Clusterheadaches.com Message Board


    
      
        Clusterheadaches.com Message Board
        (http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi)
      

        New Message Board Archives >> 2004 Cluster Headache Specific Posts >> Do Cycles end with a bang or a whimper?
        
(Message started by: Kris_in_SJ on Oct 4^th, 2004, 9:15pm)

Title: Do Cycles end with a bang or a whimper?
Post by Kris_in_SJ on Oct 4^th, 2004, 9:15pm

Hi All,

It was suggested on another thread that it might be helpful to some if we described how our cycles come to a close.

Here's mine:

Cycle begins suddenly with a gradual ramping up of the number and intensity of HA's over a couple weeks. Start Verapamil and Prednisone taper . Imitrex Statdose becomes my savior.

At peak of cycle, even with Verap, have at least 1-2 BAD ones needing Trex and shadows 24/7.

As meds really start to work, only an occasional HA requiring Trex. Shadows gradually go from full time down to part-time, down to none.

Officially, I've had no visits from the beast since mid-June, and no shadows since early July, but I'm reducing the Verap VERY slowly. An occasional "twinge" is enough to convince me to take no chances.

Anyone Else?

Kris

Title: Re: Do Cycles end with a bang or a whimper?
Post by Sean_C on Oct 4^th, 2004, 9:27pm

My cycles due soon, I don't want to jinx it and have it come sooner ;;D

Thank god for the cold weather ;)

Sean....................

Title: Re: Do Cycles end with a bang or a whimper?
Post by crazy_mj on Oct 4^th, 2004, 9:43pm

I honestly can't tell you what exactly is going on with mine. I have been under attack off and on again since around February I believe. You know, time flies when you are having fun!!!
Anyway, I go for about five days take three or so days off, go for another five. Sometimes I actually get a week off all together, which is pretty nice. I actually forget that I have them when I have a good week like that. It is a realy nice feeling. ;;D

Title: Re: Do Cycles end with a bang or a whimper?
Post by thebbz on Oct 5^th, 2004, 12:00am

Kris,
I dont think you or I are the only ones trying to figure these. There is no rhyme or reason. I have at one time or another in 25 years had them drop me to my knees with no warning. leave just as fast, cycles that change. Thought I was chronic one year. Cycle that hits hard fast and tapers and the other way around. Not to mention the variables to be considered. I think someone said on here more than once. The one thing you can count on is you cant count on these. No figuring it out. Comes and goes as it pleases. The last five years or so for me 2 cycles a year one month or so before or after the solstice,lasting 3 to four months. Good luck in your searh ;;D
BB

Title: Re: Do Cycles end with a bang or a whimper?
Post by Superpain on Oct 5^th, 2004, 4:25am

Mine come on very slowly, increase in intensity and frequency throughout the cycle till I'm ready to die, then they go away suddenly.

Title: Re: Do Cycles end with a bang or a whimper?
Post by rubberplant on Oct 5^th, 2004, 6:43am

Come on suddenly and hard,

leave suddenly.

two weeks overdue, bit anxious.

James

Title: Re: Do Cycles end with a bang or a whimper?
Post by plateglass on Oct 5^th, 2004, 8:15am

Mine will come on very slowly1-2 every 2 days or so...not really needing attention. Within 1 week though they are usually at full force by that time I hope I've seen the neuro. When they come to an end they end the same way very slowly taper off! Hope it helps

Title: Re: Do Cycles end with a bang or a whimper?
Post by EmpressJMB on Oct 5^th, 2004, 8:38am

For 27 years I've tried to figure the rhyme and reason of them but no luck. Mine slowly amp up, hit full force, then taper off to nothing. I can count on cycles with the seasons but they can also hit at anytime, anywhere. [smiley=huh.gif]

Title: Re: Do Cycles end with a bang or a whimper?
Post by Tom K on Oct 5^th, 2004, 11:19am

Mine come on out of nowhere, just like everyone else's. Ramp from 1 a day to 5 a day within a week. End pretty much the same way. I know my cycle is ending because I go to a shadow a day then for a few days it feels like my eye brow is twinging. Like a spasm or something, every few hours. Then nothing.

T

Title: Re: Do Cycles end with a bang or a whimper?
Post by Valerie on Oct 5^th, 2004, 11:23am

Mine start with shadows, ramp up slowly until they hit their peak - usually getting 2-3 a day some at k 10, then they slowly taper off. The last few days I usually get shadows that feel like they will turn into cha's but they never do - once about 3 days go by with no ha's I know it is over.

I'm not sure what's happening this time around.

Title: Re: Do Cycles end with a bang or a whimper?
Post by RPS on Oct 5^th, 2004, 12:11pm

My cycle typically starts in the months of Sept/Oct/Nov although my last cycle started toward the end of June. First HA usually hits me when I am sleeping. At that point I know its starting. They usually ramp up and then slowly taper off. I get the same thing as Tom K, shadows and the twinging eye brow feeling. They finally just go away.

Title: Re: Do Cycles end with a bang or a whimper?
Post by Jaime on Oct 6^th, 2004, 10:09am

I was the one who asked in another thread about this topic. Thanks Kris for making it a new thread! :)

I don't know if knowing this information will be helpful, but it is interesting.

My own attack started slow, ramping up over a week or two, lasted about 8 weeks, and ended very abruptly.

Based on all of your stories, the only thing to count on is the old Monty Python line: "When you least expect it - expect it!"

Title: Re: Do Cycles end with a bang or a whimper?
Post by Ronny on Oct 6^th, 2004, 4:09pm

Hi,

My cycles start with a nice full blown attack (out of nowhere) and end gradually, leaving with shadows day and night.
This cycle is different, i dont take verapamil anymore. And now and then i get a twinge in my eye.
From time to time (not very often) a HA and alcohol is still a major trigger. (almost 6 months now)

Ronny.

Title: Re: Do Cycles end with a bang or a whimper?
Post by eddie on Oct 6^th, 2004, 11:28pm

mine dont end it just goes lower on the kip scale
http://www.geocities.com/ed386948/circface.gif
http://www.geocities.com/ed386948/circface.gif
high kip 8 or 9 if im lucky down kip3 or 5
but everyday i get hit for about 408 days
but since pred taper/ verapamil / imirex pill
trex samples from doc, i feel better than 5
months ago. i get hit 2 times a day now k8
;) PFDAN TO ALL

Title: Re: Do Cycles end with a bang or a whimper?
Post by EmpressJMB on Oct 7^th, 2004, 9:02am

Not to get off the track but Eddie, you do some awsome stuff with the camera and cg! J.