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Can you describe in more detail how you've come to that conclusion? What source (concentrator vs. tank), rates (liters per minute), and method of delivery (type of mask or mouthpiece)?

Hi K,

There actually is a small percentage of folks for whom even high flow O2 doesn't work, and I realize you could be one of them, but if you haven't tried going up to 25 LPM, 45 LPM, or even 60 (any of which requires a special regulator), it really would be worth a try IMO. I know that when I'm in high cycle I have to hyperventilate the 100% O2 at 45 - 60 LPM or it won't do jack.

Also, the demand valve system for O2 is sort of just assumed to be too expensive in the oxygen info here, even not recommended to start with, and details aren't given, but I'm starting to question that. If you could afford one, the fortunate users of them tend to report great success and fastest aborts, and if that isn't worth $300 to $800, what is?

Thanks for all the replies.  I will think about the oxygen route again.  It just didn't seem to do anything for me & I ran out a tank pretty darn fast.  Also, I had trouble sitting for more than a few seconds when I'm getting blasted with a headache.  I can't seem to sit still during one. 

The issue I have with swallowing pills is a little more complicated.  It's not that I can't swallow, I have a narrowing or a small obstruction lower down in my esophagus (around the middle of my chest).  The pills catch there and don't go down.  I have an appointment to get scoped in mid-August.  I can eat food, and it usually doesn't get stuck, sometimes it does.  I talked to my neuro yesterday.  She has called in liquid Verapamil and liquid Lithium & gave me dosing instructions on those.  I will pick that up shortly.  I have also started on the vitamin regimen 3 days ago and hoping that will help.  So far, I haven't noticed any change.  I'm getting hit about every 6 hours.  Yesterday, one of the hits was only about a 4, compared to the 8's I've been getting.  One milder at midnight last night, then followed by another 8 at about 2am.  I have one right now that's about a 4.  Trying to hold off on the imitrex to see if they're actually easing up or not.

One question on the vitamin therapy.  Should you take all of it at the same time?  I've been taking the fish oil (liquid) at night and the D3 (liquid) and calcium (emptying the capsules into liquid) during the day.  Man, this cycle really sucks.

I use yogert to swallow my pills... even the huge fish oil and calcium pills slide right down... then drink water after you get them all down.

Just an idea
Be Well
Linda