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        New Message Board Archives >> 2006-2007 Getting to Know Ya Posts >> So what do ya'll do????????????
        
(Message started by: bothofus on Sep 2^nd, 2006, 8:36pm)

Title: So what do ya'll do????????????
Post by bothofus on Sep 2^nd, 2006, 8:36pm

After the 2nd imitrex shot in a 24 hour period? I have cheated the system but don't like pushing the envelope. I tried the red bull earlier today, but it didn't work. My doc just changed me from topamax to depakote. Also tramadol which i didn't understand. I know it's a pain killer, it's just that pills have never worked fast enough. So again what do ya'll do?
Carl

Title: Re: So what do ya'll do????????????
Post by prcole18 on Sep 2^nd, 2006, 9:11pm

Personally I do the Imigran (imitrex)

I'm not saying you should do this, but I havent had any problems in taking more than 2 in 24 hours, also told my doctor that I do this.

Basically if I have a kip 6 & above come on there is no way im going mad for an hour with the pain.

Title: Re: So what do ya'll do????????????
Post by bothofus on Sep 2^nd, 2006, 9:16pm

I agree, just was a little scared of over medicating. I guess I should try to get the oxygen set up. My insurance won't pay for it. These last few days and nights have been killer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Carl

Title: Re: So what do ya'll do????????????
Post by nani on Sep 2^nd, 2006, 10:18pm

Hi Carl, welcome. Look at the Imitrex tip, over there:
<--------------------------

Look at welders oxygen. That's what I use.
pain free wishes, nani

Title: Re: So what do ya'll do????????????
Post by bothofus on Sep 2^nd, 2006, 10:35pm

Yeah I read the imitrex tip but didn't think I could give myself the shot at the proper depth, you know, sub-whatever just under the skin.
The oxygen thing would help to not have to worry about the effects of too much imitrex.
What also is bad is the sleep I'm missing with these killers. Haven't slept for more than 3 hrs at a time in about 5 days now. I feel like nightmare on elm street and jason is my ch. No pun intended.
Carl
PS: Or was that Freddie Krueger?

Title: Re: So what do ya'll do????????????
Post by burnt-toast on Sep 3^rd, 2006, 3:28am

Many of us understand the problem with lack of sleep.

For some reason I've had little success with abortives and turned to drinking hot tea and using ice packs pretty much jammed into my eye, side of my nose, temple, forehead and jaw.

I apply ice packs directly to my face (nothing wrapped around the pack). I have several ice packs frozen and move one around the right side of my face/head as I pace. Switching to a another fully frozen pack regularly helps.

Best wishes,

Tom

Title: Re: So what do ya'll do????????????
Post by bothofus on Sep 3^rd, 2006, 4:14am

Hello, I've used ice packs or a cold wet rag to help aleviate the pain but just not to abort one. Not lately anyway.

Although in the 80's there wasn't much I could do at home for them, no trex, just cafergot,and whatever pain pills the doc thought would work, which wouldn't in time.

I was just sure that after 2 shots in 24 hrs ya'll surely just didn't suffer through these. It's gotten to the point I don't think I could do it anymore.
Carl

Title: Re: So what do ya'll do????????????
Post by thebbz on Sep 3^rd, 2006, 1:33pm

;) First thing I would do is get off the tramadol. It dont work anyway , makes you drowsy and helps the beast. I try to stretch out the Imitrex between the 02 and coffee. It helps not to get a rebound cycle going with any of these aborts.
I have in the past exceeded the maximum 24 hour dose. Thats an indication to me I'm in a rebound situation.
Hope your doing better and yes it's Freddy Kreuger.
jb
[smiley=twocents.gif]

Title: Re: So what do ya'll do????????????
Post by bothofus on Sep 3^rd, 2006, 4:44pm

Thanks, I couldn't tell if the tramadol was making me drowsy or just the lack of sleep or both. In trying not to take so much of the trex. Today I have taken the tramadol to get it in my system hoping it would help some. Had about a 5 earlier that went away on its own and just got through with a 7- 8 with a cold rag and time. Did manage to sleep about 4 hrs straight before the 5 though.
Carl

Title: Re: So what do ya'll do????????????
Post by BB on Sep 6^th, 2006, 2:26am

Get off the Tramadol if you can, its narcotics. It doesnt do anything for the pain and it causes dependency, tolerance and addiction if used frequently or long term. My DH was on it and had a hard time getting off it, caused heaps of rebound headaches which were terrible.

