I have not posted on CH.com for a very long time; this is the site that gave me the info to understanding my malady and how I could educate my provider at the time.
I was one of the lucky ones I felt because my episodes were only in the fall, only for three months or so, only once maybe twice at night and only every other year.
For  years this is how it was. Well… I am currently in an episode not in the fall, not sure yet the duration, the bucking feast comes randomly now and can come as often as four and five times in 24 hours. So my fear is I may have gone chronic.

I purchased the Optimask to replace my antiquated re-breather though it works well I can collapse the bag in two large breathes when I try to hyperventilate. I think it must work best with a 25 LPM regulator. Mine maxis at 15. Does 25 abort the attack quicker, because obviously 25 will deplete my tank quicker then a 15?

I also purchased a goodly amount of Sumatriptan from India at ten times less the price then what any pharmacy charges here. It works but I only use it as a last resort. It has the propensity for me anyway to cause even more random attacks.

It would seem the success rate has been well documented regarding shrooms. So I have ordered my spores and grow kit (START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE ) (START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE ). By the by if any one would like to send me a gram to tide the growing period that would be nice, lol.
I want to say here as well. I have been a member of Alcoholics Anonymous and clean and sober for over 12 years. Those in recovery may say because I am taking a mind altering drug that is NOT prescribe that I (when I do take the shrooms ) I am no longer clean and sober. For those of you like myself, doing what it takes to rid ourselves of this demon I say, “ that kind of judgment defines their ignorance and does not define us at all”. Let them walk and hour or so in our shoes at K10 then let them judge.

Another reason to write is to thank all those of you that have given their advice and understanding, especially in the beginning and those of you who went above and beyond just advice.

Thanks so very much.
Guido
 

Many find that the higher flow rates, 25 and even up to 45, speeds up the abort time. But yeah, it does speed through the 02 tanks a bit quicker!

If you haven't visited our sister site, although it sounds like you may have, touch base with them as there are details that are important:

Clusterbusters.com

Wishing you luck with your busting.

Joe

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So my fear is I may have gone chronic.

Unless you've gone a year with no remission, do not jump the gun and assume that you've gone chronic.  Your cycles have changed is all.  This beast is nothing if not unreliable.


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It has the propensity for me anyway to cause even more random attacks.

Yep.  Imitrex, although a life-saver for use,   once and a while is known to cause rebounds.


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I have been a member of Alcoholics Anonymous and clean and sober for over 12 years. Those in recovery may say because I am taking a mind altering drug that is NOT prescribe that I (when I do take the shrooms ) I am no longer clean and sober. For those of you like myself, doing what it takes to rid ourselves of this demon I say, “ that kind of judgment defines their ignorance and does not define us at all”. Let them walk and hour or so in our shoes at K10 then let them judge.

I have not been an alcoholic, attended AA meetings, nor have I tried the alternative method with success...however I have been around here long enough to know that what others are telling you is BS Guido.  This alternative method is a TREATMENT for the most painful condition that human beings can suffer.  Tell those "people" not only to walk a mile in your shoes, but also to kiss your..........um, forehead.  ;)   :-*

  Hang tough Guido. 


Linda

Hey Guido,

Understand your problem of not being able to hyperventilate with a low oxygen flow rate even with an OPTIMASK™... 

There's a simple solution if all you can afford is an oxygen regulator capable of 15 liters/minute. 

For starters, an oxygen flow rate of 15 liters/minute is more than sufficient to oxygenate blood hemoglobin to 100% saturation. 

What these low oxygen flow rates can't do, even with an O2PTIMASK™, is ventilate the lungs with a sufficient volume to cast off excess CO2 faster than the body generates it from normal metabolism.

Again, the solution is simple...  Hyperventilate with room air then breathe the 100% oxygen.  In short, take two very full breaths of room air and while you're doing this, the 3-liter reservoir bag on the O2PTMASK™ will fill with oxygen.  It helps if you block the exhaust port on the green "T" manifold with the palm of your hand and use the mouthpiece with the open end pressed against your lower lip to prevent the oxygen from leaking out while you're breathing air. 

When the reservoir bag is full, inhale fully from the mouthpiece.  Keep repeating this sequence, two breaths of air to one breath of oxygen until you reach the abort of your CH.

The breathing technique here is very important. I've found it's best to do the following while standing and lean against a wall with mouth open and jaw dropped like saying the word "Haw."  Doing this will give your diaphragm full range of motion to better ventilate the lungs.

Start by exhaling forcibly and when it feels like your lungs are empty, (they're not), do an abdominal crunch like doing sit-ups and hold the chest squeeze until your exhaled breath makes a wheezing sound for a couple seconds...  This will squeeze out another half to full liter of breath...  Then inhale rapidly until your lungs can't hold any more and repeat the forced exhalation with the abdominal crunch.

Use the same breathing technique when you inhale the oxygen.

You'll experience coughing for the first few breaths using this breathing technique...  this is normal and the coughing will clear after 30 seconds or so... 

If you use this breathing technique properly, you'll also experience the symptoms of paresthesia - a very slight tingling or prickling of the fingertips, lips or back of the neck...  you'll also get a little dizzy...  That's why you lean against a wall...  If you feel too dizzy, sit erect in a chair but don't bend over in a fetal position as this will limit lung ventilation.

Strange as it my sound, paresthesia and dizziness are your friends and a good sign you've hyperventiated sufficiently and long enough to cast off CO2 faster than your body generates it.  This overall procedure will push your body into a temporary condition called respiratory alkalosis...  the best indication you're hyperventilated your lungs long enough to pump out enough CO2 elevate your arterial pH and make it more alkaline.

Why you do this is important...  You take sumatriptan...  one of the most pronounced mechanisms that makes the triptans effective as a CH abortive is vasoconstriction...

Guess what, a higher than normal arterial oxygen concentration (hyperoxia), and respiratory alkalosis, also trigger vasoconstriction...  only their effects are short lasting and there are no side effects like you'll experience with the triptans...

Take care,

V/R, Batch

I've found that I can abort my CHs in about half the time when using 25lpm compared to 15lpm, which roughly uses about the same amount of oxygen, the difference though means that I'm pain free in about 5 minutes or less, which is a huge improvement.

Thanks you guys. Once again pearls of wisdom.

Guido

Guido, some AA'ers, as you know, are super hardcore, and feel even an asprin is out of bounds. Others take a more practical approach and understand medical conditions dictate need and use. What does your sponsor say? If you haven't fully disclosed to your sponsor, you should. Go over the use of shrooms, why you are taking them, be honest about not seeking a "high", and hopefully you will find good advice and good support. This could be an enlightening moment for your group. Don't let resentment build. You know how dangerous that can be. And seek God in your prayers. Blessings. lance

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For those of you like myself, doing what it takes to rid ourselves of this demon I say, “ that kind of judgment defines their ignorance and does not define us at all”. Let them walk and hour or so in our shoes at K10 then let them judge.

Well said.