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        New Message Board Archives >> 2004-2005 Getting to Know Ya Posts >> New from Louisiana
        
(Message started by: Dog on Feb 10^th, 2005, 1:34am)

Title: New from Louisiana
Post by Dog on Feb 10^th, 2005, 1:34am

Hey everyone. I just found this site, and realized I'm not alone. I'm 35 and have been a clusterhead since 23 years old. Like most, I bounced around between doctors and was diagnosed with everything from a sinus infection to alergies to stress, to a vitamin deficiency. I finally got out of the small town I'm in and went to Dr. Herbert Edmondson in Houston, TX. He diagnosed "Clusters" and here I am.

I've been in a cycle since around Christmas. The Dr. put me on some blood pressure meds, Zomig nasal spray, and a daily dose of Depakote. I just went back to him yesterday because it wasn't working very well. He took me off of the Blood Pressure meds, kept me on the Depakote and changed the Zomig to a daily dose of Amerge. Now, after fighting with my insurance company since yesterday, I still do not have the Amerge. They want something from my Doctor saying that it is medicaly necessary. I would love for them to have one of these headaches!! Anyway, I have one dose of Zomig left for tonight, then hopefully I will be able to get the other filled.

The folks who have no insurance, God Help You! These meds are very expensive. Anyway, thats my story. I'm looking forward to talking with you and hopefully meeting some new friends.
Darryl

Title: Re: New from Louisiana
Post by BobG on Feb 10^th, 2005, 1:45am

Hello Darryl. Welcome to the board. Sorry you have a reason to be here.
Have you looked into oxygen yet? Many people are having success with it as an abortive. And it seems that verapamil is the med of choice as a preventive.
Check out the buttons on the left side of your screen. Lots of good information there.

Title: Re: New from Louisiana
Post by Dog on Feb 10^th, 2005, 1:56am

Thanks for the welcome Bob. My doctor mentioned oxygen, but for some reason didn't prescribe it. The Zomig works but I have to take it at the onset of a HA. As I told him yesterday, it doesn't work very well, when you wake up with a full blown HA at 2 in the morning. That is why he is going with the Amerge for one month. He says that should break the cycle. The Amerge is the same med as the Zomig, but in pill form you can take daily. WE WILL SEE, and I will let you know how it works. This guy is supposed to be cutting edge, and he specializes in nothing but Head Aches.
I just thank God I have insurance, even though they are giving me a problem with the prescription. I read the young lady's story below and my heart just went out to her.
Darryl

Title: Re: New from Louisiana
Post by RichardN on Feb 10^th, 2005, 2:26am

Hey Daryl and Welcome

But you're going to have to help him specialize in Cluster Headaches.

Check out the 02 link to the left, and while you're at it, go over to the "Treatments, Medications,Therapys" board and look at the 02 poll started by cheryl. For those of us it works for, it's wonderful. Lot's more 02 info here you can copy and take to your doctor . . . you need a script for the 02 AND the correct regulator/mask.

02 is my only abortive (can't take triptans) and I use Verapamil 240mg (120 morn and evening) as preventative. Also 6mg Melatonin before bed and water/water/water.

Stick arround, ask all the questions you want. Much info/sharing/caring/understanding here.

Be safe, PFDANs

Richard

Title: Re: New from Louisiana
Post by Bob_Johnson on Feb 10^th, 2005, 11:19am

Turn your printer on and download. It's a good overview of major treatments written by one of the better headache docs in the U.S. The info would give you a good tool for talking with your doc.

http://www.headachedrugs.com/pdf/HA2005.pdf

Title: Re: New from Louisiana
Post by sandie99 on Feb 10^th, 2005, 2:41pm

Hi Darryl! :)
Welcome aboard! So sorry that you have CH. I hope you'll find meds which work!
Good luck with your battle against the beast.

Best wishes & PFdays,
Sandie

Title: Re: New from Louisiana
Post by Dog on Feb 11^th, 2005, 1:51am

Thanks guys! I have actually had 3 PF days thanks to the triptans. I finally got the Amerge filled today. That crap cost over 400 dollars for 18 pills. Thank God for insurance! I'll let you know how it works. The blood pressure med is Verapimil, which seems common around here. Hoping for another PF night!
Darryl

Title: Re: New from Louisiana
Post by Bigbob on Feb 11^th, 2005, 8:07pm

Took Amerge last time I was in cycle about 5 years ago. Worked for awhile but when you get a breakthrough CH while on Amerge they are a 8 or 9. Plus if you suffer from high blood pressure then amerge can make things worse. Good Luck, I am currently in new cylcle, started this week, I am going to try Imitrex and O2.

