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        New Message Board Archives >> 2004-2005 Getting to Know Ya Posts >> Sad to say... I'm new here.
        
(Message started by: IrishFan on Oct 8^th, 2004, 7:44pm)

Title: Sad to say... I'm new here.
Post by IrishFan on Oct 8^th, 2004, 7:44pm

Hello everyone.

I'm currently going through my 3rd round of cluster headaches in the last 5 years, and I'm not really looking forward to it at all. I know they will come, and I know they will go, but I really dislike their visits.

The first time I was hit, I no idea what was goin on. Imatrex nasal sprays and Verapamil seem to eventually get me back to normal. That bout lasted 8 or 10 weeks.

Round two was about 2 1/2 years ago. What disappointed me most about that bout, was that I realized these dudes were likely to become a frequent visitor for the rest of my life. That bout was little shorter than rd1, but still lasted waaaay too long! Imatrex/Verapamil was the treatment once again.

This bout has been going on for about 1 1/2 weeks, and I went to see my doctor yesterday. Imatrex/Verapamil once again. A warm pack on my head kida helps, but the only thing that really helps, is when it goes away. I also am starting to drink lots of water, to see if that might help.

My wife feels helpless when I'm under attack, but she's there... and THAT'S good medicine!

I hope to learn more here, and maybe even help a little here. Thanks.

Irish

Title: Re: Sad to say... I'm new here.
Post by thebbz on Oct 8^th, 2004, 7:50pm

Irish Fan,
Have you been to the neuro? You mentioned the same therapy over and over. Perhaps a neuro could get it tuned in better with a prevent that works for you. Tried O2 yet? Lots easier on the body. Oh ya..Hello and welcome!! :D
BB

Title: Re: Sad to say... I'm new here.
Post by IrishFan on Oct 8^th, 2004, 8:14pm

BB,
Thanks for the reply, and the welcome.

I haven't been to a neuro, or tried o2 yet. But, in the first go-round, I did have a CT scan at one point.

Judging from some of the reading, my symptoms pale in comparison to others. I should consider myself "fortunate", eh?

Irish

Title: Re: Sad to say... I'm new here.
Post by thebbz on Oct 8^th, 2004, 8:26pm

Never fortunate to have these at any level. CH is CH. Hope you doin better today. the trex works for me as well but after so many years you start looking for something that works but is not so deleterious to your health. Look into it. Stick around !! ::)
BB

Title: Re: Sad to say... I'm new here.
Post by IrishFan on Oct 8^th, 2004, 8:38pm

Thanks for the kind words BB.

I've had the foggy headache most of the day. Getting ready for bed now... gotta work in the morn. I'll probably be getting up in a couple of hours anyway to hit the imatrex.

It's nice to have a place to turn to. Thanks.

Irish

Title: Re: Sad to say... I'm new here.
Post by thebbz on Oct 8^th, 2004, 9:52pm

Hey Irish.
Have a good sleep. Watch out , this site can be addicting. Sending some vibes your way ....and dont forget to breathe... [smiley=laugh.gif]
BB

Title: Re: Sad to say... I'm new here.
Post by don on Oct 9^th, 2004, 11:02pm

I have the best neuro in the world and I use the same med combo as you. Imitrex and verapamil (480 mg per day). Only differance is I add a prednisone taper early on and about 2 weeks after starting the verapamil. I have been doing this combo for years now.

You might want to try some melatonin at night. Helps with the sleep pattern

Title: Re: Sad to say... I'm new here.
Post by mynm156 on Oct 10^th, 2004, 12:55pm

Sorry to hear that you are one of us! Just remeber that YOU ARE ONE OF US!! We know your pain..

GOOD VIBES AND LET THERE BE PF DAYS AHEAD!!!

MYNM156

Title: Re: Sad to say... I'm new here.
Post by IrishFan on Oct 10^th, 2004, 7:52pm

Hi don & mynm156 and thanks for the good vibes.

What is a prednisone taper? Is melatonin over the counter? Is this for preventive?

I had a mild attack last night, and an ugly one the night before, though. I've had shadows all day again today... just fading in and out, but able to still function. I wanted to take a nap after church today, but thought I better not.

It will bedtime shortly, and I'll pray for the best.

Thanks to all for being here.

Irish

Title: Re: Sad to say... I'm new here.
Post by don on Oct 10^th, 2004, 10:28pm

A prednisone taper serves to break a cycle by high dosages of oprednisone and gradually tapering to lowewr dosages over the course of about 2-3 weeks.

Malatonin is an OTC that serves to keep you out of REM sleep. It's REM sleep that invites the night attacks.

Title: Re: Sad to say... I'm new here.
Post by TxBasslady on Oct 12^th, 2004, 1:50am

Irish,

Melatonin is sold OTC, and is cheap.

Actually, it is a sleep aid...and Don is correct, it keeps you out of the REM phase of sleep. You can buy it in 3mg. pills. Some folks here take 9mg. (3 pills) before bed. It works for me. I am currently taking 6 mg. before bed, and if I have bad shadows in the evening, I also take Excedrin Migraine. The EM knocks the shadows out for me. The only thing is that the EM has alot of caffeine, and tends to keep me awake....and the Melatonin is trying to put me to sleep. I realized that I needed to take the EM an hour or so before I take the Melatonin, in order to sleep.

Not everything works for all....but there's alot of great ideas and home remedies here to help.

Hope you find some relief and get some much needed rest. It's also great to hear a sufferer give much due credit to his/her spouse/supporter. CH is tough on our supporters.....they don't know the pain, and it's difficult to understand and even more difficult to explain. May we always be thankful and patient and loving towards our supporter.

PF vibes,

Jean

Title: Re: Sad to say... I'm new here.
Post by IrishFan on Oct 15^th, 2004, 5:40pm

Hi BassLady, and thanks for the vibes.

I had a pretty bad night last night, but the shadows have calmed down quite a bit since I woke up this morn. They were the strongest shadows I've ever experienced when just waking up.

I might just have to give that Melatonin a try! Does it make you feel tired in the morn... like you were up and down all night long?

Thanks to all for being here.

Irish

Title: Re: Sad to say... I'm new here.
Post by BlueMeanie on Oct 15^th, 2004, 5:46pm

Welcome IrishFan,

Looks like ppl have already given ya some good advise. Hope you have a very short cycle this time around.

Sorry ya gotta be here but welcome to Clusterville.

Title: Re: Sad to say... I'm new here.
Post by Jonny on Oct 15^th, 2004, 5:49pm

on 10/15/04 at 17:40:39, IrishFan wrote:

I might just have to give that Melatonin a try! Does it make you feel tired in the morn... like you were up and down all night long?

Only if you take to much, try starting at 5 mgs 30 mins before bed time. You can always up that if its not enough.

Good luck!

......................................jonny