Clusterheadaches.com Message Board (http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi)
New Message Board Archives >> 2004-2005 Getting to Know Ya Posts >> Need Advise
(Message started by: roomie on Mar 22nd, 2004, 8:11pm)

Title: Need Advise
Post by roomie on Mar 22nd, 2004, 8:11pm
I am a 36 year old guy.  I have been suffering from intermittent headaches for about a year.  Most often, the headaches are in the evening times (6-9).  On occassion, I have been awoken with them about an hour after sleep.  

Fortunately, I have only had one a day that lasts about 30-45 minutes.  After looking at the K scale, I believe they have reached level 9 (of course, the pain is always in my left temple and around my eye, I have the droopy eye, runny nostril, and the pain radiates to my teeth).

The last couple of weeks, the pain seems to have worsened.  A couple of nights, I got two headaches in a row (I would've welcomed death for relief).

I avoid the doctor, and don't really have one.  I finally picked one when I thought I was at deaths door and had my first visit today.  He is a GP, not a Neurologist.  After 30 minutes, he took blood and gave me some samples of Frova.  After trying these samples, he will determine whether or not for me to have a CAT scan.

I guess the stress of the day caused me to get this headache earlier.  I started getting one about 5:45 and it was getting progressively worse.  I took one of the Frova.  It helped within 15 mins. and actually went away.  I feel the twinge of it coming again, however (it is 7:15).

Has anyone used this drug with success?  Also, is there anyone in Houston Texas that can recommend a good neurologist for this condition?

I have to say, I never knew that such pain could exist and that any person could handle such pain.  Any advice or input would be appreciated.

Title: Re: Need Advise
Post by 5-string on Mar 22nd, 2004, 8:41pm
Hey roomie,
Someone else will have to give you advise on Frova.
My advise is, get a  referral to see a neurologist and read as much as you can here.
Good luck. welcome to the sight,
...Mark..

Title: Re: Need Advise
Post by Rick_K on Mar 22nd, 2004, 10:13pm
Dr. Ninan Mathew at the Houston Headache Clinic is one.  There are plenty of people from Houston here, I'm sure you will get some other recommendations.

Frova never worked for me, have you taken the Cluster Quiz, see link to the left.  Also try O2.

Title: Re: Need Advise
Post by CPM on Mar 22nd, 2004, 10:34pm
Roomie,

Sounds like it may take a whlie for you to get a clear answer to your pain. My advise is to read up on O-TWO and if you're content with what you read, invest in a tank to see if it gives you relief. Keep after the doc and insist on being referred to a neuro.

Pete

Title: Re: Need Advise
Post by Superpain on Mar 23rd, 2004, 12:16am
O2 O2 O2!!!!
Cat scans aren't gonna do shit but cost money.
For that matter, most Doctors aren't gonna do much more...
But oxygen just might... ;)

Title: Re: Need Advise
Post by TxBasslady on Mar 23rd, 2004, 1:46am
Welcome to the board, Roomie

I took Frova when I was in cycle.  It didn't ease the pain, but it did shorten the length of the CH.  With no meds, I suffered for an hour to hour and half.  When I got the Frova....it took about 13 to 18 minutes and the pain was gone.

I also went on a Prednisone taper.  The Pred ended the cycle and I have been PF since.  The Pred doesn't work for everyone.....most folks here that have taken it, say their ha's came back after the taper.  Guess I was a bit lucky.....today is 196 days PF.

We must be neighbors.....I live north of Houston in the Kingwood area.  

Hope you find the right meds to help you.  Let us know how things are going for you.

Sending lots of PF vibes,

Jean

Title: Re: Need Advise
Post by Luke63 on Mar 24th, 2004, 5:31pm
Tell the doc to refer you to a Neuro...and second ..tell him to get you some O2. If you can abort the headaches with it...then u might not even need to start on drugs....most of us hate drugs man..really hate em.   luke

Title: Re: Need Advise
Post by roomie on Mar 25th, 2004, 4:15pm
Thanks to you all for the input.  I am finding that Frova does nothing to help the pain, but does seem to shorten the length of the CH.

I have yet to try O2, but am certain that it is my next choice (I hate the idea of drugs myself).  One thing that has helped has been alternating ice packs and letting a hot shower spray on my temple.



Clusterheadaches.com Message Board » Powered by YaBB 1 Gold - SP 1.3.1!
YaBB © 2000-2003. All Rights Reserved.