Posted by gary g on March 12, 1999 at 14:43:44:
In Reply to: 02 posted by Jerry on March 10, 1999 at 02:43:42:
I wasted a lot of time & money years ago with docs who tried to give me o2as if I had minor respiratory problems
learned how to use it for CH on this msg bd last fall
got doc to 'scrip me according to the way people were having success:
8-10 liters/minute flow rate, PURE, through a mask
did about 8 tanks over 5 weeks - have noticed NO adverse effects - while using or after (now 2 months attack free)
system: pressurized O2 from tank goes into bag, where it is held by a flap valve - you exhale into the mask and it blows out through one-way valves in the mask - you inhale & the exhaust flaps are pulled shut and your inhalation sucks open the flap between mask & bag & you get the slug of o2 that has accumulated in the bag -
the masks they give me are clear flexible plastic, cover mouth & nose, bag hangs from btm, metal strips bends to adjust to shape of bridge of nose - MUST be one tight - flaps MUST work 100%
if not - you can mash mask on tight with hand pressure and "assist" flaps with fingers until you get a mask that fits right
I find that IF I drop everything & get on the o2 at the VERY FIRST twinge of an impending attack, it will stop it cold - then continue for at least 5 minutes after very last hint of attack passes -
does NOT stop overall cluster apparently, but DOES stop the attack IF used immediately
a couple times I waited a bit before starting the oxygen, and the headache "got away" from me - then it's same old story - when they get out of control you just gotta wait 'em out
I get the largest portable tank and it's good for 10-15 attacks; costs me $18 per tank
next time will setup with a big bulk tank for the house & save the portable for travel
figured out that the combination will be cheaper than relying on the portable refills for everything
mask should be easy to get - medical supply outfits - common businesses, usually find one in any town of 10,000 or more