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        New Message Board Archives >> 2003 Posts >> cluster headache in Australia
        
(Message started by: SD on Sep 29^th, 2003, 8:36am)

Title: cluster headache in Australia
Post by SD on Sep 29^th, 2003, 8:36am

Hello,

Today I discovered clusterheadaches.com. and I am delighted. I have been getting cluster headaches for 10 years without proper diagnosis. In the first year or second year I even had a CT scan at my doctor's suggestion. The scan showed up normal but my annual bout of pain remained.

I spent an hour looking at the website thinking, "wow, this is exactly what I've been trying to explain to people for ages"....and..."That's it!!!"

The last couple of weeks the headaches have returned including a mind bender the other night. (it's been 18months since the last episode.) I had huge amounts of pain killers without effect before my partner drove me to the emergency department. For me it's always been left temple area, runny left nostril and bloodshot left eye.

I have a question. How do you know when to stop taking a preventative like Cafergot?

Thanks from Australia

Title: Re: cluster headache in Australia
Post by BarbaraD on Sep 29^th, 2003, 9:53am

Good question and welcome to Clusterville

I usually don't take cafagot until I get to about a 3 or 4 on the Kip Scale, so it's not a problem to stop when the HAs leave (if they do FINALLY!!!!)

Sorry you're having a rough go of it...,but stick around here. We're here to offer support. Welcome aboard mate.

Hugs BD

Title: Re: cluster headache in Australia
Post by Smurf on Sep 29^th, 2003, 12:23pm

:) G'day Mate!

I seriously don't think Cafergot is a preventative; it is more of an obortive. Check out this site:

www.rxlist.com

You may need to review the usage with you doc.
-Smurf

Title: Re: cluster headache in Australia
Post by UnsolvedEquation on Sep 29^th, 2003, 1:43pm

Welcome Scott. If it's cluster headaches that you have ... then you've found your new home on the net. Although I can't help you with your question regarding Cafergot, i'm sure that there are others who can. Start reading and asking questions...i'm sure you'll find the answers to all your questions (err most of them).
Best wishes ...
~ Unsolved Equation ~

Title: Re: cluster headache in Australia
Post by Scott D on Sep 29^th, 2003, 6:55pm

Thanks for the help. It's 10.14am down here and have woken up this morning feeling fine.

Checked out RX List too. Thank you.

Scott.

Title: Re: cluster headache in Australia
Post by Charlie on Sep 29^th, 2003, 7:12pm

Welcome and you have found a place where you don't have to expalin this horror. I used Cafergot about 1972 as a preventative. Useless for me. Not sure if I used it right though.

Below are two, I hope helpful, links:

The first is to a description of this disorder that does a wonderful job explaining to families, friends and employers what cluster headaches are and that they have little to do with what is thought of as a “headache.” The second is to a technique learned from a neurologist that works well for me and others.

http://www.ouch-uk.org/ch/note_colleagues.cfm

http://www.netsync.net/users/charlies/

Charlie

Title: Re: cluster headache in Australia
Post by Turts on Sep 30^th, 2003, 6:50am

Gday Scottie D,
Welcome to the team. Sorry you had to enlist, but since ya here, read, research enjoy the banta.

Turts ( ya fair dinkum , true blu ozzie mate)

;)

Title: Re: cluster headache in Australia
Post by stuey on Sep 30^th, 2003, 3:09pm

Scott, hi. I see we're all over the place. Cafergot really isn't a preventative, it's more an abortive. It worked for me but only if I took two and then I got palpitations from all the caffeine in it. I take imitrex injections like most folks here. What I take for preventive measures is 960 mg verapamil. Many here take this along with elavil or some other cocktail. Hope you find a good neurologist to help you and one who hopefully has samples of stuff. What works for one may not work for someone else, it seems to be about finding the right thing for your pain. I have used Relpax and that's been effective for me as well. Peace. Stuey