Posted by LarryB (216.196.150.192) on January 27, 2001 at 15:23:55:
In Reply to: Need some serious help ASAP posted by KarenT on January 27, 2001 at 13:48:29:
Hi,
I've had episodes of cluter headaches for 25 years and oxygen has been my first choice of treatment since I found out about it 5 years ago. It really cuts down on my having to take a lot of the abortive medicines like imotrex and zomig. I still get the CH's but they are usually aborted with O2 within 5-15 minutes depending on how quickly I get to the O2. My insurance doesn't cover O2 for headaches, but it's affordable. I have a big H tank at home ($36 for a refill) which will last for 15 hours at 8-10 liters and lasts me about 3 weeks. I keep a small E tank in the car. The small tank is only good for a few Ch's, but it's easy to cart around and refills are only $12.50.That's a lot cheaper than the meds, and for me, it's more effective.
Of all of my episodes of CH's, this has been the least painful for me. I'm still up 3 or 4 times a night, but it's 15 minutes on the O2 and back to bed instead of a 60-90 headache and back up for another one an hour later.
I feel very fortunate that the CH's are being reasonably managed this time and I hope others can finally find what works for them. As I read the message board everyday, I seem to have something like survivor's guilt, remembering how bad it can be.
Good luck to you and your husband,
LarryB