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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> More on 02 ...
        
(Message started by: Mrs. Glenn on Feb 26^th, 2008, 12:20am)

Title: More on 02 ...
Post by Mrs. Glenn on Feb 26^th, 2008, 12:20am

Tomorrow we are going to visit the local oxygen supply store. I admit that I am completely intimidated by all the O2 information in these boards, so this visit is mostly to familiarize myself with the therapy and equipment. Do you think you could break it down for just one more newbie? Is it necessary to have a prescription? How many components do we need in all? Where do we begin? My husband has run out of Imitrex for the month and the smell of rancid Red Bull seems to be coming from his skin. What do we need, what do we do with it, and for how long?

Edit: Read the oxygen info link on the left. ::) Found it most helpful, thanks.

Title: Re: More on 02 ...
Post by nani on Feb 26^th, 2008, 12:42am

Hi Mrs Glenn.
Your husband will probably need a prescription. I'm not sure if that varies from state to state.

He will need 100% oxygen at a flow rate of 10 - 15 lpm.

He'll need a non-rebreather mask, and you have the option to build an even better one. Look here:
http://www.mushys.com/O2/mymask.html

Here's a link to printouts that may help:
http://www.ouch-us.org/medications/oxygen/o2links.htm

Oh, and taurine (what helps in Red Bull) is available as a supplement.

Good luck, and keep us posted.
pf wishes, nani

Title: Re: More on 02 ...
Post by Barry_T_Coles on Feb 26^th, 2008, 2:15am

Hi Mrs Glenn
Click on this link it will give you an idea of what you are looking for, the equipment is Aussie but is close to the US gear.
http://mushys.com/kiwi
You will see that the mask still has the elastic strap attached, you should really remove this to prevent o2 overload if hubby goes to sleep with it still on.

Cheers
Barry

Title: Re: More on 02 ...
Post by RichardN on Feb 26^th, 2008, 2:16am

Hi Mrs Glenn

You'll want to make sure and copy the 02 info and take with you to the doc's office. Many, many docs have to be educated about 02 for CH. My first script was for 4 lpm (8 lpm regulator) with a nasal canulae (the nose thingy) . . . you really need the 15 lpm regulator and non-rebreather mask.

If you do get medical oxygen, start with six "E" tanks (I keep 10) and it won't take long to see how much he's using. Insurance may or not pay for the 02 . . . . and that's frequently used as a reason docs won't prescribe . . . idiocy! If insurance won't pay, it's not that expensive if you have to pay cash. I pay $10 per tank. Call your local med suppliers and get some price quotes. If they don't furnish the regulator (as mine does) free of charge, you could probably find one cheaper on ebay (under $50)

Hope he gets his 02 ASAP and it works as well for him as it does for most (70%) of us. It might take some instruction and a little practice, . . . but we're here for that too.

Be Safe, PFDANd

Richard