Clusterheadaches.com Message Board (http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi)
New Message Board Archives >> 2002 Posts >> Stocking my arsenal
(Message started by: Mark C on Oct 13th, 2002, 1:45am)

Title: Stocking my arsenal
Post by Mark C on Oct 13th, 2002, 1:45am
After having CH for almost 30 years now I have gotten better at stockpiling the meds and playing the HMO game. I was looking at the Lazy Susan on the counter came up with the following on hand;
10 doses of Imitrex STATdose 6mg ea
6 Zomig 2.5 ea
10 Maxalt 10 mg ea
4 Imitrex pills 50 mg ea
A handfull of Depacote and Topamax and a
script for Prednislione.
On top of this I have gotton pre-approval from my HMO, in writing, for the following quantities of meds over the next year ,
Imitrex injection 36 doses every 90 days and,
Zomig 6 every 10 days.
My goal is to stock up as much as possible to see me through the next attack since preventive meds have not worked for me, yet.
O2 is on my wish list along with a preventine med better than Topamax, which I just began taking, nasty stuff.
It took quite a bit of work from my General Physician and my Neuroligst writing letters and making phone calls to my HMO proving "Medical Necessity" to achieve such an "arsenal".
It kind of makes me sick just looking at it. I hate to think of running out and it and having a HA so I guess I have to have it. I guess I should be proud, I play the game pretty good,  I just wish I didnt have to play anymore.
I had a K-4 HA today for about an hour this afternoon.
Just a flick on the noggin from the beast, not too bad. Got plenty of drugs...........wonder how my liver is doing?

Title: Re: Stocking my arsenal
Post by jonny on Oct 13th, 2002, 8:23am
Blood work, blood work, blood work

...............................jonny

Title: Re: Stocking my arsenal
Post by Jim R on Oct 13th, 2002, 1:16pm
Hey Mark,

Topamax didn't help me either and had very strange side effects like you.  I only stayed on it a week before I couldn't take it anymore and it wasn't helping my CH's anyway.  Man, that stuff is BIZARRE!  Doing "okay" now on catapres and verapamil - still get 'em every once in a while though.  Good luck with your arsenal!  Jim R

Title: Re: Stocking my arsenal
Post by Ree on Oct 13th, 2002, 2:44pm
what kind of sides did you get with the topomax??? ree

Title: Re: Stocking my arsenal
Post by Charlie on Oct 13th, 2002, 4:43pm
For me, Topamax made me unsure of myself, a bit paranoid, and forgetful. It also made my ears ring all the time LOUD. Too bad as it is the best anti-seizure drug I've ever taken  >:(

Charlie

Title: Re: Stocking my arsenal
Post by Mark C on Oct 13th, 2002, 8:18pm
Brain function seem to be the biggest problem with Topomax, speech, typing, memory, walking.........uhhhhhhhh what was the question? Strange drug. List of side effects  a mile long including migraine and coma!
Still am ghosting powerfully so I am going to my friendly Walgreens to fill to deaded Medrol dose pack (again) here in a little while.  Try to break the beast. I dont like the steriods, the make me mean >:(.
Havent had but one HA in the last week so things are getting better.
Up all night,
Mark ;D  

Title: Re: Stocking my arsenal
Post by Jim R on Oct 13th, 2002, 9:55pm
Ree,

Don't know if you were addressing me or Mark, but for me, Topamax made me think slower, it seemed, speech was more difficult, and driving was a nightmare - felt like I was driving in a vortex - very strange perceptual changes - almost bordering on hallucination.  All in all, a very "spacey" feeling and it wasn't even touching the CH's....  Jim R

Title: Re: Stocking my arsenal
Post by paul_b on Oct 14th, 2002, 1:23am
If a full medicine cabinet helps with the anxiety, go for it. If it is giving you results with your CH attacks, that is even better.

Title: Re: Stocking my arsenal
Post by sueellen83 on Oct 14th, 2002, 12:32pm
Hey Mark,


Never tried Topomax but, I know what you mean about the steroids making you agressive.  My family and co-workers can't stand me when I'm on that stuff. ;)


Good Luck!!!



Clusterheadaches.com Message Board » Powered by YaBB 1 Gold - SP 1.3.1!
YaBB © 2000-2003. All Rights Reserved.