Posted by gary g (209.187.112.39) on October 24, 1999 at 13:16:22:
In Reply to: How I use Oxygen - Doc's may disagree posted by John Bown on October 24, 1999 at 09:33:47:
I agree completely with your overall presentation
If your Doc doesn't s/he's way behind
The CH oxygen protocol is pretty standard now, and most Ins Co's are covering it (unless you've got some particularly $$ gouging HMO or a Barnyard Mutual type health insurer:
8-10 lpm, nonrebreather mask, start at first indication of attack, cease O2 when attack is relieved, usually 15-30 minutes
the 3 valve nonrebreather is a MUST, but I don't understand why it would be hard to get
it's standard issue, if requested, from my supplier
question a few details:
perhaps the need for 15 lpm is a factor that you can behaviorally control, and cut down on the 02 consumption/expense (for some it IS expensive)
even breathing pure 02, there is a limit to how much we can absorb, and that sounds WAY high -
usually you hear 8-10, and most of us gas suckers find that works like a charm - but it MUST be only O2 being breathed
VERY VERY GOOD points about safety techniques for not falling asleep, etc while breathing pure O2
first line threat is dehydration, but I understand there are additional dangerous physiological effects if the lungs are exposed to pure O2 for LONG periods (as measured in hours, not minutes)
humidifier an excellent idea - should mitigate a lot of the problems with pure O2
re: stool
most of the instructions for using it for CH say:
sit upright, leaning slightly forward, remain as still as possible, and establish a comfortable breathing rhytyhm as soon as possible
so, your stool idea sound like you instinctively nailed the technique
BUT:
your pacing etc while on O2 may be counterproductive -
maybe you are waiting too long to get on the O2
it works best if we get on the O2 at the VERY FIRST sign of an impending attack
DON'T wait for the pain phase - grab the mask at first twitch, and stay on it for 3 - 5 minutes AFTER the very last sign of the attack
this should release the attack sequence WELL before the pain gets to the driving, pacing stage
many of the MD/clinic sites are beginning to suggest mental control/emotional moderatin as a very important part of dealing with the attack
say what you want -
it IS doable
many of us use it in combi with other therapies & it helps