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        New Message Board Archives >> 2005 Cluster Headache Specific Posts >> what helps?
        
(Message started by: kenneth1 on Apr 8^th, 2005, 10:14am)

Title: what helps?
Post by kenneth1 on Apr 8^th, 2005, 10:14am

Ive been suffering with these headaches for over a month now,the first time was five years ago,I hope they go away again soon.Ive been taking imatrex 100mg,but the last couple nights have been,well you know.Any suggestions?Thanks.

Title: Re: what helps?
Post by Kim Y. on Apr 8^th, 2005, 10:22am

Kenneth

Welcome to the sight. Sorry you had a reason to cme though.

Besides the Imetrex have you tried anything else.

Under med section you'll find advise for Kudzu and O2 some use Melatonin at night to in clude me. There is a ton of information to the left as well.

Have taken the cluster headache quiz. Or have you been Diagnosed with CH..

PF wishes
Kim

Title: Re: what helps?
Post by E-Double on Apr 8^th, 2005, 10:38am

Here is a great resource to know like the back of your hand

http://www.brightok.net/~mnjday/chtherapy.pdf

It will present the "appropriate" treatments that you should seek and the doctor should know!!!

Also check out the Canadian site...some awesome people who may be in your area....always great to meet another Clusterhead :)

http://www.clusterheadaches.ca/DesktopDefault.aspx

Wishing you the best !!

Eric

Title: Re: what helps?
Post by Margi on Apr 8^th, 2005, 10:41am

Hi Kenneth, welcome. Sorry you have a reason to be searching for information on headaches, but glad you found us!

Imitrex in that strength must mean the tablet form. It is also available in nasal spray or injection - both are WAY more effective than the pills. Oxygen is a great abortive too and much easier on your system. Most cluster knowledgeable doctors will prescribe it now but you MUST use a non-rebreather mask and have a flow rate of higher than 8 litres per minute. Medigas or Vitalaire are the Canadian suppliers.

I see you're from Winnipeg - we have a Canadian site for clusterheads as well and only one other person there from Manitoba (we were beginning to think maybe living in Manitoba was the cure because for so long, we've never had anyone from there!). Please feel free to check us out and talk to some Canadian neighbours.

Here's our link: www.clusterheadaches.ca

You might also want to try Gravol before bedtime if you're having trouble sleeping. I'm not sure that Melatonin is available across Canada yet as it only recently got approved here. Generic Gravol is available at Shoppers Drug Mart without prescription and it doesn't let you get into REM sleep, which is where most nighttime cluster attacks occur.

You can also lay an ice bag on the back of your neck at onset - that really helps some sufferers.

Have you been diagnosed by a neurologist? Please tell us more about what you go through with your headaches?

Title: Re: what helps?
Post by kenneth1 on Apr 8^th, 2005, 11:22am

I want to thank you for your replies;a little backround;Ive been to the emergency 5-6 times in the last month this week I finnally got in to see my doctor and he says that my symtoms sound like CH,and everything that I have read sound soooo firmilliar;stabing pain,watery eye etc.But I am still waiting for an appointment for a ct scan.There is so much info on this site Its really been a blessing.

Title: Re: what helps?
Post by nani on Apr 8^th, 2005, 11:37am

Welcome Kenneth. Why not make an appointment with a neurologist who is knowledgable about headaches. A definitive diagnosis would get you the help you need. In the meantime, gather info from here and keep a headache diary. Record times, intensity, duration and possible triggers. Take that and any info from here that's applicable to your neuro appointment. Some of us are testing a supplement that is helping. It works for migraines as well. Look here and read about it. It should not be used in conjunction with Imitrex, because it seems to render it ineffective. Read it all (there are links to other threads there)...I know, it's lengthy, but worth it. Pay attention to meds interactions and who shouldn't try it. Good luck and pain free wishes, nani
http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=meds;action=display;num=1110584362

Title: Re: what helps?
Post by sandie99 on Apr 9^th, 2005, 2:59am

Warm welcome, Kenneth! :)

Best wishes,
Sandie