to get them going, even if they turn it down later.

At least you're off to a great start.

Good onya.

You can try a couple different methods that I've found helpful (also have a 15 lpm reg. with clustermask kit & 3 liter bag). Ditch the mask and use the mouthpiece... Try inhaling a little more slowly and COMPLETELY then hold for a few or 10-15 seconds before exhaling COMPLETELY. You just need to work with it and experiment to see what rate & timing work best to allow the bag to fill completely between breaths.

The second method is to use the 'hyperventilation technique' which our good friend Batch describes so well in a couple other threads found elsewhere on this board. (By the way, before I got my O2 Rx I used hyperventilation to try aborting and it did help.)
Check out the "How can I get D3 to work like it did 2 yrs ago?" thread, reply # 7 by Batch under Medications, Treatments, and Therapies, or under Cluster Headache Specific the thread titled "What is the best O2 lpm?", reply #7 by Mark Olson provides a link to the hyperventilation technique described by Batch. (That thread can also be found under 'Meds., Treatments and Therapies' but you'll have to go back to Feb. 2014 and see "O2 breathing technique" reply # 5 by of course, the great Batch... he does such wonderful research and gives great detailed descriptions... We can't thank him enough for all he does. [smiley=applause.gif]  [smiley=bow.gif] [smiley=bow.gif] [smiley=bow.gif] [smiley=beer.gif]

Seems to be working better now, thanks for the suggestions.

I've been trying to breathe a little slower and it helps. 

The first time I had to use the O2 it took about 30 minutes for the attack to taper off (without meds it was 45-60 minutes).  Last night it was 15-20, so it's definitely helping.

The pharmacy was out of the verapamil until tomorrow, so I will have to wait to see how it works. 

Hi BB...are you really a barn builder...so was my Gramps......

Note that the verapamil will take 1-2 weeks to show effectiveness .... if it gonna work. 480mg/dy (divided doses)seems to be the sweet spot for clusterheads.... tho above and below is known... for some, like me,  1000 is needed.. Point being don't give up if doc scripts less and it "don't work". Also note that immediate release vs extended has shown more success...for most...not all.

Best

Jon