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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Possible cycle end?
        
(Message started by: slhaas on Jan 26^th, 2006, 12:20pm)

Title: Possible cycle end?
Post by slhaas on Jan 26^th, 2006, 12:20pm

First off I should update any of you that may care. I finally gave in and went to the doctor... well, I had to go to the doctor to get antibiotics to end an infection, but it was a new doctor, and while I was there I thought I'd press her for som CH advice. She knew a fair amount about them, and was very curious to know more, research for me, and use me as a tool to learn about CHs. This is the exact opposite of how I expected to be treated about it. I brought up the CHs as a small side-note, and we discussed some ideas for therapy, but I didn't take her seriously enough... I guess. Within hours I had an RX for Imitrex and a home delivery of 5 O2 tanks with a high flow regulator. I don't have a rebreather mask, so I don't know if the O2 will be less effective because of that or not, but hey, it's a nice start!

Anyway, I've been taking Imitrex for a while now before I go to bed, and it works wonders to kill the beast when I sleep. I've noticed that after a few days of imitrex, though, I start to get hit during the day. If it's bad enough, and I'm at work, I'll take another Imitrex. Yesterday I got hit, but it wasnt too bad, and I didn't take the imitrex. There was a kip1 or 2 shadow all evening, and eventually it went away with 2 advil. I didn't take an imitrex before bed because I wanted to test the thoery that if I get one during the day I may not get one at night. Also, I have imitrex and )2 in my arsenal now, so it was worth a shot... and I'm trying to detox for a RC seed experiment. Well, I got no CH at night, and now it's about the time I've been getting hit during the day and no CH. Could that kip 1-2 hit have been a sign of the cycle ending, or am I just experiencing a lapse in regularity because of my constant imitrex use? Any ideas?

Also, what is the detox process? If I dont take an imitrex from 11pm on Tuesday night until say 6pm on Friday night, am I detoxed? Do I need to refrain from ibuprophen, etc. as well? Any suggestions on how many RC seeds to try and the best method to effectively take them?

Thanks in advance.

Title: Re: Possible cycle end?
Post by upnover on Jan 26^th, 2006, 6:14pm

I have been using imitrex for more than 5yrs but only during cycles and onset. I do know that you can build up a tolerance for the drug. I think since imitrex has such a short 1/2 life it would'nt be as effective as some others...I have used amerge to help curb the beast during the night,I only take 1/2 a pill before bed to help sleep. As always ck with the Dr. and good luck with your ch

Title: Re: Possible cycle end?
Post by hutton on Jan 26^th, 2006, 6:25pm

hopefully your at the end of the cycle from my experience my attacks intensify for a week or so before they give up. good luck

Title: Re: Possible cycle end?
Post by slhaas on Jan 26^th, 2006, 7:14pm

They were bad the last 2 weeks, and up from 1 per day to 2 or 3. Im hoping to detox and try some RC seeds tomorrow.

Title: Re: Possible cycle end?
Post by slhaas on Jan 26^th, 2006, 7:17pm

on 01/26/06 at 18:14:43, upnover wrote:

I need to make a list of drugs to try. How much Imitrex does your doctor give you? Mine was scared to give me enough for 1 or 2 a day. Not that it'd be bad for me, but because they just don't know for sure, since it is intended for migraines and occasional use. When I told her I'd been taking it every day for over a month without an RX she became more open to it, but wants to try other things like calcium channel blockers, etc. Any reccomendations?

Title: Re: Possible cycle end?
Post by Linda_Howell on Jan 26^th, 2006, 7:22pm

[quote][ She knew a fair amount about them, and was very curious to know more, research for me, and use me as a tool to learn about CHs. This is the exact opposite of how I expected to be/quote]

You are in a very prestigious position my friend.

Your Dr. wants to know. stuff.........please print out lots of info here to give to him.....re: meds, 02 etc.

please keep us informed as to your progress with him.

PLEASE!!!!!!

Linda

Title: Re: Possible cycle end?
Post by upnover on Jan 26^th, 2006, 9:04pm

I get as much as insurance will cover :) Which we all know can be like pulling teeth. I try and stock up when not in cycle. Although now that I have found how well o2 works I'll not be using the needle as much. I am on varapamil now which has aslo been good. The first time I tried varapamil the mg's were to little to do any good. I am on 480mg now and it's going pretty good. This is considered a low dosage to some but everyone is different. there is also Prednisone (sp) tapers..

Title: Re: Possible cycle end?
Post by zwibbs/Scott on Jan 27^th, 2006, 1:07am

When Glaxo Welcome first came out with Imitrex several years ago---it worked wonders for me ( injection) . I injected myself only when I was being hit, and no matter what I did the damn thing wouldn't go away. With the injection I was able to go directly to sleep. By my next cycle--same thing --it worked---BUT--the next cycle It had become ineffective. I would inject myself then 1 hour later--the beast was back !! This really depressed me because I now knew that these headaches were becoming very unpredictable, and I needed a new approach. This cycle oct-dec., 2005-----I went to a Neurologist and he prescribed Prednisone and Verapamil, with protonix to protect my stomach...It worked------I wish you great luck...but I would ask your doctor about your way of taking imitrex.

Title: Re: Possible cycle end?
Post by upnover on Jan 27^th, 2006, 8:07am

There is lots of good info on this site read read read

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

Title: Re: Possible cycle end?
Post by slhaas on Jan 27^th, 2006, 9:11am

on 01/27/06 at 01:07:43, zwibbs/Scott wrote:

I did, and she was hesitant about it, but also curious. On another note, I am now 57hrs since an Imitrex pill and 45hrs since any notable CH, and it was pretty mild. Last night I did wake up and notice I had what felt like a shadow... which has, in the past, been a sign that Im about to get hardcore in an hr. or so, but nothing came of it. I have been taking 1 3mg melatonin, 1 benadryl and 2 ibuprophen before bed the last 2 nights. The ibuprophen is really a waste, and I know it, but part of me is scared and desperate not to get hit. Ive proven to myself that the melatonin and benadryl help slightly, but don't kill the CH, so maybe that's what happened.

Hopefully Im on my way out for a while from this Nov-Feb cluster, and tonight I plan to do a serious RC seed dose. I took 15 with no change 2 wks ago, so tonight maybe more. Any suggestions on my RC seed experiment?