Posted by Ryan in Ottawa (24.114.72.109) on July 12, 2000 at 08:02:14:
A couple weeks ago I stumbled across this site....what a great find!! I've been suffering from CH for 23 years now and have never had any relief. I've been on pretty much everything but had never tried oxygen. I went to emergency at the local hospital to try oxygen (after reading about it on this site) starting a week ago after 3 weeks into my current cluster. Trying to get someone to put you on oxygen is a lesson in frustration. Because they consider it a "medication", you have to wait the three hours to see a doctor first. Finally, after convincing the doctor that all I want is to try oxygen....no dope...been there tried it all....relief.
It takes about 1/2 hour to notice anything but the reduction in the frequency of the sharp stabbing pain is noticeable. It doesn't take all the pain away but it reduces it to the point where I no longer feel like drilling a hole in my head and performing some self surgery.
I'm waiting to see my doctor to get a referral/prescription for an oxygen tank. What is the approximate cost to rent the tank/regulator? I have no idea and haven't met anyone who can tell me. I can't keep going to the hospital for oxygen. Those waits in the waiting room while the hot poker is jabbing in my eye
are getting unbearable when I know that oxygen will bring me some relief.
Thanks for letting me rant. I'm 29 days into my current cluster and I'm getting pretty punchy.
Ryan in Ottawa