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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Few questions from new member
        
(Message started by: danimal on Feb 23^rd, 2006, 6:02am)

Title: Few questions from new member
Post by danimal on Feb 23^rd, 2006, 6:02am

Hello everyone. I'am a new member and have been battling these monsters for about ten years now. My most recent episodes were in Sept.05 and was finally diagnosed by a Dr. at the ER. My neurologist has me taking 2 doses of Depakote daily and Imitrex 100mg during onset of attacks.My questions are:Does anybody else take Depakote daily? and The other night my wife and I were having sex and at the moment of orgasm I started to feel a "flash" and mild headaches immediatly afterwards and now feel like maybe start of another cycle.Has this ever happened to any of you.

Title: Re: Few questions from new member
Post by Bob_Johnson on Feb 23^rd, 2006, 6:36am

The pill form of Imitrex is not as effective for cluster as is the injection--on time for onset of action is too slow.

Sex has been recognized as a trigger for some folks.

Here is a link to read and print and take to your doctor. It describes preventive, transitional, abortive and surgical treatments for CH. (2002)

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

Suggest you review your meds plan with the doc.

Title: Re: Few questions from new member
Post by danimal on Feb 23^rd, 2006, 7:17am

Thanks for the info I will take it with me to my Dr. appointment next week.This is the coolest website.It has been a nightmare the last few years since my attacks have been much more severe and longer lasting.None of the doctors really knew to much about my problem and would often shrug them off as typical migraines or even sinus infections until this most recent episode.I have learned more from reading the info and stories from fellow sufferers than anyone in the medical field I have dealt with.I certainly appreciate all of your advice.

Title: Re: Few questions from new member
Post by Guiseppi on Feb 23^rd, 2006, 11:31am

Bob's advice is the best, print out the link and bring it with you when you see your neuro. There are very few doctors who see clusters so bringing them all the info makes their job easier and increases your odds of success. Welcome to our family and please tell us what does and doesn't work for you. It's how we all learn. Wishing you luck!!

PS I'm fortunate, sex is not a trigger on or off cycle!

Guiseppi

Title: Re: Few questions from new member
Post by Karla on Feb 23^rd, 2006, 1:49pm

Imitrix nasal spray works just as fast 10-15 min. as the injection and you don't have to deal with the pokes just the nasal drainage. Tradeoffs [smiley=huh.gif]

I would recomend trying verapamil(calan) up to 960mg and/or lithium(900mg) or predisone taper or topamax or neurontin or elavil. See the link on the left for oxygen<== It is a life savor. You would use it instead of the imitrex. It works in about 15 min. and your ha is gone and it is a natural method. Usually the insurance companies will only give you 6 ns a month. So you need something to supplement the imitrex so you can be pain free. Also most ha last 45 min. to 2 hours long. Waiting an hr for a tablet to kick in can be unexceptable. You need fast relief. Depakote has been tried here on the board by a few but with poor/no positive results. Good luck!

Title: Re: Few questions from new member
Post by debrakayjohnson on Feb 23^rd, 2006, 2:30pm

Welcome. I'm a newbie too and do enjoy the website and the help it does offer.

Two cycles ago I started taking Depakote and it shortened my cycle by one month. My last cycle I started taking the depakote again and my left eye swelled shut, and my cycle was one month longer. This cycle I was taken off of it. I hope it works for you.

As far as sex as a trigger, yes definately! Also found that smoke from fire is a trigger. Unfortunately, husband is a fireman! lol

Title: Re: Few questions from new member
Post by pfunk on Feb 23^rd, 2006, 10:18pm

I took depakote a few years ago and it didn't seem to work too well for me. The docs started me off on topamax and it worked fairly well as a preventative (just be sure you look at its side effects. I got kidney stones.) I have since begun verapamil and it has given me some relief in that I seem to only be getting 2-3 hits a day instead 5-7. I've only been onit for about a week now, so I'm hoping it means things can only get better from here. There seem to be more people taking taking verap. with much success. Hope some of this helps you.
PFDANs to you.

Pfunk 8)

Title: Re: Few questions from new member
Post by Dragnlance on Feb 24^th, 2006, 5:10pm

luckily for me, sex is not a trigger.
I have not tried Depakote so cannot tell you much about it.

I hope it works for you however!

Dragn

Title: Re: Few questions from new member
Post by BarbaraD on Feb 26^th, 2006, 8:00pm

What's sex?

I'm OLD you know..... :)

Hugs BD