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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> new member
        
(Message started by: knucklehead on Jun 21^st, 2006, 6:57pm)

Title: new member
Post by knucklehead on Jun 21^st, 2006, 6:57pm

Hi everyone,
Until I found this site, I honestly thought I was possessed by some kind of demon out to destroy my life, now I know there are many others fighting the devil.
I am new but wanted to share some info. I am taking "Amerge" (naratriptan hydrochloride) and it is working. I can feel the pain starting, take half of a 2.5mg tab and it usually stops the attack in its tracks.
Sam

Title: Re: new member
Post by Jonny on Jun 21^st, 2006, 7:05pm

on 06/21/06 at 18:57:30, knucklehead wrote:

I honestly thought I was possessed by some kind of demon out to destroy my life

You are, we call it "The Beast"

On this site you will learn how to battle the beast and take your life back.

Sorry you have to be here, but welcome to the family.

The folks will be by soon to welcome you.

Never give up!!!!!

............................jonny

Title: Re: new member
Post by medic1852 on Jun 21^st, 2006, 7:11pm

Hidy ho Sam. Sorry your here but glad to meet you.. Read up and hopefully you will find what you need and friendship to boot.
Rodger

Title: Re: new member
Post by Linda_Howell on Jun 21^st, 2006, 8:53pm

Welcome to the jungle-gym Sam,

Amerge is one of a group of drugs called Triptans and it's great, but takes a while to take effect in the pill form. Might want to ask your Dr. for Imitrex nasel spray or injections.

We're a contentious bunch but we don't bite and we'll all try to help you in any way we can.

Linda

Title: Re: new member
Post by Mattrf on Jun 21^st, 2006, 9:36pm

Welcome aboard Sam and welcome to the funny farm, feel free to ask questions and vent all you want if there is one thing we understand on this site, it’s each other and our pain.

Matt

Title: Re: new member
Post by BarbaraD on Jun 22^nd, 2006, 6:48am

Welcome to Clusteville Sam. Grab a chair and READ READ READ.

someone is here 24/7 if you have a problem or need to vent. And most of us have "been there - done that" so we KNOW how you feel.

Hugs BD

Title: Re: new member
Post by Sandy_C on Jun 22^nd, 2006, 1:00pm

Hi Sam, nice to meet ya!

Make sure you read up on the oxygen tips to the left. O2 has worked miracles for so many people here, and it's not a drug, it's safe, has no harmful side effects, and will abort a hit in minutes.

I haven't tried Amerge tabs, but I do have Imitrex (Sumatriptan) tabs that I do take. Both are slow acting. I'm one of those scarey cats who just can't fathom sticking myself with a needle, so I haven't tried the injections yet. But, I am/have tried alternative meds. Go to the Medications board and read up on Kudzu - it's been very helpful to many of us, and go to

clusterbusters.com where you'll find info on other alternative meds.

Welcome home, Sam. You've found family that you never thought you'd have.

Sandy

Title: Re: new member
Post by georgej on Jun 26^th, 2006, 12:12pm

Welcome, Sam.

Nope, you're not alone. I understand what you're saying about being possessed--the odd thing about these nasties is that it's as if you're being attacked by something outside, and not within. Why is that such a common perception, I wonder?

Anyway, look around and judge for yourself as far as this site is concerned. I've gotten better information and advice here than anywhere else I've ever been.

Wishing you many PF nights and days.

George

Title: Re: new member
Post by Bob P on Jun 26^th, 2006, 2:54pm

Hi Sam. Good you've found an abortive that works. Now time to work on a preventative. May ask about:
Verapamil
Topomax
Prednisone
Clusterbusters

Good luck to ya.

Title: Re: new member
Post by BlueMeanie on Jun 27^th, 2006, 7:51pm

Hi Sam & Welcome,

I agree Amerge works pretty good, but you have to take it immediately as soon as the "oh shit" feeling comes.

I get Amerge refills only because the insurance don't cover enough Trex. Sprays and Injections are much much faster. (If you get more than one type of Triptan, NEVER take them both within at least 24 hours of each other). It is very dangerous to mix Triptans.

It's funny how we all think there is a Beast out there even before we find this site. :D

Take care & PFDAN vibes to ya. Hope your cycle is short.

Title: Re: new member
Post by Charlie on Jun 27^th, 2006, 9:24pm

Welcome Sam and I'm sorry you have to deal with this horror. I'll leave the drug treatments to the others but here something that worked well for me. I may sound strange but give it a shot.

35 years ago, I met a no-nonsense neurologist and he was a godsend. I had just begun seeing him for my epilepsy when my fall CH cycle began I made an extra appointment hoping hecould help me deal with this horror. He could and he did.

Dr. Wright’s Circulatory Technique:

I am not sure what mechanism is triggered by this but whatever it is, at least indirectly helps kill the pain. I do know that this technique has nothing to do with meditation, relaxation, or psychic ability. It is entirely physical and takes some work. It involves concentrating on trying to redirect a little circulation to the arms, hands, or legs. It can described as a conscious circulatory flexing. Increased circulation will result in a reddening and warming of the hands. Try to think of it as filling your hands with redirected blood. The important and difficult part is that it has to be done without interruption through the pain. Do not give up in frustration. It may not work on the first try. Every now and then it will work almost immediately. I lived for those moments. Try experimenting between attacks. You will find that it gets easier with practice.

I was given less than five minutes instruction in the use of method. The doctor, while placing his arm on his desk, showed me that he could slightly increase his arm and hand circulation. After several attempts, I was able to repeat this procedure and use it successfully. I have had about a 75% success rate shortening these attacks. My 20 minute attacks were often reduced to 10 minutes or less. Once proven that I had a chance to effectively deal with this horror, I always gave it a try as I had nothing to lose but pain.

Perhaps it will help if you think of it as trying to fill the arm as if it is were an empty vessel. I used to try to imagine I was pushing blood away from my head into my arm. Use your imagination. There is one man who wrote that his standing barefoot on a concrete floor shortened his attacks. This may be similar as it draws some circulation away from the head. Cold water, exercise, or anything affecting circulation, seems to be worth a try. My suggestion is to not let up immediately when the pain goes. Waiting a minute is probably a good idea. So long as you do not slack off, this has a chance of working.

This technique is very useful while waiting for medication to take effect or when none is available. It costs nothing, is non-invasive, and can be used just about anywhere. It is not a miracle but it helped me deal with this horror. It can be a bit exhausting but the success rate was good enough for me and a cluster headache sufferer will do just about anything to end the pain. It gives us a fighting chance.

Charlie

Title: Re: new member
Post by Jasmyn on Jun 28^th, 2006, 4:15am

Hi Sam, I'm glad you found us. This is a great place and a hell of a support group. :)