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        New Message Board Archives >> 2005 Cluster Headache Specific Posts >> What do you do?
        
(Message started by: brad-31 on Nov 5^th, 2005, 12:24pm)

Title: What do you do?
Post by brad-31 on Nov 5^th, 2005, 12:24pm

I just came across this site recently and it's been very helpful. I was diagnosed 2 years ago after suffering for about 5. My cycles last about 3 months with 3 months in between. My biggest problem is that I have 3 CH's a day. One occurs around 2am and is usually the worst. But my other 2 occur during the day, the "Express" at 10am(very bad) and the "Local" at 2pm. I work on a stock exchange, on the phones talking to customers and these daytime CH's really effect my work performance. I can't always just leave for 15-20 minutes to let them run there course. And my short term memory right afterwords is really reduced. Any suggestions on how to get through daytime CH's? I take Verapimil, Maxalt and Indomethacin presently. Imotrex made me to lethargic to do my job and O2 is not readily available on the floor. I'm starting to worry about losing my job. There's not alot of sympathy on my floor for "headaches".

Title: Re: What do you do?
Post by E-Double on Nov 5^th, 2005, 12:32pm

It certainly sucks!!

Were you taking imitrex pills or injections?
Trex pills take too long and then you have to deal with the lingering. Trex jabs will work VERY fast.

As far as people understanding, read this, print it out and see what happens.

http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=knowya;action=display;num=1114467535

Title: Re: What do you do?
Post by Kevin_M on Nov 5^th, 2005, 1:26pm

on 11/05/05 at 12:24:56, brad-31 wrote:

on the phones talking to customers and these daytime CH's really effect my work performance. I can't always just leave for 15-20 minutes to let them run there course. And my short term memory right afterwords is really reduced.

Imotrex made me to lethargic to do my job and O2 is not readily available on the floor. I'm starting to worry about losing my job. There's not alot of sympathy on my floor for "headaches".

I've a similar type job. Because of the ease of using an abortive, even right in the middle of a phone conversation as I felt one coming, the nasal spray trex has been handy. Granted, the pain can elevate to a Kip 6 or 7 before subsiding and my ability to comprehend or think decreases for a short while but the pain will subside before any total incapacity arises. Not the best but it works when a preventative isn't. Verapamil seems to slightly decrease some speed the pain elevates with, which is helpful when using a nasal spray. How much verap?

Lethargic from imitrex is a curious comment. I've found the relief from using it an ok feeling, like I just missed stepping into an open manhole. At night of course I am pretty tired afterwards from fighting a hit because it isn't caught early enough like when awake, and so fall back to sleep pretty easily; using oxygen though makes me feel the same way at night. On the job, the relief is calming just from knowing what I was able to avoid although my mind doesn't function much shortly until the emerging hit subsides.
Zomig is another nasal spray to look into maybe for on the job, but not while using imitrex, very dangerous. I've not seen much at all posted about feeling lethargic from Zomig or Imitrex but reactions can be different.

What Eric, above, has posted is helpful. This site has most everything, and keep working with your doctor with what you find.

There are alternatives too.

Title: Re: What do you do?
Post by Jasmyn on Nov 5^th, 2005, 2:36pm

Welcome Brad.

What Eric and Kevin had said, I cannot add to that but you are at the right place to get some answers.

Hang in there.

Jas ;)

Title: Re: What do you do?
Post by Kris_in_SJ on Nov 5^th, 2005, 7:53pm

Personally, I'd vote for the nasal spray. Your co-workers will simply think you have a sinus thing.

As for night hits, you might try Melatonin, available OTC. During cycle I take 9mg about 30 minutes before bed. Helps with the hits and keeps you rested to better meet the beast in the daytime. Grogginess in the AM is relieved with a strong cup-o-joe or a Red Bull.

Good luck and many hugs,

Kris

Title: Re: What do you do?
Post by BarbaraD on Nov 6^th, 2005, 6:53am

Melatonin at night have about stopped my nighttime hits. I usually wake up early (about 4 a.m.) with a Kip 2-3, but abort that with coffee.

If you know when you're going to get hit (mine have never been that "regulated") can you just take a "bathroom" break about that time and take an abortative?

Stay on this site -- it will keep you sane.

Hugs BD

Title: Re: What do you do?
Post by Beastfodder on Nov 7^th, 2005, 8:53am

There's a couple of recommendations I've heard on triptans to pass on - the injection for speed if you get comfort breaks and frovatriptan as a pill (works faster if you down it with a fizzy drink). The advantages of the latter being it stays in the system longer.

I've not had to try either of these yet this year - coz clusterbusers and O2 have proved fantastic in providing relief from both cycle and attacks (first result in 7 years).

Good luck in your search

Title: Re: What do you do?
Post by brad-31 on Nov 8^th, 2005, 9:02pm

Thanks for all the thoughts. I'm going to see the doctor next week, and after reading all the info. on the site, I'm going to ask to try the Zomig nasal spray. Hopefully, I'll get some relief. As far as the Imotrex goes, I have bad reactions to most drugs I take. The first time I went to the hospital for CH's (had no idea what was happening to me) they gave me a narcotic for pain. I spent 2 hours in the ER trying to overcome the reaction to the drug. Thanks again.

Title: Re: What do you do?
Post by BMoneeTheMoneeMan on Nov 9^th, 2005, 10:10pm

Welcome B-Rad. You've gotten some good advice already. One thing i would add is how effective Melatonin and benadryl before bed can be. Kris talked about being groggy, but if i take that nighttime cocktail 7 hours before i have to wake up (on an empty stomach), I spring out of bed no prob. Half of the time, i get up before my alarm even goes up. Taking this cocktail may help in letting you get through the night without getting hit.
Which stock exchange do you work on? I grew up in NYC and i was a stock broker. Then i went into trading stocks, but on the nasdaq. What do you do at your company?
PF wishes
BMonee