After being PF for a long time, the beast is back.  At the hospital they refuse to give me oxygen and they don't allow me to have a big tank at home, even if I already have all the kit, regulator, stand and whatnot...  I live in a small town nobody knows what is cluster headache.  Right now I'm hit 5 times/24hours everyday and this time I must tell you...  even after 15 years...  I don't know this time.  I think about suicide a lot.  A bullet in the head.  I don't think I can make it one more time.  :'(  Sorry for the sad post but I don't know what to do.  I wrote my testament and all...  thinking.

All I can say is that I'm on your side, mate. Many of us have been where you are now so we understand completely.

Any chance of seeing another doctor? Perhaps you could find the head of the hospital and take his children hostage. Dunno how things work in your country but it could be that that the fire station or the ambulance workers may give you a round on the O2.

In any case, you're amongst friends and we really do care.

Take matters into your own hands. Seek a welding supply house and get oxygen yourself. Fuck the doctors and the hospital - it's your head, not theirs.

If your regulator doesn't fit a welding oxygen tank, get one that does.

You need to create your own light at the end of the tunnel and keep your eye on it.

Here's something that will help. Click on this link and start reading:

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Read everything. Anything to get your mind off how others aren't helping your situation.

Take control. The beast is winning right now. Don't let him. You win. You. Not him.

Where do you live? As Brew said, it's up to you to be your own advocate. Waiting for docs to fix you leads to a lot of pain. We'll help you any way we can.

Joe

Guiseppi wrote on Feb 7^th, 2011 at 7:58pm:

Where do you live? As Brew said, it's up to you to be your own advocate. Waiting for docs to fix you leads to a lot of pain. We'll help you any way we can. Joe

I live in a small town in Quebec, canada.
Thanks everybody and sorry for the sad message...  dark clouds sometime hang on me but in the end, when the pain is gone, I work it out.  ;)
I have a kit for a M tank, do you think it would fit a welding O2 tank? And is the O2 medical grade? 

I don't know about the welding rig and regulators, this link may help.

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Any of you canada boys shed some light for this lad??

Joe

Pomodoro wrote on Feb 7^th, 2011 at 8:04pm:

is the O2 medical grade?

All I know is that plenty of US clusterheads go the welding O2 route, and the welding O2 here is reported to be the exact same stuff as the medical.

If Canadian lads don't respond here, I wonder if you could do some creative phone calling in order to gain info about Canadian welding O2? Like calling welding supply places in other regions and asking about price etc. to establish your legitimacy, then slip in an afterthought sounding question about whether the welding o2 is the same as medical grade? Then use the same tactic for finding out whether your regulator will work....

There are members at the START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE forum who have exhausted the pharmaceutical possibilities over the years only to have found some real preventative relief with nature's cluster busters. Here's a Newsweek magazine article on the subject: START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

If you become more interested in clusterbusting, this is a place to find "how to" info: START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

Hang in there Pomodoro - there are still some promising things to try.

Do follow up on the advice above, in addition to all the other stuff we find that can help abort a hit. With that, though, I have to ask: have you a strong support group around you? Do you have others you can tell about your suicidal thoughts? I say this because while you displayed great courage in telling us, and we do really know what you are going through, you need to let some really, really close people in on it, too. If you're talking about it, you're not doing it. That's something a lot of people don't understand. Bringing up thoughts of suicide is a way of coping, not threatening. Too many are afraid if you talk about it they might somehow give you permission to off yourself. No such permission around here, my friend! Fight. Fight hard. Cling to life and lean on those you love and who love you. Blessings. lance

Update: I called again my doc to get O2 and he told me that he have to see me before he takes decision...  march 10 he told me. 
I waited 10 minute then I called again to tell him to cancel cause I found another quicker solution for the pain to end and that I don't need him anymore. 
10 minutes later he called me back and told me that we have an appointment at 11:00 tomorrow and if all goes well I will have my O2 in the afternoon.

You crafty devil, you.

Good on ya.

My husband used welding O2 this last cycle, worked like a charm. Hell, I'm kind of in love with that big red tank with the Optimask hanging off of the big brass welding regulator. Saying it was amazing is a gross understatement!

