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        New Message Board Archives >> 2003 Posts >> It Happened Again
        
(Message started by: stuey on May 5^th, 2003, 9:49am)

Title: It Happened Again
Post by stuey on May 5^th, 2003, 9:49am

I hope someone can respond. I had an attack last night bad, though none are good. I already take verapamil as a preventive and for high blood pressure. three years ago when i was diagnosed the doctor had me take 60 mg prednisone then taper down. i have done this and it's like the cluster broke through that dosage. just wondering if anyone knows if i should try maybe tapering down from 100 mg prednisone and see if that would work? the imitrex works for me but the insurance company of course is allowing less and less injections. if anyone can help i appreciate it. the pain as you know cannot be described to those who dont suffer from them.

Title: Re: It Happened Again
Post by Bob P on May 5^th, 2003, 10:10am

From a Doc Goadsby article in the OUCH Library:

"Steroids

Corticosteroids are highly efficacious and the most rapid-acting of the preventative agents. But caution must be exercised in using them because of the potential for serious side-effects. Treatment should be limited to a short intensive course of two to three weeks of tapering doses.

We start patients on oral prednisolone 1mg/kg to a maximum of 60mg once daily for five days, then decrease the dose by 10mg every three days. Unfortunately, relapse almost invariably occurs because the dose is tapered. For this reason, steroids are used as an initial therapy in conjunction with preventatives, until the latter are effective."

Title: Re: It Happened Again
Post by cootie on May 5^th, 2003, 12:06pm

Hi stuey.......hopein you can find some answers here.....yeah we have went thru the insurence crap to. My insurence won't even pay for my filling a few weeks ago untill I prove to them we have no other coverage.....WHAT THE......ok....don't let me get started.........good luck to ya. Insurence haters club member since 1981 Pam

Title: Re: It Happened Again
Post by stuey on May 5^th, 2003, 12:09pm

Thanks for taking the time to answer. I am trying something called Cafergot when I get off work cause I can feel that nasty feeling in my head and know another is gonna be coming. So that's about it. Maybe it'll work maybe not. Peace. E

Title: Re: It Happened Again
Post by cathy on May 5^th, 2003, 1:25pm

Hi Stuey and welcome, sorry can't help you with your questions, but 60mg is already a high dose, and I think the best person to ask is your neuro or doctor for he will have your medical history and will be best qualified to make a decision like that.

I don't suffer from clusterheadaches my husband does, but I do understand how painful they are..... no description needed, witnessing it is enough. I hope you find the relief you deserve. Take care.

Wishing you PFDAN's

Cathy