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        New Message Board Archives >> 2003 Posts >> My Wit's End
        
(Message started by: KipBurbank on Oct 1^st, 2003, 11:26am)

Title: My Wit's End
Post by KipBurbank on Oct 1^st, 2003, 11:26am

I am starting to lose my fortitude and optimism that this will soon be over. The daily HA's the every-stinking-night waking with a CH is wearing me down. Going to bed is just a step to getting up in a hour with a CH. No full night's sleep in 6 weeks is making me look old and worn out too. Just before waking too, another. I am at my wit's end.

Got a tip today about a Clinic in Michigan for Headaches and headpain. Wish I could go, wish my insurance would pay too, but that is not likely. Looking forward to posting a I-AM-ALL-BETTER-NOW note.

Kip

Title: Re: My Wit's End
Post by Carl_D on Oct 1^st, 2003, 11:41am

Kip,
Try to find a good neurologist in your area who is experienced with Cluster Headaches. May take some legwork to find, but they are out there. Just hang in there. Things will eventually get better.

Peace,
Carl D

Title: Re: My Wit's End
Post by Margi on Oct 1^st, 2003, 11:44am

Hi Kip,
sorry you've reached that point in your cycle.

Honestly, try some dramamine or benadryl before bed. Both cause sleep as a side effect but don't let you get into REM sleep, which is when most nighttime attacks occur. You can't take it for more than a few days at a time, because REM deprivation is bad too, but even just a couple of night's sleep at this point is golden.

Both are available without prescription and usually in generic form (read:cheaper than the marked up brand name). Seriously, try it.

Title: Re: My Wit's End
Post by Zonie on Oct 1^st, 2003, 5:40pm

Kip, Sorry to hear that you are really worn down, but I can really relate. Are you under a doctor's care or on any medications for your CHs? I am a chronic sufferer, but as of late I've had to take so much cafergot, and my new insurance company doesn't seem to think that I need oxygen for CHs. I have really been "down" today, but reading your post made me realize that we are never alone....even at our darkest periods. I am totally exhausted and can hardly function from sleep deprivation, but right now my heart goes out to you. I have suffered for 13 years now and I know that this dark period will pass.....never goes completely away, but does get much better.

Just hang in there and feel free to hollar if there's anything that I can do for you.

Zonie

Title: Re: My Wit's End
Post by cathy on Oct 1^st, 2003, 5:50pm

on 10/01/03 at 11:26:12, KipBurbank wrote:

I look old and worn out too.

Kip

Kip when you finally come out of cycle....and you will....at least you can begin to look young and fresh...me I don't get CH and I look old and worn out... ;D

PF vibes to you hang in there we're all in the same boat rowing together....

Cathy

Title: Re: My Wit's End
Post by stevegeebe on Oct 1^st, 2003, 6:06pm

Sorry to hear man. Wish I did not know what you mean. Can't wait to stumble upon a good nights sleep.

Wishful thinking. I'll race you to it. Deal?

Steve G

Title: Re: My Wit's End
Post by ShariRae on Oct 1^st, 2003, 10:22pm

Kip
Margi's suggestion is an excellent one. The Benedryl is what a lot of use (with good success0 to grab some much needed sleep. It worked great for me and gave me the strength to keep fightin the fight. Give it a try..
Huggs & PF vibes comin your way
Shari

Title: Re: My Wit's End
Post by KipBurbank on Oct 2^nd, 2003, 3:23pm

Thanks for the replies. I do take imitrex (too much of it) This week tried, Relpax, Frova, Imitrex pills and now trying Effexor again. I really didn't want to use Effexor, but my Doc seems pretty certain that this is the way for me. Still, I have been taking it for 4 weeks and I have no improvement.

I wanna try Fioricet but when I mentioned it, I got a dirty look (at least I perceived it that way) from the Doc as if I was asking for a packet of smack. I am not sure if he takes me seriously.

Also, I called two other Neurologist yesterday, both asked short histories and if I was seeing a Doc now, I said, "yes". Both offices said they do not "give second opinions". I though that was weird.

Title: Re: My Wit's End
Post by Margi on Oct 2^nd, 2003, 3:30pm

Kip, you're using Imitrex AND Frova? Aren't they both triptans? Could they be working against each other?

And...not sure why you want to try Fioricet. My husband got a prescription for it years ago and it did nothing for the pain or the problem.

Why not look into oxygen instead? It's much more effective as an abortive and WAY safer.

As to the Effexor, Cathy and I were just talking about this. She brought up a very good point about anti-depressants. A couple of other clusterheads have had problems with them, as well (my hubby included) - actually triggering a cluster cycle. Could it be that they are making things worse by targetting your seratonin levels and shooting them off the the opposite direction that they need to go? Thereby, of course, making your cycle WAY worse than it has to be.

Food for thought, anyway. Hope you find some relief soon.