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JDJ2
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Another quick question on Verapamil
« on: Jun 3rd, 2004, 8:03am » |
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Well I was suppose to start the Prednisone but when I called my regular Dr she advised me to not take it as the risks greatly outweigh the benefits. Hey I am not a Dr so I did not argue..
Anyway she upped my Verap from 40 mg 3 times a day to 60 mg 3 times a day. I just have one stupid question, How the hell do you split those small tiny pink pills in half?? Some might say a pill spliter, tried it and it shred the pill in pieces.
The girl at the Pharmacy said they are too small to split and to just take 80mg 3 times a day. Okay so who should I listen to?LOL I hate bothering the Dr for such a tiny problem. Still waiting to see if the Verap will work.
As for the CH I am not getting them like i was, when I thought it was CPH. I am down to about 8 a day. Varying intensity of 6-10 on the Kip scale. I saw the Neuro and still awaiting the MRI appointment they said they would set up almost 2 weeks ago.
I went to see my kidney Dr and he decided he doesn't want me to wait so he go ont he phone with the hospital and got me in for next Friday for an MRA. He said if the Neuro sets up the MRI have that done as well. Okayy I am dumb, but are they not the same tests or are they different and what is more accurate? Thanks muchly..
Have a Great day and hope it is painfree.. 
Judy
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Ueli
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Re: Another quick question on Verapamil
« Reply #1 on: Jun 3rd, 2004, 11:25am » |
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Hi Judy,
It looks like your doctor doesn't recognize the benefits of getting rid of cluster attacks. 
A short Prednisone burst is taken by many to get a holiday from clusters, until other preventatives kick in (in rare cases it even can terminate a cluster cycle). The really bad side effects from Prednisone show up only if taken over months. (You can reduce the side effects of Prednisone by putting a lock on your fridge.  )
Your initial 120 mg dose of Verapamil was really tiny, and both 180 or 240 mg a day is still on the low side, so I would follow the recommendation of the pharmacist.
A MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) basically plots the distribution of Hydrogen, most of which is found in water (H2O). Although blood consists mainly of water, to show the small vessels more clearly a contrast medium is injected and the MRI morphs to MRA (A for Angiography).
MRI and MRA are usually done in the same session. But your kidney doc is probably not interested in a picture of your head that is done for CH, but rather wants images of your kidneys.
PFNADs
Ueli 
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JDJ2
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Re: Another quick question on Verapamil
« Reply #2 on: Jun 3rd, 2004, 12:45pm » |
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Ueli,
Actually the Kidney Dr wants it of my head as there is a link between Polysistic Kidney Disease (Which is hereditary in my family) and headaches, also the PKD makes you more sucseptible for cysts in other parts of your body including the head. And since I have a few cysts on my kidneys he wants to rule out any cysts on the head.
Guess you can say he is not happy that the Neuro has not set up the MRI STAT knowing my history and the risks..
He is a very thorough as he is a Internal Medicine DR, Also a Nephrologist. Also did some schooling in Neuro.
Anyway i will take the 80 mg 3 times a day and see what the Neuro says whenever his office gets around to returning my messages. Guess I made the mistake of going to a large Group of 10 DRs. Might have been better off with a group of 2 DRS.
Anyway Thank You for the advice..
Judy
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Re: Another quick question on Verapamil
« Reply #3 on: Jun 3rd, 2004, 7:51pm » |
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I would be extremely surprised if you notice any improvement with 240mg/day of verapamil.
Do you have low BP?
Chris
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Re: Another quick question on Verapamil
« Reply #4 on: Jun 3rd, 2004, 9:10pm » |
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I agree w/ Chris. 240 mg / day is a low dose. I never benefited from that amount. But some people can't tolerate high amounts, like me. It will lower my BP and slow my heart rate down too much.
Talk to your doc when changing doses and keep an eye on your BP for awhile.
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JDJ2
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Re: Another quick question on Verapamil
« Reply #5 on: Jun 3rd, 2004, 10:22pm » |
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Thank You for the replies. I have an Appt with my Dr on Monday to discuss upping the dosage more but until then I will be taken the 80 mg 3 times a day. As for my blood pressure, My Dr prescribed a Blood Pressure/Pulse Digital Monitor for home use as my insurance pays for things when ordered by Dr. So I have been monitoring it and even being on Verapamil my blood pressure is ranging from 117/76 to 130/90, so the low dosage has not affected it yet! I do know I am weird though because when I wake in the morning my blood pressure is usually 130/96, pulse ranges from anywhere between 61 and 95 when I am active. When I am active during the day my blood pressure also drops. Also I have noticed when I am in the middle of a cluster my blood pressure shots high. So maybe when she ups the verap it will help.
Anyway I finally got the call from my Neuros office after my regualr Dr called them and yelled at them, I go for a complete MRI/MRA with Contrast on Thursday and they said expect the test to last 45-60 minutes. Anyway, Thank You for the words of encouragement. Hopefully I can be Painfree by July! Yeah one can hope!lol
Painfree days to all!
Judy
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