Posted by annemarie on November 17, 2001 at 10:35:55:
In Reply to: Thanks for the responses last night and a question.... posted by drweb on November 17, 2001 at 09:03:20:
from your doc, say yes! It has helped more people on this board than I can count.
BUT: be sure you get a valve that can be set to deliver at least 7 (and better 10) liters per minute.
AND: be sure you get a non-rebreather mask to go with it. You may be helped with a small mask over mouth and nose (I use it) but never fall for the nose canules,(the things you see in hospitals).
Many docs and most pharmacies & bottled oxygen firms don't seem to know, but the only way oxy t helps us clusterheads is in a powerful stream up our noses or into our mouths.
Sadly, it does not help everybody. Don't get your hopes up too high.
The best practice is to grab the oxy mask as soon as you are getting hit. You may feel the attack still waxing when you are sucking O2. Ideally the pain should flatten out after 10 minutes (5 for some) and you should be totally free in appr. 15 mins.
Don' strap the mask on, or you may fall asleep for some hours and "dry out" your lungs. Very painful they tell me.
If it does not work you may want to try supercooled oxy - ask the board in that case. I never tried it.
Annemarie