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        New Message Board Archives >> 2005 Cluster Headache Specific Posts >> Looking for Insight
        
(Message started by: playmesomeblues on Jul 30^th, 2005, 1:30pm)

Title: Looking for Insight
Post by playmesomeblues on Jul 30^th, 2005, 1:30pm

Hi Everyone,
Wondering whether you can share some insights with me. Have any of you had a cluster start on one side, then use meds., prednisone in my case, and have the cluster start over on the other side? It went away while on full dose of prednisone, but came back on the other side when I began the taper. So I'm at 9 weeks with the clusters now and way tired of it, as only each of you can understand.

So now I'm thinking about verapamil or topamax--got a neurol. app't on tuesday. What are your thoughts on those? I've been reading with interest about kudzu, but am reluctant to abandon imitrex to try it.

Thank you all and may everyone be PF.

David

Title: Re: Looking for Insight
Post by marlinsfan on Jul 30^th, 2005, 2:38pm

David, there is another thread on this same board on headaches switching from one side to the other. Check it out. I've only been here 2 months and still don't know how to link other threads [smiley=huh.gif]

Have you tried Oxygen as an abortive? It works wonders for most of us. Check out the link on the left, and when you see your neuro, don't leave there without a script for it.

I tried Topamax 2 months ago and made my headaches worse.

good luck,
jose

Title: Re: Looking for Insight
Post by nani on Jul 30^th, 2005, 3:09pm

Welcome play...It's not unusual for the CH to switch sides. Verapamil needs time to build up to therapeutic levels, so it's most effective when introduced at the beginning of a pred taper.
About kudzu:
The thing about kudzu is that if it's going to work for you, you'll notice a difference rather quickly, and you may not need any more trex. Most notice a drastic decrease in frequency, pain level, and/or duration by the next day. Oxygen and/or Red Bull are probably the best abortives to use with it, to lessen any possibility of a meds interaction. Using trex within a few hours of kudzu will most likely make the trex ineffective. Should you decide to give kudzu a try, be sure to read everything you can about it and make an informed decision. Also be aware that interaction info is still mostly unavailable, so be mindful of any other meds you may take, for CH or anything else. You can PM me anytime if you have questions. :)
Keep us posted on how things are going for you.
Good luck and pain free wishes, nani

Title: Re: Looking for Insight
Post by playmesomeblues on Jul 30^th, 2005, 7:02pm

Thanks to both of you, Jose & Nani. Yeah, Jose I do have O2 already. But I'm having breakthrough headaches so am using the 'trex too.

Nani, I'll study the kudzu some more, thank you. It does sound as though Verapamil is the most utilized so will try for that on tuesday too.

Thanks you two.

David

Title: Re: Looking for Insight
Post by Jasmyn on Jul 31^st, 2005, 2:57am

Hi Play, good luck and PF wishes for you!