The difference between being at this thing's mercy and being on the other side of it, well managed and helping others, was a difference of mere weeks for many here. Hang on, hang on, hang on so you can join us over on this side!


Keep us posted!

YES...good on you.  Sad, really how we have to resort to extreme measures though.  You're now taking control instead of letting it control you & we're proud of you.  The first step was the hardest.  Releif is in sight now.   

Lauren17 wrote on Feb 8^th, 2011 at 4:58pm:

My husband used welding O2 this last cycle, worked like a charm. Hell, I'm kind of in love with that big red tank with the Optimask hanging off of the big brass welding regulator. Saying it was amazing is a gross understatement! The difference between being at this thing's mercy and being on the other side of it, well managed and helping others, was a difference of mere weeks for many here. Hang on, hang on, hang on so you can join us over on this side! Keep us posted!

Check your husbands pulse.

          Potter

Pomodoro wrote on Feb 8^th, 2011 at 3:44pm:

I waited 10 minute then I called again to tell him to cancel cause I found another quicker solution for the pain to end and that I don't need him anymore.

VERY crafty!...and glad to see it was VERY SUCCESSFUL!  [smiley=thumbup.gif] :)

It's about time a doctor got a reality check regarding CH - thank you for delivering that one Pomodoro.

Good on you, see what happens when the pink slip comes out.
the bb ;D

Quote:

in love with that big red tank with the Optimask hanging off of the big brass welding regulator

Lauren,   A RED  tank?????   really?

Awkward silence. :-X
:D

Sometimes Dr's are so frustrating! I've been married to my husband for 19 years. In that time, I've had to take him to the ER 3 times for headaches he couldn't break. I go armed with information and don't take no for an answer. Some Dr's are receptive, others get high and mighty.  We are so blessed to have a family Dr. who knew very little about CH 7 years ago but has gone above and beyond to educate himself. Don't give up. Fight the fight. Everyone on this board knows what your dealing with and we're here to help.

Umm, yeah, red- what's up? There isn't a standard on color on welding O2 and acetylene tanks. (most of 'em that were switched out for refills were green, one was unpainted) You make me think I'm doing something wrong over here... Alright, I just called and verified- valve on the O2 tank is male- meaning the regulator is female, valve on acetylene is female, meaning the regulator is male. So I can't have an acetylene tank with the cga540 O2 regulator we have. Lady at my welding supply just explained that to me and confirmed they don't have a standard for tank colors either. As well as the labels clearly stating what gas they are. Heck, the cage they store the tanks in was a rainbow of tank colors.

Sigh. Is it the phallic symbolism you guys are making fun of? Dang it you guys.

Batty wrote on Feb 9^th, 2011 at 11:26am:

Naughty Linda! :-?

Huh?

"Sigh. Is it the phallic symbolism you guys are making fun of? Dang it you guys."

I obviously took it the wrong way too, Thanks for pointing that out Brew

Gary

I didn't put that on there for Linda. I thought maybe that was what the "awkward silence" in The bbz response was about.

I'm still missing something I guess, not sure what the deal is with the red tank? Potter's response made me think a red tank was dangerous or something, I'm just still trying to figure out why. Maybe because the screw on welding hoses are red for acetylene and green for O2? But the tank color doesn't have anything to do with that. Hmmm. I just don't want anyone getting scared off welder's O2 from this conversation; I'd like to get it clarified.

Personally, I've never heard of O2 being distributed in a red tank. But all my O2 is from a medical supply house, so what do I know?

Lauren17 wrote on Feb 9^th, 2011 at 12:07pm:

I didn't put that on there for Linda. I thought maybe that was what the "awkward silence" in The bbz response was about. I'm still missing something I guess, not sure what the deal is with the red tank? Potter's response made me think a red tank was dangerous or something, I'm just still trying to figure out why. Maybe because the screw on welding hoses are red for acetylene and green for O2? But the tank color doesn't have anything to do with that. Hmmm. I just don't want anyone getting scared off welder's O2 from this conversation; I'd like to get it clarified.

Red has been for CO2 and Green has been Oxygen forever.

