Posted by Thomas (208.188.244.11) on November 30, 2001 at 11:02:28:
Eric, I don't have time to find all of your messages, but I would like to put in my 2 cents worth. (I am an RN.)
Just because an MD is head of the Department does NOT mean he is a good doctor. It just means he is skilled in hospital politics. No doctor knows everything and few like having patients tell them what they need. But he should at least listen and consider what you are telling him. It is better to have a decent MD who listens than a brilliant one who doesn't. You can probably tell if an MD is sympathetic on the first visit. Trust your instincts on that one. If you think your MD may be okay, but you have concerns, TELL HIM. Be assertive. If he won't listen to his patients, he has too many preconceived notions and is resitant to learning and change.
If you think a nurse in the office is circumventing your access to your MD, firmly insist on speaking with him directly (it may be necessary to have him call you). It is your health and your suffering and you are paying him for his services.
8L may be enough for you, depending on your size. You can always adjust the amount of oxygen you get by cranking up the flow. If the treatment works, don't worry about the exact amount. In fact, you should adjust the flow to the least amount that works for you. The important thing is to relieve your pain.
As long as you are not on the O2 for more than short, sporadic treatments, a humidifier bottle is not absolutely necessary and can be a pain, anyway. It is better to use the water, but you don't have to.
If you are still having trouble getting a non-rebreather, ask your MD why he is prescribing the one he is rather than a non-rebreather. If he won't take time to explain the rationale behind your treatment, it IS time to find another MD.
The other option is to find a nurse who has access to masks and simply ask for one in a charming manner. However, I would advise against this as you need a prescription for O2 and for a mask. O2 is a drug and can be harmful.
Good luck with your clusters.
Thos.