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        New Message Board Archives >> 2004-2005 Getting to Know Ya Posts >> The beast is back
        
(Message started by: krusen on Feb 21^st, 2004, 3:50pm)

Title: The beast is back
Post by krusen on Feb 21^st, 2004, 3:50pm

Misery sure likes company. I haven't had a CH in 4 years and over the last week the beast creeped back into my life. I got on the internet to see if treatment has changed and I found this website. Boy it was good to hear there were others out there like me. When the beast returned this week I was confused at first because I'd been suffering from tension headaches and prior to that migraine headaches. But the beast's pain is so different, I think I was in denial. Anyway to make a long story short, I finally fessed up that they were back and forced my regular doctor's offce to squeeze me in today. No chance of getting the neurologist to see me on a Saturday. Saw the Physician's Assistant, told him my history and what I wanted was prednisone cuz that's what I'd been treated with in prior years. He said no problem but didn't know how much to start me out with, so we settled with 40mg but he gave me enough that I could bump that up. I got the perscrip filled as fast as I could and bought a power bar and swallowed those pills in the parking lot. I expect the beast will visit tonight, will take Maltex to get me through it. I leave for a business trip on Monday, boy I hope the prednisone does the trick. Anyone have suggestions on the dosage of prednisone? I had 3 clusters last night, the Maxalt made them go away for about 3 hours each (after taking 45 minutes to work).

Title: Re: The beast is back
Post by Janice on Feb 21^st, 2004, 6:52pm

Hi Krusen,
I have been pain free for almost 2 yrs now, but then again, mine hit me about every 2 years or so. Unfortunately with me what worked 4 yrs ago did not work the last time, nor the times before. I think most of the meds are about the same as 4 yrs ago, with a few variations of the old stand-bys. The Imitrex injections are what seem to work for most people, but try getting them in the quantities you need! It's just about impossible with the insurance companies these days. I'll keep you in my prayers, as I know exactly what you are going through. Janice

Title: Re: The beast is back
Post by Giovanni on Feb 22^nd, 2004, 10:27am

Hi Krusen,

I have taken steroids during several cycles and for the most part have had marginal/no success but a number of complications. As soon as the taper would begin--they would return and would make up for a few days of pf times. Having said that, some people here it has worked well.

In a work situation, you might investigate imitrex injections. In my case, a single headache is aborted in less than 5 minutes. I am now trying the alternative treatment: www.clusterbusters.com
and am not using imitrex, but O2 only.

Best of luck,
John

Title: Re: The beast is back
Post by Bob_Johnson on Feb 22^nd, 2004, 10:35am

The medical literature I've seen suggests Pred. startring dose in a range from 10mg to 100mg.

The recommendation is to start a cycle of Pred at a low dose, then repeat the cyle at higher doses until you find the level which works for you.

Don't assume that one cycle of Pred which does not work means that this med won't work for you.

Title: Re: The beast is back
Post by sgarner on Feb 26^th, 2004, 1:08am

I see a headache specialist (Ford Headache clinic) and he prescribed 60 mg 1st day, 55 the 2nd until it reduced to 5mg and then stopped. He will not prescribe it anymore because of the side effects of Hip pain. I have never had the hip pain but apparently many have. I am seeing him tomorrow and will do my best to get him to understand that no hip pain could be as bad as the head pain.