                    Potter

Google it. Or look on hotrodders.com forum or weldingweb.com (they both have forum discussions on this topic) and verify yourself. My O2 place gave me the red O2 tank and confirmed there is no standard tank color, though you are right- most, but not all, are green. You want a newbie not using welder's O2 because they're given an unpainted tank? Or a red one? Or a blue one? I don't. This concept makes people nervous enough, lets not add to their hesitation to go this route.

I'm not upset Potter, really- but I want this clarified for everyone out there.

Lauren17 wrote on Feb 9^th, 2011 at 1:21pm:

Google it. Or look on hotrodders.com forum or weldingweb.com (they both have forum discussions on this topic) or call New Braunfels Welding Supply @ (830) 625-4484 and verify yourself. They gave me the red O2 tank and confirmed there is no standard tank color, though you are right- most, but not all, are green. You want a newbie not using welder's O2 because they're given an unpainted tank? Or a red one? Or a blue one? I don't. This concept makes people nervous enough, lets not add to their hesitation to go this route. I'm not upset Potter, really- but I want this clarified for everyone out there.

   You're in Texas and that's a whole nother country.  STAMP YOUR FEETS AND TELL EM YOU WANT A GREEN TANK.

           Potter

Well now Potter, I consider myself knowledgable enough on the whole thing; I researched thoroughly and did the set up for my husband myself and all. But when I go in to pick up a tank I play little dumb girl- "I don't know- Dad just told me to switch out his O2 tank. I think he's welding or something." Keeps them from asking pointed questions about what I'm doing with the O2 tank. It'd blow my cover to look like I know to much and want a specific color...  8-)

All the medical oxygen cylinders I've had in NZ have been black with the top (near the valve) painted white. When over in Australia the whole cylinder was white, so there are obviously multiple different standards, even though both came from BOC.

As a certified welding inspector for 10 years I can say without a doubt that there is a standard for tanks regarding color. If there was not ....there would be many, many,airsplitting loudenboomers,people killing explosions, and deaths by suffocation.
I can prove that, but will not because it's just so silly.
I dont care what anyone say's ...DO NOT INHALE FROM A RED TANK 8-)
the bb

Are regulations different from state to state? Perhaps-I'll give you that. From the sounds of it Texas and Montana are not apples to apples. But again: CGA 540 fitting, correct labeling, and confirmation from my supplier confirm red and other colors are okay in Texas.  Feel free to verify. But I have already done so.

This is from:

GAS CYLINDER SAFETY GUIDELINES
Prepared by: Iowa State University Environmental Health & Safety Ames Laboratory Environment, Safety, Health & Assurance:

Labeling:
The following labeling requirements shall apply to all gas cylinders:
* Know the contents of each cylinder you are using.

*Use only the vendor label for positive identification of contents of the cylinder. Be aware that color coding may be inconsistent from vendor to vendor.
* Mixed gases shall be clearly labeled with the contents of the cylinder.
* Empty cylinders shall be labeled with the word empty or the abbreviation MT.
Preferred labeling includes the identity of the material, statement of hazard and the associated
signal word. For example, the preferred label for nitrogen would be:
Nitrogen
CAUTION: HIGH PRESSURE GAS
CAN CAUSE RAPID SUFFOCATION
Excellent sources of information for the warning and hazard information that should be contained
on cylinders are the Air Products, Matheson and other gas company catalogs, the CGA
Pamphlet C-7: "Precautionary Labeling and Marking of Compressed Gas Cylinders," as well as
the manufacturer or distributor of the gas. Consult ISU EH&S or Ames Laboratory ESH&A
for availability of reference information.

Oh, and also- he has inhaled from a red tank, and a green one, and an unpainted one- he's fine. Emptied the red one, just like all the others. I'm sorry guys, in Texas, you are both incorrect on this.

Quote:

Are regulations different from state to state?

Not according to DOT. Who is the regulating authority on interstate transport of compressed gases.
Marc is correct the label is the deal. In an industrial setting, OSHA is the regulating authority, they have colors regulating vessels containing compressed gases. In a medical setting things change drastically and colors and labels are required and tracking is added for quality control. Take your red tank to the gas house and tell them to fill it with 02...they will laugh at you.
Look it up, I had to study and take a test.
all the best
the bb ;)
I'm not saying you dont have a red tank with 02, I'm saying it is not wise to suggest to anyone to huff from a bottle that has a non-standard 02 color.

