I was lucky enough to get my insurance to pay for a complete oxygen setup and a non rebreather mask.  It definietly worked better than my Imitrex, but since most of my headaches occur between 8-10am while I'm at work it wasn't the most convenient thing to lug an O2 bottle with me.  Then I found out I was being relocated out of state and my Spring episodic period had ended so I returned all the oxygen equipment to the store.  I made it through a short Fall episodic period with Imitrex and now my nasty spring CHs are in swing and my Imitrex just isn't working fast enough.  My new insurance has cut my prescription down from nine 100mg pills to four pills. I should've kept my oxygen.  I could've just gone out to my truck to use it when needed.   But no, I had to be embarrased about all the noise the tanks make at 15L/min and all the attention that would be drawn to me.  "What's with the 25 year old huffing oxygen in the corner cubicle?"  Dangit.  end rant/ >:(

You can either be embarrassed by it (a choice YOU make), or you can give your boss and co-workers a copy of the following letter and continue to treat your condition in the way it makes the most sense.

START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

I hear you. Just changed insurance carriers effective January First....with a cycle that started December 25th........yeah...marry f^%&ing christmas!! I kept my 7 E-tanks in my garage from the old insurance, and told my wife we'd just hassle out whatever we owed when the new prescriptions met up with the new insurance coverage! After 31 years...I NEVER am without 02. Just scares me too damned much.

Not sure where you work, but those goofy little "soccer mom" chairs come in a bag that is the perfect size for an E-Tank to be carted into your office and hidden under your desk. On cycle I keep one in my office and in my cruiser!

Hoping you can get hooked up with 02 soon.

Joe

Ahhh. The pain is gone....for now.  I find that after I finally get over a cluster I've got an extra bounce in my step and I feel like a new person.  It's a great feeling.  Thanks for that pdf.  I'll store that away and use it if needed. 

I go beyond the "extra step" thing...when a ch attack ends I get absolutely euphoric feeling! Hang in there. ;)

Joe

When a cycle started I would e-mail everyone in my office explaining what I was dealing with and telling then to just ignore the man with the funny plastic mask on his face.  Thankfully, when they saw me huffin the O2, they wouldn't even ask if they could help with anything.  They just left me alone.

I love that idea Bob!

Charlie

Imitrex pills aren't considered good for CH, they are too slow. Imitrex injections or inhalers are far better.

Don

Skyhawk5 wrote on Feb 9^th, 2010 at 10:48pm:

Imitrex pills aren't considered good for CH, they are too slow. Imitrex injections or inhalers are far better. Don

I agree, but since I gave back all my O2 equipment, the pills are all I've got.  I need to go back to the Dr. and try to get O2 again.  I won't get rid of the O2 next time.

bzook wrote on Feb 22^nd, 2010 at 1:03pm:

Skyhawk5 wrote on Feb 9th, 2010 at 10:48pm: Imitrex pills aren't considered good for CH, they are too slow. Imitrex injections or inhalers are far better. Don I agree, but since I gave back all my O2 equipment, the pills are all I've got.  I need to go back to the Dr. and try to get O2 again.  I won't get rid of the O2 next time.

Why? Your prescription should still be good. Just have it filled at a new supplier.

I asked for permission from HR to have an O2 bottle @ the office. They went to the building managment and gave me approval. As it turns out, I dis not bring a botttle to work but have laid the groundwork when I do. I suggest [when you get a new bottle] you ask but be sure to provide a copy of your Rx and explain how it helps abort CH.
Good Luck.
TomM