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        New Message Board Archives >> 2005 Cluster Headache Specific Posts >> Is my cycle ending?
        
(Message started by: marlinsfan on Jun 21^st, 2005, 8:45am)

Title: Is my cycle ending?
Post by marlinsfan on Jun 21^st, 2005, 8:45am

Hi Everyone,

How do you all know when your cycle is ending or has ended? I’ve been suffering from CH for 22 or 23 years (my first came at 14 or 15, I’m 37 now), was mis-diagnosed with migraines 10 years ago, and was only correctly diagnosed with CH during this cycle after finding this site and educating myself. The diagnosis was confirmed by my neuro, who renewed my imitrex prescription, gave me a prednisone taper, and gave me a prescription for O2, which I take at 8 LPM through non-rebreather mask. He didn’t give me verapamil because he thought my cycle would end soon, just based on how long I was in cycle. Today is the start of my 8th week.

The prednisone taper worked well for me. Although the attacks kept coming, they were only one or 2 per night (before was 3-4), and only about 4-6 on the kip scale (I was a regular visitor to 8, and occasional 9-10). The O2 is AMAZING. I have not taken trex since I saw my neuro almost 2 weeks ago.

One week ago Sunday I started taking melatonin at night. I took 6 mg (2 little pills) for the first 4 nights. I had 2 nights PF, then 2 nights with attacks, so I increased to 9 mg. I had 1 attack that first night at 9 mg, and none since then. 3 nights now PF. Since taking melatonin, my attacks have not exceeded kip 4, and they only come at 5 am or so.

I only started tracking and writing this stuff down during this cycle, so I don’t know how to recognize if my attack is ending. I don’t want to write that I see the light at the end of the tunnel cause someone wrote that the light was the headlight of train coming full speed to hit you!

Is my attack ending or has it ended? Or is the melatonin just awesome? Any ideas?

Thanks much,
Jose

Title: Re: Is my cycle ending?
Post by E-Double on Jun 21^st, 2005, 11:43am

Jose my friend,

It will end when it ends. Don't question just live!
Be prepared as if it is still lurking and try to enjoy your time. We're all different......It appears some know when they are out of the woods. In my case, I haven't a clue...I had 2 seperate 1.5 week reprieves last yr and though over only to get whacked again....I think that I cycle within cycle.

I hope it is ending for ya but don't want you to feel let down if it does not...I just want you to live life to it's fullest!

Best,

Eric

Title: Re: Is my cycle ending?
Post by jcmquix on Jun 21^st, 2005, 12:38pm

Exactly what Eric says,

I was without CH for about 1 1/2 yrs, I even quit taking all meds, got rid of all my extra meds, about 5 months ago.

I did this thinking I was all done with the CH's. I got my surprise about June 1st, my cycle just started then, and its been a downhill battle, but the melatonin & benedryl have helped me greatly, cause I have to wait 2 weeks to see all new doc's and get all new scripts.

I guess is what I am trying to say, I do not worry about when I am starting or stopping, just live your life to its fullest and try your best to manage the BEAST. Learned that in just the last week here. Link up with some support people here, read all the info here.

Keep in touch with your doctors, so you do not find out that when you need them, they have moved away and no one has never heard of them and then you have to start all over with new doctors, it SUCKS.

[smiley=bow.gif]Thanks Pegg & Eric (my life savors)

Many wishes for PF days to ALL !!! :)

Title: Re: Is my cycle ending?
Post by marlinsfan on Jun 21^st, 2005, 1:18pm

Thanks to both who have replied. I guess I'm hoping the current cycle ends soon. I've been episodic with yearly cycles for many many years. The last cycle was 3 years ago, which means I skipped 2 cycles, so I'm hoping this one goes away for some time too.

I am armed with knowledge and meds to deal with becoming chronic should that happen, but I'm really hoping to remain episodic. I am not ready mentally to stay in cycle forever.

Thanks,
Jose

Title: Re: Is my cycle ending?
Post by maffumatt on Jun 21^st, 2005, 6:44pm

Drink a couple beers, if its not over you will soon know.

Title: Re: Is my cycle ending?
Post by burnt-toast on Jun 21^st, 2005, 8:58pm

on 06/21/05 at 13:18:09, marlinsfan wrote:

When have your cycles gone off before? If they typically go off this time of year you may be in for a break. Unfortuantely nothing is guaranteed with these things.

My cycles are primarily chronic - On for years with infrequent short breaks of 1 to 3 months every now and then. The one consistent thing is that these breaks, regardless of length have occurred between July and September.

Here's to hoping one or both of us are headed for a break and that your CHs don't become chronic.

Tom

Title: Re: Is my cycle ending?
Post by marlinsfan on Jun 21^st, 2005, 10:16pm

Like I said, I've never tracked them because I always thought they were migraines.

The last cycle started one week after columbus day in 2001 when my buddy got married in Sonoma and my wife and I went wine tasting all over the valley. The cycle ended sometime in January of 2002 after I came back from skiing.

All my cycles that I remember have happened over the year end, as I remember many a new year banging my head against a wall.

This cycle started in april, after back surgery...

I also hope you get a break soon!
Jose

Title: Re: Is my cycle ending?
Post by marlinsfan on Jun 22^nd, 2005, 8:36am

Cycle not over. Stayed up late watching the basketball game, woke up at 4:30 am with a doozy.... Aborted with O2. Had some shadows start up at 5:15, dranks some coffee.

Sleepy now, but at work. Little shadows, big coffee..... Going to be a long day.

Title: Re: Is my cycle ending?
Post by seasonalboomer on Jun 22^nd, 2005, 8:49am

on 06/22/05 at 08:36:59, marlinsfan wrote:

Cycle not over. Stayed up late watching the basketball game, woke up at 4:30 am with a doozy.

Sorry about your headaches, but sure am happy about those Pistons. Damn 9:00pm start time for these games is making me a zombie during the finals. I am luckily out of cycle and usually like to have a beer while watching game -- yeah, with a 9 pm start -- I'm drifting off to la-la land before the 1st quarter is over. So, in the Piston spirit -- I grab a can of Vernors and settle in for a long night.

Hope it was the beast's last gasp for your sake.