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        New Message Board Archives >> 2006-2007 Getting to Know Ya Posts >> New Member, Jan 31, 06
        
(Message started by: Red8ball on Jan 31^st, 2006, 10:56pm)

Title: New Member, Jan 31, 06
Post by Red8ball on Jan 31^st, 2006, 10:56pm

Hello.
I've been lurking around this site for a few days now, and just recently joined. I've been looking for more info regarding cluster headaches, and I'm glad I foound this site. It's comforting knowing I'm not going crazy. I've had cluster headaches for the last 5 years now, on and off. There's so much going on here I want to try to keep this as short as possible so I can browse around and try to learn some more things.
Anyway, my name is Eddie and I'm in the Los Angeles area. I'm 25, and am currently going through some of the worst episodes I've ever experienced. I had never taken any medication before, but recently started taking some pills that so far have been OK. I'm seeing a neurologist that I hope will be able to help me in some way. Other than that, I know I can find some comfort here.
Hope to get to know many of you in here.

C-ya round,
E~

Title: Re: New Member, Jan 31, 06
Post by E-Double on Jan 31^st, 2006, 11:07pm

Hey Eddie,

Sucks your in pain but glad you found your new home!
Educate yourself and live the best you can!

What kinda pills are u referring to?

Plenty to share and plenty to learn.

E

Title: Re: New Member, Jan 31, 06
Post by Red8ball on Jan 31^st, 2006, 11:11pm

I'm absorbing as much info as I can. I'm learning a lot, and have plenty of questions for my next neuro visit next week.
My personal doctor prescribed Amidrine. Looking it up on WebMD, it seems ok. I take them once I feel the onset of the headache. Usually, they dull the pain. SOmetimes I've even felt the pain move from behind my eyeball, to the top of my head, or just under my ear. Those have been new experiences and I don't know what to make of them. They've only happened once or twice, and most times the pain is just dulled.
Usually, my headaches last about 45-60 mins. With the pills, they're more like tension headaches that last 15 mins or so. But if I don't take them early enough, forget it. It'll be a full blown headache.

Title: Re: New Member, Jan 31, 06
Post by RichardN on Feb 1^st, 2006, 11:54pm

Hi Eddie and Welcome

DO read up on the "oxygen info" (link on left) and request, no DEMAND a script for 02. Used properly, it's possible to kill the beast in minutes if used early-on in the attack . . . . longer if (like at night) he gets a harder hold on you before you wake. I can live with the beast if I don't have to "dance" with the bastard.

Works for about 70% of us. I can't take triptans and 02 is my only abortive. Correct regulator and mask essential. There's much info here and many will be along with their own testimonies about 02 therapy.

You have much to read and feel free to ask any questions you may have.

Be Safe PFDANs

Richard

Title: Re: New Member, Jan 31, 06
Post by Red8ball on Feb 2^nd, 2006, 1:02am

Thanks, Richard.
I'm definatly going to lok into the O2 with my neurologist.
One of my main questions is if anyone else here takes or has taken Amidrine. That's what I was given by my personal doctor. It's worked ok, and haven't had too many headaches since, and no bad ones. I've only taken them for about a week and a half and it's been ok.
Anyone out there got any more info.

Title: Re: New Member, Jan 31, 06
Post by TxBasslady on Feb 2^nd, 2006, 1:23am

Amidrine is a combination of Acetaminophen, Dichloralphenazone, and Isometheptene used mostly to treat headaches.

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer.

Dichloralphenazone is a sedative that slows down the central nervous system (brain and nerve impulses), causing relaxation and pain relief.

Isometheptene causes constriction (narrowing) of blood vessels (arteries and veins). This is important in the treatment of headaches.

This is what I found when I googled it. It's probably the Isometheptene in it that gives you relief. Looks like it's used not only for migraines but tension headaches as well.

Most all of the triptans we CH'ers take are commonly used for migraines too.

Check with your doc about the o2....it really works for alot of us. You'll need a non-rebreather mask...and a regulator that'll deliver about 12lpm.

Good luck,

Jean

Title: Re: New Member, Jan 31, 06
Post by LadyElaine on Feb 2^nd, 2006, 7:45am

http://parentsofbpkids.freeservers.com/Words/Welcometoourfamily.gif

Try the o2 it is great suff!

Keep reading the site is full of information. Feel free to email or PM any time.

Title: Re: New Member, Jan 31, 06
Post by Red8ball on Feb 2^nd, 2006, 6:47pm

Thanks for the welcomes and advice. I'm definately going to look into the O2. My next neuro appt is on the 8th, so I'll know then where I go from here.

I go the same info from WebMD regarding Amidrine. Seems to work a bit for me.

Eddie

Title: Re: New Member, Jan 31, 06
Post by PL259 on Feb 2^nd, 2006, 6:56pm

Eddie,
Glad you got here, look to the left at the links, read, print out info. Go to see the neurologist loaded with info. 02 and the med you are taking are abortives, look into meds to prevent the cycle. There are lots of them out there, sadly some work for some people and don't work for others. Sometimes it is an ordeal finding the right "mix" for you.
Best of luck

(I love my little green 02 bottle) ;)

Title: Re: New Member, Jan 31, 06
Post by Guiseppi on Feb 2^nd, 2006, 8:29pm

Welcome to the fun house. It'll sound repetitive, redundant, and like we're repeating ourselves, but do push for the oxygen. With my e-tank under my bed, n the trunk of my car, or in my closet, I know I'm not helpless when the headache starts. And do look into the preventatives also. When I'm on cycle i take 900-1200 mg of lithium a day. It's side effects are minimal and it blocks 80% of my headaches. I do hope you find something that helps you out.

Guiseppi

Title: Hey Eddie!
Post by Richr8 on Feb 2^nd, 2006, 8:57pm

Sorry you had to find us, but glad that you did. You won't hear this enough times, so O2,O2,O2,O2,O2,. Best first line abortive if and when it works. No side effects for most. I'm sure you've read that with lots of other great advice by now. We're all different. Some combination of stuff is gonna be right for you, and not every year or every cycle. So, stay close. someone is always here and the info is always updating. A great place to vent and share also. You are not alone anymore.

PFDAN

Rich

Title: Re: New Member, Jan 31, 06
Post by shenke on Feb 4^th, 2006, 11:14pm

Hi- Just glad you found this place. I'm pretty new here too. I've learned a lot and am currently trying different preventive meds...nothing working for me yet.. so no advise here. I take imitrex injections for my abortive though and it helps. Good luck and we are here.
Sheila