Just looked it up and...DOT gas cyclinder regs say:

"Color coding: Gas cylinders are often color coded, but the codes are not standard across different jurisdictions, and sometimes are not regulated. Cylinder color can not safely be used for positive product identification; cylinders have labels which identify the gas they contain and the label alone should be used for positive identification."

Aha, I get your point, I think. Forgive me if it took a sec. No one wants a newbie huffing off a tank they have no idea what it is that's been sitting in the back of grandpa's garage for years. Not smart.

BUT, if a newbie picks up an O2 tank from the supplier with a CGA40 fitting I don't want them to not use it because it is red. Or blue. Or polka dot.

In ALL things, knowledge, and research, and caution should be used. I agree.

I can be a touch, hmmm, unrelenting I think is a good way to describe it. "Never, never, never give up" is not only my message to my husband, but also a reflection of who I am. My apologies if I came across as combative!

Quote:

Cylinder color can not safely be used for positive product identification;

Thank you for posting my point again. this is what is important. Not who said what or who is right or wrong.
Do not HUFF FROM A RED CYLINDER!!!!!!
the bb ;)
And when you red tank comes due for a hydrotest, your going to get it back green. :D

I would tell them it clashes with the color of my shop.

           Potter

Lauren17 wrote on Feb 9^th, 2011 at 2:20pm:

I can be a touch, hmmm, unrelenting I think is a good way to describe it. "Never, never, never give up" is not only my message to my husband, but also a reflection of who I am. My apologies if I came across as combative!

I'm color-blind and, as long as it had O2 in it, I wouldn't give a shit rat's ass!

I want you to be on my team Lauren

Well done and Respect to you and lucky husband....

Gary

update: after a day of.... negotiation...  I have a M tank of O2 FREE with unlimited refill and delivery.  I just have to buy a bigger regulator.  I have a script for 15 lt/M but the doc told me "at home, you do what you want"  :)

:) :) ;) :)

What color is it? ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Glad for ya headbanger
the bb

Sorry couldn't help myself. :P
the bb

Pomodoro that's great news. There are members of this board who abort quickly at rates as low as 8 LPM. As with all things CH related, your mileage may vary! Hoping it proves the magic for you it's been for me.

Joe

Well, right now at 10 LP/M it works just fine.  I'm happy.  And I have small tanks (3) that goes up to 15 LP/M that I can carry with me when I'm away from home.
BTW the tanks are all green.  ;)
I also have a O2 concentration unit for testing since I'm the first one in my region to try it.  It's a...  hu...  Millenium M10 I think.
Glad for me and hope the best for you all.

Quote:

"at home, you do what you want"

I like that doc.

Quote:

I also have a O2 concentration unit for testing since I'm the first one in my region to try it.  It's a...  hu...  Millenium M10 I think.

the concentrators dont work!!! Just my luck with them. ;) Save some pain ..send it back. 8-)
the bb

well... Thanks for the advice.  Honestly I would rather go with the mushrooms but I'm new in my town and I have no contacts and 0 knowledge about growing them.  Is it that difficult and where to find the stuff?

no it is not difficult
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the bb

LOL @ the tank colour debate. I'm pretty sure that if the person selling you the gas says it's O2, it's going to be O2.  The tank colour doesn't dictate the gas inside; the guy filling it up does! 

He did mention he was in QUEBEC, so all your D.O.T. / state regulations don't apply in Canada.  I live in Ottawa, and my friend uses O2 in his machine shop for welding and his comes in SILVER tanks!  But, as always, they're labelled correctly.  Welding O2 is the same quality as medical O2, otherwise there would be pissed of welders complaining of shitty flames etc.

Good on ya pushing your doctor for O2.  I like the subtle suicide threat, I might have to use that on my doctor as &*^#'n Imitrex tabs is the most I've gotten to treat.  Working on O2, injectable Imitrex, and preventatives but these have been long debates with my DR so far.