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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> question for those with ch AND migraine
        
(Message started by: BKJ on Jul 5^th, 2006, 8:48am)

Title: question for those with ch AND migraine
Post by BKJ on Jul 5^th, 2006, 8:48am

This question is directed at those who are migraine AND cluster sufferers.

Did your migraines ease or stop after the CH began?

The background for my question: I have had frequent incapacitating migraine HA lasting 3 days for about 3 years. But I also had what I now know to be CH starting about the same time as the migraine based on the symptoms which are distintcly different. But they were very infrequent. Then last Sept. I had a radical change to complete CH. No further migraines!!! I never took preventative for migraine (stupid me!) but knew I had to take them for CH if I were to survive the pain. I have been on Verapamil and Depakote for CH since then with good results. Only have to take take an occasional abortive. Not wanting to have that much chemical in my body, I have tried to reduce dosage several times to no avail until 2 weeks ago when I felt a distinct change in my headache pattern. So now I am to the point of being able to completely come off but haven't done so because I am in fear of triggering a return to migraines.

I know I will never know if the migraines return unless I come off all prevents. But does anybody have any experience with meds and their cluster and migraine headaches?

The way I figure it the summer will be my only CH free period but I am thrilled I have any PF time. Well it's not completely PF as I have small hits but nothing I can't handle.

Title: Re: question for those with ch AND migraine
Post by Katherinecm on Jul 5^th, 2006, 10:12am

Um, for me I've had an intractable migraine since shortly before this cycle began, over a year ago now. The only thing that lessened it slightly was Topamax, but even then it wasn't gone completely, just more livable.

Title: Re: question for those with ch AND migraine
Post by floridian on Jul 5^th, 2006, 10:56am

on 07/05/06 at 08:48:36, BKJ wrote:

This question is directed at those who are migraine AND cluster sufferers.

Did your migraines ease or stop after the CH began?

Nope. I have had occasional ocular migraines for the past 20 years. It seems to come and go on its own schedule, though getting really hot and sweating alot is more likely to trigger a migraine. Sweating is also a trigger for the beast, but I don't remember having a migraine when in cycle for clusters.

Title: Re: question for those with ch AND migraine
Post by Charlotte on Jul 5^th, 2006, 11:05am

I'm chronic and have a never ending series of varrying cycles. Since this February, most have been 2 hours apart.

The only migraines I've had this year were at the end of each mini-cycle when the pain intensity increases and the hits come back to back with a few minutes in between. That's when I seem to get the migraines, now.

In the past, working nights and staying up the next day always brought on a migraine, driving through the palm threes in hte sunlight, eating popcorn, always.

Now, just at the end of the mini-cycles.

Charlotte

ps I'm exhausted. Has anyone else had them every 2 hours?

Title: Re: question for those with ch AND migraine
Post by lionsound on Jul 5^th, 2006, 9:10pm

Quote:

Did your migraines ease or stop after the CH began?

no, I get them both at the same time.

I use Oxygen to abort both. Works more than half of the time.

Title: Re: question for those with ch AND migraine
Post by Dixiedelight on Jul 10^th, 2006, 7:01am

I was chronic at one time. I never had a cluster and migrain together. But I had them inbetween attacks. Most of the time the Migrain kept the ch at bay. When I did have a cluster after or before a migrain it seemed twice as bad.

Title: Re: question for those with ch AND migraine
Post by MorePower on Jul 10^th, 2006, 9:04am

I have had Migraines as far back as I can remember. My migraines were always the worst working midnight shifts. For 17 yrs, I have been working rotating shifts. The last 6 months I have been off and only had 1 migraine. When I do 2 weeks of midnight shifts I get aleast 2 a week. Therefore with me being off and sleeping normal again. I beleive my circadium rythem is getting back to normal I believe that is helping my body. I still frequent headaches several times a week and I am a chronic CH suffer for 1 yr now. My migraines are the type where ya wanna throw up, curl up in a ball and find rock in pure darkness. I don't miss them. But if I had the oppurtunity to trade. I would trade a lifetime of migraines for NO MORE CH's.....

Title: Re: question for those with ch AND migraine
Post by BKJ on Jul 10^th, 2006, 3:27pm

I guess then that I am lucky. I continue to lower my preventatives and keep getting hit with CH's (mild to moderate but haven't had to take an abortive yet during this process) but NO migraines. I just don't know how I could stand to have both at the same time or alternating. Migraines kept me in down time more than clusters but clusters initially made me have bad thoughts. For all of you having to deal with both, I feel for you even more. I just hope I don't wind up dealing with both again. Thanks for the input.