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        New Message Board Archives >> 2004 Cluster Headache Specific Posts >> imitrex ?
        
(Message started by: Connie on Oct 7^th, 2004, 10:08pm)

Title: imitrex ?
Post by Connie on Oct 7^th, 2004, 10:08pm

Me again. My husband is having a really rough time right now K9 at least. I know you can take another pill in 2 hours but I what about the injection, can he take that now or does he have to wait? It seems like so long ago I forgot the specifics and I am a little stressed to say the least.

Title: Re: imitrex ?
Post by Sean_C on Oct 7^th, 2004, 10:15pm

Do you have any oxygen? How long has it been since his last injection and is he getting hit now?

Hope it ends soon

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

Title: Re: imitrex ?
Post by vig on Oct 7^th, 2004, 10:20pm

how long since the pill?

Title: Re: imitrex ?
Post by Connie on Oct 7^th, 2004, 10:36pm

O2 is not working, took pill at 9:05pm, must be up around a 10 now. He even threw up, I assume from the pain but who knows. Begging me for injection. This is pretty scary. Suggestions please.............

Title: Re: imitrex ?
Post by K-9 on Oct 7^th, 2004, 10:45pm

Sorry, don't know much bout Imitrex, not on it. Just wanted to write that in my experience, many "mini's" as you called them are a build up of the same HA which will finally hit as a 9 or a 10 (for me this is common). After I have the "big one" I am usually PF for a while, hrs, a day, sometimes up to a week!!! Tell hubby that K-9 (aka chuck) says to hang in there, this one will be over soon!!! I'm with you guys!!! Still here if you need someone!!

Chuck

Title: Re: imitrex ?
Post by Sean_C on Oct 7^th, 2004, 10:46pm

Unfortunately its probably too late for it to work but hell, go for it. But I'm no doc.

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

Title: Re: imitrex ?
Post by K-9 on Oct 7^th, 2004, 10:48pm

yeah, I think it's too late for anything to work, hunker down, hang on, ride will end soon.........

Title: Re: imitrex ?
Post by Connie on Oct 7^th, 2004, 10:55pm

Thanks for the advice. I am trying to make him wait at least another 1/2 hour before injecting. He dosen't want to go to ER, can't say I blame him. He said ice constricts so he said he would try a hot towel. I wish there was more I could do.

Title: Re: imitrex ?
Post by Connie on Oct 7^th, 2004, 10:56pm

PS - Heat did not work.

Title: Re: imitrex ?
Post by K-9 on Oct 7^th, 2004, 10:58pm

You're doing fine just being there. I'm sure he appreciates that. How long has he been at a k9 or k10? and how long are his bad one typically?

Title: Re: imitrex ?
Post by Sean_C on Oct 7^th, 2004, 10:58pm

Ice is better Connie, also a hot cup of Tea, Turn out the lights and hang tough it'll end soon. Hopefully that'l be it for the night. Call me if you need me

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

Title: Re: imitrex ?
Post by K-9 on Oct 7^th, 2004, 11:00pm

When the pain is at it's peak, it's hard to do this, but when it dips a little, tell him to deep breath as much as possible. His breaths are prolly short mostly. This will help to oxygenate as much as possible. Still here for support....

Title: Re: imitrex ?
Post by K-9 on Oct 7^th, 2004, 11:01pm

some like hot, somelike cold, as you've heard, sean is right, tea, coffee, but for me, a cold pepsi or coke. hang tight. We're with ya!!!!!

Title: Re: imitrex ?
Post by Connie on Oct 7^th, 2004, 11:04pm

This has been going on for about 1/12 hours now. It may be about a 7 now, although I try to keep the questions to a minimal. I am looking at his log book from last time (4 years ago) and he had some big ones. I think we are in for a long night. I wonder if it is just coincidence or not but last night Dr. increased topamax from 100 to 150mg., we were dealing with them for the past 2 weeks and the 02 and pills were working. He thought it was the Topamax (I had my doubts).
This clusters are so unpredictable.

Title: Re: imitrex ?
Post by Connie on Oct 7^th, 2004, 11:09pm

Thanks guys, it does make it alittle easier knowing we are not alone. Although it is hard to tell that to someone who is in the middle of an episode.
Can someone take too much O2?

Title: Re: imitrex ?
Post by Sean_C on Oct 7^th, 2004, 11:11pm

I can't help you with that question regarding topa but others can. I would trash those pills Connie there Junk. Also if he's injecting read the Tip on the left, its a cool trick that'll abort the CH and only count as a 1/2 a unit giving you 2 CH shots for one. Also if he feels one comin on don't wait, hit it right away, the longer you wait the stronger it'll get and then this happens.

It sounds like its leaving soon, usually with in minutes for me once it goes down the slide its gone.

Let us know where still here

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

Title: Re: imitrex ?
Post by K-9 on Oct 7^th, 2004, 11:12pm

I believe over long term, yes, too much is no good, but as far as one night, in trying to get relief, I'd tell him to suck away!!! Make sure it's flowing high, like 15 Lpm.

