Posted by Jackie on January 04, 1999 at 15:39:41:
In Reply to: Re: To Marc posted by Jackie M. on December 31, 1998 at 22:57:22:
Hey, Jackie:
Here's how I use the oxygen. I inhale at 8 liters
(I've heard that 7 to 10 liters is normally used
for clusters). I've been using oxygen for 15 years,
and have always used the face mask--NOT the nose
thingy. Also, I've never used the setup with the
bag, as mentioned by Marc, I think? I'm seeing
a doctor who's considered a cluster expert. He
says to sit slightly forward and bent over, and
breathe in the oxygen normally (through your nose).
Do not hyperventilate--use slow, even breaths.
I've added a twist of my own. At the first feeling
of an attack, I inhale 5 mg of the Imitrex nasal
spray (NOT 20 mg). I immediately go to the oxygen
for 10 or so min. I've found that doing this keeps
me headache-free for several hours, which allows
me to get decent sleep (most of my H/As are at night).
If I just use oxygen, the headaches keep trying to
come back.
My insurance recently paid my first big oxygen bill.
I trust they'll keep on doing this.
Best of luck,
Jackie