Title: Re: New from Louisiana
Post by SLanegan on Feb 12^th, 2005, 3:42pm

Hey Dog!!!! Used to live in LA, Fort Polk from 1993 -1997. Go Army.

Sorry you have to be here but glad that you found us. This site is the best site in the world. The folks here have helped me so much, just in understanding and with compassion.

Look this link up.

http://www.brightok.net/~mnjday/chtherapy.pdf

E-Double sent me this link and it helped me with a whole lot of info on meds. Me neuro actually looked at it and took some advise from it.

I am currently using Imitrex Injections only for abortive. Have O2 coming, but, the military insurance system says it will take another week for it to arrive, at least I know I am getting it. I get hit 4 -6 times in a 24 hr period and only two shots hurts. I have yet to try the little tip on injections yet but am going to probably today sometime, next attack.

Am also on Prednision, step down dosages over the next 2 weeks as a Transistional Therapy until my Depakote kicks in fully as my Preventative Therapy.

Once agian, read as much as you can on this site and on the OUCH site. Lots of good info.

Anyways, take care Dog and many PFDANs to you.

Master Sergeant Sean

Title: Re: New from Louisiana
Post by SLanegan on Feb 12^th, 2005, 3:46pm

One other note, Dog. Go to Walmart or nearest drug store and buy some Melatonin, 3mg. It is a OTC supplement that can help your sleep patterns at night and help to stop the night attacks. Since I have been taking them (3 pills for 9mg about 30 minutes before I hit the bed) I have had PFNs. Don't know if this is the reason for the PFNs but, have read up on this, talked to several folks here, as well as my neuro and they all suggest to try.

MasterSergeantSean

Title: Re: New from Louisiana
Post by Sean_C on Feb 12^th, 2005, 4:05pm

I have cousins that live in Baton Rouge. You have absolutely the most beautiful women in Louisianna, you a lucky man ;;D

Cheers

Sean......................

Title: Re: New from Louisiana
Post by Dog on Feb 13^th, 2005, 11:43pm

Thanks for your replies Master Sgt. and SeanC.
The Dr. and I are using the Depakote and the Amerge as a preventative. I take both of them just before bedtime. Its working perfectly so far. Sleeping like a baby and I have had 6 PFD's so far. Life is good right now, so I don't want to change a thing!! After church today I tried taking a nap, and was woken up with the warning signs. I ran straight to the bathroom and took one of the Amerge, and it went away before it ever got started.
Sean, I agree that the most beautiful women live here in Louisiana. In fact, I've been married to the most beautiful Southern Bell in Louisiana for over 12 years now. In fact we have a 9 year old, soon to be Southern Bell, of our own. We also have a 2 year old, very lucky young man, to enjoy all of the other Southern Bells running loose around here.

Boudreaux was hunting Geese and knocked one down from 300 feet above. It fell but it's momentum carried it to Thibodeaux's field. Boudreaux crossed the fence and was about to pick it up when Thibodeaux stopped him. "It's on my side of the fence, it's my bird", said Thibodeaux. "But, I shot him", said Boudreaux. "I tell ya what, lets settle it like men. Each of us get's a punch, the one still standing at the end, gets the bird." suggested Thibodeaux. "OK" agreed Boudreaux. Thibodeaux rared back and slugged Boudreaux right in the sweet spot of the jaw, knocking him flat of his back and half loopy. Boudreaux shook and cleared his head, got up, brushed his self off, and said "My turn". Thibodeaux looked at him and said "Nah, you take em, I changed my mind", and walked back to his blind.

Title: Re: New from Louisiana
Post by Dog on Feb 14^th, 2005, 1:03am

My wife says that my Cycle was brought on by the Saints season. [smiley=laugh.gif]
Darryl

Title: Re: New from Louisiana
Post by Sean_C on Feb 14^th, 2005, 1:24am

[smiley=laugh.gif]