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        New Message Board Archives >> 2004-2005 Getting to Know Ya Posts >> My Experience
        
(Message started by: Don_Juan on Jan 18^th, 2005, 10:35pm)

Title: My Experience
Post by Don_Juan on Jan 18^th, 2005, 10:35pm

Hi Everyone,

I thought describing my experience might be the best way to introduce myself. Pain wakes me up! I'm sweating even on a cold night. My left eye is almost swollen shut and a steady tear stream is rolling down my left cheek. My nose and sinus are completely congested and the pressure is enormous. My neck feels like I had wip lash on one side and it (the pain) seems to travel all throughtout that side of my head with the epicenter being just behind my left eye. It's so exhausting yet I can't lie down and start pacing. I even go out in the backyard and start walking around wile massaging the left eye socket and bobbing my head. Some how my dogs know I'm in a lot of pain because they patiently follow me around and look at me instead of jumping on me and wanting to play. (Or maybe it's because it's around 2 AM and they are just tired. HA HA) This goes on for an hour usually, somtimes longer. I then lie down exhausted after it's over only for it to get me again after I fall asleep. I used to take advil until I was taking way to much and it was every night. I used to be episotic but am now chronic for 2 years. I am 33 years old. My life style has totally changed and I am exhausted. The doctors couldn't seem to do anything and always looked puzzled when I told them I had to pace the back yard. THat didn't fit a migraine headache. I was getting very frustrated having no real answers. I finally found this site about 2 months ago and diagnosed myself. I couldn't believe it! I was greatful to finally get some real information although sorry anyone else has to get these evil headaches. I do think they are evil by the way. I went to a neuro and he was familiar with cluster headaches and he prescribed me predisone(3 wks), verapamil, and imitrex and morphine to abort. The predisone did work immediately but after the three weeks the verapamil only helped. The H/A were not as severe (kip 3-4) and not as frequent. I couldn't handle the side effects of the verapamil (I'm having second thoughts since the H/A are back). It made my blood pressure too low, my heart feel like it was skipping and my fingers and toes numb. Since quitting the verapamil I have used up my imitrex tabs, and half the morphine. I also get under the shower and that sometimes helps until the meds kick in. I also tried advil one night since I hadn't had it in a while and it didn't do crap. My next step is to get with the docter and see if he will prescribe me oxygen so I can get off the pills. I have also started taking melitonin and drinking more water and less soda (although sometimes I just need my caffine to get rid of the daytime shadow's, I think) THats another thing, just when you think you figuired something out, like a trigger, it changes. The only thing I know besides sleep that will trigger a H/A is alchohol. I have had to completely quit drinking. I have also read alot about the new shroom treatment and was able to get enough for one dose. I definetlely think it changed something but I still got a headache that night. I also didn't detox for a week off the morphin wich I read is important. I read this after the fact. I dont have any more but being in Florida it shouldn't be a problem once it warms up a bit. I'll try again, having the oxygen and being able to detox. I'll also try 3-4 doses to completely knock it out. The thought of having to take verapamil,predison, imitrex, and morphine for ever is just depressing. I really hope the treatment works because it is natural and doesn't have to be taken that frequently. THats my Story.

PS - Sorry my spelling sucks, I was more of a math kid in school.

Don in Tampa

Title: Re: My Experience
Post by athome on Jan 19^th, 2005, 12:03am

Hi Don
Welcome and sorry for your pain. I have tried the melatonin and just last night for the 1st time the o2. All of this has seemed to help but it has not killed the beast or stopped the cycle either. Everyone is different so try experimenting and see what works for you. Wishing you PFDAN from another Floridian.

Title: Re: My Experience
Post by nani on Jan 19^th, 2005, 12:30am

Quote:

I went to a neuro and he was familiar with cluster headaches and he prescribed me predisone(3 wks), verapamil, and imitrex and morphine to abort.

If he were really knowledgeable, he would know that morphine won't do anything to abort a CH. Trex will abort, not narcotics. Look at the oxygen info link on the left and print it for your next appointment. You may have to increase his knowledge. Pain free wishes, nani

Title: Re: My Experience
Post by Redrum on Jan 19^th, 2005, 9:50am

Welcome, your story sounds very familiar, sorry. But at least you found this site and you'll be gald you did! Personally I'm a big fan of O2 and melatonin. I also liked verapamil but had the same problem with low blood pressure.

Read everything you can here and keep your doctor educated....Good luck and PFDAN

~Andy

ps- my spellings no better ;;D