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        New Message Board Archives >> 2005 Cluster Headache Specific Posts >> Winding Down & What Learned
        
(Message started by: De_Minimis on Apr 20^th, 2005, 5:05pm)

Title: Winding Down & What Learned
Post by De_Minimis on Apr 20^th, 2005, 5:05pm

Hi all:
In the past week, went two night PF, then one night with three episodes (I dunno, "2-3s" at most?), and now three nights PF. There are some shadows here and there, but me thinks this series is winding down. I wanted to once again thank everyone here for the support, the information and for such a great site. Also, wanted to share what seems to have worked and did not work for me.

Pred: Its like dancing with the Devil. It does keep the CHs at bay, but at a cost and not a long-term aid. I have more zits at 39 right now than I ever had as a hormone overburdened maniac of 15. Probably added a good 5-10 pounds of man boobs because of it too. I've decreased that dose to a mere 20mg a night, and will further decrease to 10mg this evening.

Depakote: As far as I can tell, all it did was give me the bad side effects without any benefits. Decreased to one 500mg/day (neuro -now former neuro, wants me at 2000mg/day right now). That crap was horrible and I did not know that it was the cause of a lot of issues I was having (thanks again Gator for the heads-up).

Verapamil: Not sure. I bailed out early into it based upon my neuro's opinion. Once I realized that Depakote and not the Verapamil was the culprit for many side effects, I went back to it and started getting off the others. It SEEMS it was working, but again, I'm on the downside on this series, so can't be sure. A definate first option next time.

02: Also called "Pure Bliss" by me. Sweet 02, oh how I love you. Worked well to abort CHs. The earlier I got on the air, the better.

Smoking: Quit about 10 days ago. CHs started decreasing at the same time. Chance or an effect of not smoking? Who knows, but it was far time I quit smoking regardless. Smoking does decrease the amount of 02 in the smokers' blood (see 02 rave above), so probably helpful to ashcan the smoking.

Exercise: I'm very sorry I didn't get a chance to try out this little theory of mine. When I was more active or extremely active, my CHs series (years past) were not as long or as severe. As I was getting my lungs back to a reasonable shape, I planned to hitting the Mt. bike hard again for all the right reasons and to see if CHs decreased. I still suspect they may have, but I've nothing to really base this on.

Ritalin: Hyper-boy. Never knew it until in my 30s (folks are shrinks and never diagnosed it. -Plumbers have the worst pipes. I'm a lawyer without a will. Go figure). Not a fan of any meds, I went the past year without the "focus berries." Read a scientifically insignificant report about CH and Ritalin. Thought, well I should be taking it anyway, so may as well restart and see if any effect on the CHs. Again, the CHs decreased and have pretty much gone away. Can't say if there is any cause and effect as I'm on the downside of the CHs. Wish I knew.

Meletonin: This WORKED great for me. I can't believe how well this actually worked. I verified this by not taking it a couple of times. Guaranteed multiple CHs throughout the night without it. When peaking, the meletonin appeared to decrease the intensity and number of attacks. As decreasing, went to zero attacks with Mel and a few slight attacks without Mel. Best dose for me worked out to 60mg, although I think most go with 90mg. Gonna keep it at 60mg for at least another week, then down to 30mg for a week, then stop.

Kudzu: Did not notice any affect whatsoever. Admittedly, did not try it long-term. If chronic, would definately give it more time before coming to any conclusions.

Ice: Sucking on ice cubes helped draw my mind to something else and not swear as much. Became part of my routine when I was peaking. I'm sure it did nothing to ease or shorten the CHs, but better than banging my head against a wall. Icing my forehead and neck (behind my ear) was part of that routine as well (different ice cubes if you're wondering). Again, helped to try and focus on something else.

This Site: Easily the most effective CH tool I used. Sharing the experience with others that actually know what I'm going through was surprisingly therapeudic (look, spelling is a sevant talent with no indication of intelligence so no need to focus on my horrific spelling skills). I'm not a toucie-feely guy, but must admit, it works. Also, the information here was so much more valuable than the information I have to pay for through deductables and co-pays. Again, thanks.

Well, I hope I haven't somehow jinxed myself by professing the pending end to this CH series. Regardless, I'll be lurking in the shadows and may, on occassion, pipe in...especially if you're gonna tash-talk cops (lawyers: No problem, so many of us deserve it).

De Minimis

Title: Re: Winding Down & What Learned
Post by pattik on Apr 20^th, 2005, 5:59pm

Thank you for your detailed descriptions. I think your experiences with different treatments can be very helpful to those who are considering using them. That's a big part of what this site is all about--the exchange of information which can help us find what works for each individual. Glad you took the time to fill us in. ;)

Title: Re: Winding Down & What Learned
Post by Chillrmn1 on Apr 20^th, 2005, 6:12pm

Ditto and glad you're getting out of cycle. Enjoy the pain free days!

Title: Re: Winding Down & What Learned
Post by Marta on Apr 21^st, 2005, 3:50pm

Ditto, ditto. The memory of the pain goes really quickly. Enjoy big time.

Marta

Title: Re: Winding Down & What Learned
Post by LeLimey on Apr 21^st, 2005, 4:41pm

That was very interesting reading, thanks for sharing your experiences with us and don't go away now y'hear?!

Title: Re: Winding Down & What Learned
Post by bigAl on Apr 21^st, 2005, 5:58pm

"De_Minimis/New Board Newbie/USA /*/

I Eat Glue!

/Instant Message/Gender: male/Posts: 38"

Did you try not eating glue??

http://www.lastwordon.com/more-stuff/ms%20art%20bell%20glue%20splash-500.JPG

Title: Re: Winding Down & What Learned
Post by De_Minimis on Apr 21^st, 2005, 9:43pm

Funny story that. A juror came in witha shirt that read "I Eat Glue." I still laugh about that. Smart move if you'd rather do something other than sit on a jury.