Title: Re: imitrex ?
Post by Sean_C on Oct 7^th, 2004, 11:13pm

Are you using O2 properly for a ch? Read everything to the left, its worth the time

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

Title: Re: imitrex ?
Post by Sean_C on Oct 7^th, 2004, 11:15pm

on 10/07/04 at 23:12:35, K-9 wrote:

I believe over long term, yes, too much is no good, but as far as one night, in trying to get relief, I'd tell him to suck away!!! Make sure it's flowing high, like 15 Lpm.

With a non breather mask and block(tape) the hole, just don't fall asleep with it LOL

Title: Re: imitrex ?
Post by Connie on Oct 7^th, 2004, 11:36pm

We are pretty up on the 02, started using it at the end of his last cycle. Learned everything I know from this board (although the Dr. told us to use the oxygen he did not tell us about the right way to use it, I told him).

I do have one more question regarding the 02. Is is possible to get rebounds from using it? We are on our second tank (the big ones like in the hospital) in 2 weeks and probably used about 2 of the portable ones. Seems like an awful like of oxygen to me.

My husband (james) looked at the imitrex tip but doesn't think he could do it, seemed kinda awkward and I know I couldn't do it. I hold my ears when he gives himself an injection and you don't even see the needle.

Again, thanks for helping me get through this.

Connie

Title: Re: imitrex ?
Post by vig on Oct 7^th, 2004, 11:41pm

the Imitrex tip is good. If you can endure what you've gone through in the last 2 hours, you can do this.

Is it over yet?

Title: Re: imitrex ?
Post by Connie on Oct 7^th, 2004, 11:53pm

He just took an injection. Hopefully it will kick in soon

Title: Re: imitrex ?
Post by K-9 on Oct 8^th, 2004, 12:03am

I hope he gets some relief soon!!!!! still here...

Title: Re: imitrex ?
Post by Connie on Oct 8^th, 2004, 12:10am

Its pretty much gone, he's wiped out and going to bed.

Me too.

Thanks again everyone.

Title: Re: imitrex ?
Post by K-9 on Oct 8^th, 2004, 12:25am

Goodnight, peaceful dreams and sleep.....

chuck

Title: Re: imitrex ?
Post by Superpain on Oct 8^th, 2004, 2:38am

The imitrex tip is only hard the first time.
I agree, get rid of the pills...
O2 does not cause rebounds, otherwise breathing would give us rebounds. ;)
Too much O2? I don't think so... Most of us give up after 20 minutes or so anyway.

Title: Re: imitrex ?
Post by Giovanni on Oct 8^th, 2004, 8:55am

He needs to use the O2 at the FIRST twinge or sign that one's coming on. Also, go 10 minutes beyond the time the headache is gone to prevent another one right away. If no relief in 15 minutes on the O2, then inject. If you wait too long, neither will work that well.

John

Title: Re: imitrex ?
Post by EmpressJMB on Oct 8^th, 2004, 9:26am

Superpain is right. The Imitrex tip is only hard the first time. I did it for the first time on Wed nite (my first self-injection ever) and I wouldn't hesitate to do it again. It was far easier than enduring the pain, it worked and I have more for next time. My [smiley=twocents.gif]
Hope he got some sleep. PF vibes coming to you. J

Title: Re: imitrex ?
Post by Valerie on Oct 8^th, 2004, 9:59am

I just read this thread - it made me cry. You guys are the best! Nothing beats having support during an attack (except of course not having the attack).

It's good to know you guys (and gals) are here!

Valerie

Title: Re: imitrex ?
Post by Gator on Oct 8^th, 2004, 4:34pm

On you question about Topamax: It works wonders for some. I tried it - it made my HA's worse and more frequent. Don't just quit taking it. Topamax should be tapered off, just like you ramp up. Talk with the doc.

On oxygen: It is possible for oxygen to scar the lungs if used too much. I don't think using it the way we do (10-15 lpm x10-20 min through non-rebreathing mask) is using it long enough to cause damage. A doctor would be able to tell you better than I.

On Imitrex: Discuss amounts per attack/day with your doc. Even though the instructions say no more than 2 shots a day, my neuro said I could do 3 per day with no problem. After experimenting with dosage, I found that I need 3mg to work well. Some people get away with 2mg. The imitrex tip was hard the first time. I had never given myself a shot before. I had to poke myself 3 times before I got the needle in. The first two hesitation pokes hurt worse than the successful one. After that, there is no hesitation.

Here is a list of non-prescription treatments that have worked for some people. Be careful of taking any herbal treatment before you research or better yet ask your doctor about how it will react with whatever meds your husband is currently taking.

http://www.clusterheadaches.org/resources/non_script_treat.htm

Good luck and keep up the good work. Supporters like you are what keep sufferers in the game.

Gator

Title: Re: imitrex ?
Post by netniet on Oct 9^th, 2004, 5:32pm

your husband can also try verapermil.
about the imitrex most of the times it works for me verry well. as with the most medicine be carefull, dont take too much in a short period of time.

Im agree the first time is the worst. Its scary to injected your self :-[

Ninet