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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Diamond Headache Client - Chicago
        
(Message started by: RJACKSON64 on Jul 15^th, 2006, 10:26am)

Title: Diamond Headache Client - Chicago
Post by RJACKSON64 on Jul 15^th, 2006, 10:26am

I have had CH's for over 20 years. About 2 years ago I went to the Diamond Headache client in Chicago. Simliar to support groups, it certainly gives you a good feeling that there are others out there like me and more importantly there are doctors that are there to help with the expertise to do so. When I went two years ago I was right in the middle of my cycle and it took about 10 days with their treatment to stop my cycle. One key point is to get in once you feel the cycle starting, I am still not good at this point. I went in a little earlier in my cycle this week. I was treated with a form of steroid-Dexamehasone [substitute for Decadron]. The treatment included a shot of steroid[not sure what kind] and Verapamil [blood pressure lowering medicine (note I do not have high blood pressure]. This time it ended the cycle the first night [been about 3 days now-fingers crossed].

If you have bad cases of CH's, I highly recommend to go to see a specialist. We [CH] are a rare group compared to migraine sufferers, however I have been told that CH's are very treatable compared to migraines. I understand that the one treatment may not work for everyone - and may not work everytime for us, but if we find a treatement that works and get into the doctor at the start of the cycle, we do have a fighting chance to stop the pain...

Good luck to all.
Rick Jackson

Title: Re: Diamond Headache Client - Chicago
Post by E-Double on Jul 15^th, 2006, 10:45am

Good luck Rick!!!

The steroids will give us a break!
The verapamil when it gets to a therapeutic level should decrease the intensity.

Best to you

Title: Re: Diamond Headache Client - Chicago
Post by Guiseppi on Jul 15^th, 2006, 11:32am

Welocme to the board. Please keep sharing the info you get from this clinic. You hit it right on the head when you said what works for one doesn't always work for another. Sharing info is what makes this site special. Congrats on the pain free time!

Guiseppi

Title: Re: Diamond Headache Client - Chicago
Post by kcopelin on Jul 15^th, 2006, 3:12pm

Glad they helped-pred tapers while verap kicks in is a classic treatment. Best wishes!
PFDAN y'all,
kathy