With the imitrex injection, subcutaneous means just under the skin, doesnt matter exactly how deep, as long as you go in at an angle and not perpendicular you are fine. The cutaneious layer is about 2-3 mm thick.

Good luck and pain free wishes to you.

Annette

Title: Re: So what do ya'll do????????????
Post by bothofus on Sep 6^th, 2006, 3:52am

Thanks for the pain free wishes. I haven't taken the Tramadol since this post.
Could ya send some more pf wishes? Been up since 1:30 am afraid to go back to sleep. The alarm goes off at 3 am anyway. Need the trex refill.
Carl

Title: Re: So what do ya'll do????????????
Post by BB on Sep 6^th, 2006, 7:42am

HEEAAAPPPS of painfree wishes to you :)

And then some MORE ...

and again MANY MANY MORE painfree wishes comming your way

Coupled with prayers ..

Hope that helps :)

Annette

Title: Re: So what do ya'll do????????????
Post by bothofus on Sep 6^th, 2006, 11:11am

You Bet the Wishes and Prayers especially help!!!!!!!!!

Just got the trex refilled and an old scrip of prednisone refilled. Took the day off, didn't want to go in without my trex sword.

Going to try and take a nap before long.

We'll see what happens !?!?

Thanks again, Carl

Title: Re: So what do ya'll do????????????
Post by maffumatt on Sep 6^th, 2006, 4:52pm

You don't have to use the statdose pen, you can get Imitrex in vials and use insulin needles. I give the injection into the fat on my belly. It is less painfull and I can split the doses. An added benifit is that the vials come 5 vials to a box compared to 4 with the refills. For me that is 3 extra doses.
Matt

Title: Re: So what do ya'll do????????????
Post by CHAIN on Sep 6^th, 2006, 7:14pm

I have the exact problem. What I did was get 50 mg of Imitrex Instead of the 100 mg because I have various episodes during a day. I have gone almost to 250 and my stomach imidiately complains but hey....

Title: Re: So what do ya'll do????????????
Post by bothofus on Sep 7^th, 2006, 4:20am

An added benifit is that the vials come 5 vials to a box compared to 4 with the refills. For me that is 3 extra doses.
Matt

Hello Matt, I've heard here on these boards about the imitrex vials, hmmm will have to talk to my doc and ins. I pay $25 for a 5 pack of 2 shots each.

And thanks chain for that added info.

Had 2 yesterday and 2 last night all were shooters. We'll see what the day brings and if the preds will help the depakote help me.

Carl

Title: Re: So what do ya'll do????????????
Post by big_guy on Sep 7^th, 2006, 5:43am

Have you looked at what the pharmacy is billing insurance for Imitrex? Luckely I am on 100% coverage right now but my last refill was 3 boxes of 2 statdose refills each, 6 shots, $512.89. Criminal

Big Guy

Title: Re: So what do ya'll do????????????
Post by bothofus on Sep 7^th, 2006, 8:47pm

MERCY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I knew they were high but......................

Carl

Title: Re: So what do ya'll do????????????
Post by kcopelin on Sep 8^th, 2006, 4:11pm

This may or may not help the sleep situation...9 mg of melatonin and 50 mg of benadryl. worked for me..and a few others
prayers for some pain free time and a good nights sleep!
kathy

Title: Re: So what do ya'll do????????????
Post by bothofus on Sep 8^th, 2006, 6:39pm

Hello Kathy,

Thanks for the pain free wishes!
I slept 6 hrs last night, no hits and none today so far.
Still taking the depakote and started prednisone 2-3 days ago. Could be that or near the end of my cycle.

I'll take either one or both!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Carl

Title: Re: So what do ya'll do????????????
Post by Ritzcracker on Sep 8^th, 2006, 8:54pm

Hello Everyone, Carl, Annette, Matt, Kathy, jb, big guy sorry if I missed anyone:
I'm not exactly new to this family, I registered several years ago but became so severe I lost touch. So in a sense I am re-introducing myself. I am a ch for 25 years straight! Every year for 2-3 months. I have tried many meds you've mentioned. Currently I am doing the very expensive imitrex shots. Carl or some of you mentioned ice packs. This is what my husband helps me do, its a ritual, prep the bathroom sink, fill it with cold water, add lots of ice and dunk that son of b, aka Freddie, aka cluster headache in it for as long as you can stand it. Remember to always breath through your mouth. When u r not submerge, pour ice water over u r head etc. Sometimes I have to combine this treatment with warm or hot shower message and back and forth until I get some relief. Hope this works for some of you. I will continue to stay tune. Thanks, I wish u all relief and hours of sleep.
Maritza