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http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> O2 Refill Question http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1265602803 Message started by jlcalbre on Feb 7^th, 2010 at 11:20pm

Title: O2 Refill Question
Post by jlcalbre on Feb 7^th, 2010 at 11:20pm

So my neuro Rx'd O2 but the home health care agency delivered one of those silly machines. Since I had never done this before I didn't know any better. It works just enough that I know I need to spend the time, effort, and possibly money to get the real thing (tanks, decent mask, etc).

My main question for those of you who have the tanks is how do you get them refilled? I can't imagine you lug one of those giant 70 lb tanks in and out of the house to get filled, or do you? Does someone come to your house and do it? Seems like that would be like waiting on the cable guy every couple of weeks. How does this usually work? Thanks.

Title: Re: O2 Refill Question
Post by LasVegas on Feb 7^th, 2010 at 11:39pm

your empty tank will be exchanged with a full tank by the o2 company who delivers your initial tank.

1st things 1st...call your neuro, explain you got the wrong o2 reminding him of exactly what you need your rx to include (tank, regulator up to 25lpm, NON-rebreather mask).

Title: Re: O2 Refill Question
Post by jlcalbre on Feb 7^th, 2010 at 11:56pm

I got the non-rebreather mask. I think that's about the only appropriate thing I got. i was thinking about ordering the Optimask from the CH.com store.

So you do have to sit around and wait for someone to show up at your house? The calculator linked on the O2 page says an M tank will last approx 198 mins at 15 lpm. If I assume 15 minutes of O2 per headache, 1 tank will last about 13 headaches, which is 2 weeks in cycle if I'm really lucky (one per night) before I need a refill. Does that sound about right? Do you have to take time off work every week or two to wait for someone? It sounds like a giant hassle but conisdering the alternative is to be in a lot a pain, I could probably deal with it, especially since I wouldn't have to deal with it the majority of the time when I am out of a cycle.

Title: Re: O2 Refill Question
Post by LasVegas on Feb 7^th, 2010 at 11:58pm

get a larger tank!?

Title: Re: O2 Refill Question
Post by jon019 on Feb 8^th, 2010 at 12:05am

I go pick up the tanks myself...has always surprised the heck out of Lincare...but I don't care...it's my schedule...no waiting...no wondering...no missed work....

Best,

Jon

Title: Re: O2 Refill Question
Post by Brew on Feb 8^th, 2010 at 6:51am

You can get on a regular weekly delivery schedule and exchange the empties for full ones. Kind of like the milk man. Or the Schwans guy.

Title: Re: O2 Refill Question
Post by NancyB on Feb 8^th, 2010 at 9:48am

You can also get multiple tanks delivered at the same time.

Title: Re: O2 Refill Question
Post by Skyhawk5 on Feb 8^th, 2010 at 4:04pm

My current and former O2 suppliers will only deliver to my area one day per week (weekdays), I can pick up any day except weekends.

Don

Title: Re: O2 Refill Question
Post by Batch on Feb 8^th, 2010 at 6:24pm

Get the Luxfer Aluminum M-size cylinders... 2550 liters each so four should last you a month at an average of 3 attacks a day. 40 lbs for an Aluminum M is a lot better than 70 lbs for a cast iron M....

I bought a new M60 to use as my "roadie" for local travel and work... Same CGA-540 as the larger M-size cylinders

Take care,

V/R, Batch