I didn't discover this site until recently and while I had heard of oxygen as an option for attacks, you guys sold me on getting some.  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get anything set-up until now and I'm going back into remission.  Does O2 help with the shadows or would I be wasting time and money keeping O2 until my next attack?  My remission periods are typically 2 yrs apart.

Thanks for the help.

While 02 is the number one abortive for a lot of us here, I have never had it work on a shadow.  Ever.  Don't ask me why, I don't know, but do this and don't laugh...Get a bottle of that 4-way nasel spray.  Nothing else will work only 4-way.  Squirt it in the nostril on the side affected.  Two people here swear by this to get rid of a shadow so I thought what the hell....I'll try it.  It worked like a charm.  5 mins. later it was gone.  If it doesn't work for you, at least your nose will be unstuffed and you're only out 5 bucks.

As to your question...I would get the 02 ASAP even if you think you're due for a 2-yr. sabbatical.   This beast morphs all the time.  Changes it's M.O.  and you could be caught without it at some point.  There is somethng re-assuring of knowing that green bottle is there and ready to go if you do need it.  Stock up on all meds you might be taking also.


Linda

I'm not going to laugh off any suggestions.  I didn't think Red Bull was going to work, but I was presently surprised.  Thanks for the advice on the 4 way nasal spray.

By all means... Shoot your shadows with oxygen for fun and sport...  A lot of folks can make them go away easily with oxygen therapy if the flow rate is high enough.

Having said that, if you're comfortably into a remission period, keeping oxygen on hand may sound like a luxury unless you're having shadow sneak attacks.

Take care,

V/R, Batch

I use O2 for the shadows as well. It doesn't always work, or it will sometimes take a little more time to take effect, but it helps. And like someone else mentioned, the beast changes constantly. I was getting hit like clockwork every 2 years in December.... Until last year. I had a cycle in May that lasted for 2 months, and now I'm in cycle again, only a year after. Better safe than sorry, if it's not too expensive for you to keep them...
I will try the nasal spray though, as I've never tried it before...
Jess

Today was my first day of trying the O2 therapy at all.

I work EMS so I carry O2 in a med bag in my trunk all the time, I guess I'm lucky in that regard.

Anywho, I began having, what I assume are these "shadows" I see people talking about. A little twinge in my left eye that I always get about 5 minutes before the beast unleashes it's hell fury upon my head. Again on my way to work, like normal about 3:30pm (even when I don't work, it's my bewitching hour). Anywho, I pull over and for the hell of it, pull out my O2 bottle, crack it to 15LpM, I unpackage a NRB I carry in the bag as well and take them both to the front of the car. I put the mask on, and drive for a few minutes.

It is now 5 hours later and no full attack. No more twinge, nothing. It took only a few minutes at 15LpM to subside. So if these twinges I get behind my left eye are these shadows. Then by god it worked like a charm for me :)

-Jeremy

QWERTY wrote on Sep 4^th, 2008 at 8:24pm:

It is now 5 hours later and no full attack. No more twinge, nothing. It took only a few minutes at 15LpM to subside.

WOOHOO, Jeremy!!!

<Add another name to the list of O₂ worshipers>

I hope it ALWAYS works as well for you!

(O₂ does nothing for my shadows, unfortunately)

Chuck

gotta love the O2 ;
it works on shadows for me sometimes but mostly not.
but it sure works when you know who comes a knockin!!! NO not the relatives!!!!

karl

QWERTY wrote on Sep 4^th, 2008 at 8:24pm:

I put the mask on, and drive for a few minutes.

O2 therapy can make me dizzy.  Less so at 15lpm than at 25lpm but I can still get dizzy.  Driving dizzy fighting off pain in your head isn't a good idea for obvious reasons.  I'd encourage you to pull over for O2 therapy.  

Let's not add broken bones and a cuncusion to your CH  ;)


Quote:

It is now 5 hours later and no full attack. No more twinge, nothing. It took only a few minutes at 15LpM to subside. So if these twinges I get behind my left eye are these shadows. Then by god it worked like a charm for me :) -Jeremy

Just plain empowering isn't it!  I'm happy it worked for you.  Welcome to the O2 evangelist club!

-Dennis-

I drive, and suck O₂ all the time!  It does not make me dizzy (I am dizzy [ditzy] enough, without the oxy).

If the o₂ doesn't work, and the hit builds up, YES, I pull over.  But for the beginning of one, and I am trying to knock it out before it becomes full a fledged attack, I continue to drive.

(Or at least whenever I can sneak out of the home ...)

Chuck

Either the beast is messing with me or finally my 6 mos cycle may be coming to an end as my 6-10 hits a day have decreased and for the past week they are down to only 1 or 2 and I may even skip a day and then something just above a shadow (2-3), but I just hit the sucker with O2 and within 2 minutes its gone.  Here comes the stupid part (Chuck keep quit I know I opened the door but just keep quite) I have never tried O2 on what I call shadows so I don't know if O2 works or not.  When I have had shadows and then I feel a hit coming on I jump on the O2, but just the day long irritating shadows I haven't treid to dismiss with O2.  I have with Red Bull, Rock Star and other such drinks and they have worked so maybe that is why I haven't tried O2.  Hopefully, I won't have to for a while, but on Batch's word next time I'll give it a shot.  Linda I like the 4 Way idea, but I got addicted to Afrin years ago when I had a sinus infection and before I got on allergy shots so I am a bit leary of that, but makes sense, different, but a little like Lidacaine for abortive on hit.  PF Days everyone. Wishbone.

Hi Keith,

O2 doesn't work for shadows with me...but an energy drink does.

Back when episodic I kept O2 around all the time. Nothing quite like the exquisite panic of getting hit without. With my insurance/O2 shop, once I buy the O2 it's mine as long as I want. They've never asked for it back (and I have kept over a year sometimes). And buy your own rig (non rebreather mask, regulator, cart (if e-tank), that way all you need worry about is the cylinder).

Best,

Jon

Thanks for the advice.  I think during this remission period I'm going to get as much equipment and information as I can so I'll be ready to go.

You guys are great.

PFD all