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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> confession...
        
(Message started by: mr.c on Jul 26^th, 2006, 1:20pm)

Title: confession...
Post by mr.c on Jul 26^th, 2006, 1:20pm

I wanted to discuss something... I guess I need an objective listeners (aka people that don't me personally)...

I've been going to a new doctor the past few months.

He gladly perscribes for me imitrex shots, inderal and o2.

The thing is, he doesn't know that late last year I had chest pains (I was not in a cycle) and went to urgent care to see what the deal was. They couldn't find anything and I passed the stress tests. I do have high cholestorol and a family history of heart problems.

The new doctor does not have my previous medical record sand I'm not 100% sure that I want him to have them.

The thing that really scares me is that he will stop perscribing the imitrex for me if he finds out the chest pain deal. Imitrex is the only thing that works almost 100% of the time. I really can't handle the headaches. This last cycle I haven't had any Kip 10s but the past few cycles (over the last 10 years--and I am episodic), I've had mulitple 10s and if possible, HAs that felt over 10.

I know that most of you (probably all) are not doctors, but... (have you heard) How much damage is one doing to his/her heart with the imitrex?

I am now in remission and have been for a week and a half or so. When I was having HA this cycle I would give myself 1/3 to 1/2 of the imitrex shot (usually a 1/3). I would have at most 1 and 1/2 full shots in a 24 hour period.

I realize that I might be risking the wrath...

Michael
aka Mr.C

Title: Re: confession...
Post by nani on Jul 26^th, 2006, 1:38pm

Hmmm....let's see...
Do I prefer to suffer through a pain that I know won't kill me?
Or, possibly induce a potentially fatal heart attack?
Hmmmm...
For me, it's a no-brainer.
I can't use the triptans either. I did find something that works MUCH better, though.
www.clusterbusters.com

Title: Re: confession...
Post by E-Double on Jul 26^th, 2006, 1:41pm

CH won't kill ya.
The meds might.

there other treatments that may be just as effective

Title: Re: confession...
Post by Mattrf on Jul 26^th, 2006, 2:00pm

Very scary, bottom line is it is your choice but I would say you need to look around you and look at the people that love and what it would do to them if you did have a hart attack from using the medication. I think there would be too much pain inflicted on those who love you to even consider taking the chance.
Find a different way my friend what ever that may be.

Matt

Title: Re: confession...
Post by jenrob2006 on Jul 26^th, 2006, 4:12pm

I have the very same concern. I have a diagnosed heart problem and I was very open about it with my doctor. I mention it at every conversation and he still allows me to use the imitrex. I have questioned it as well as the use of the verapamil, and he was more concernend with the verapamil and reduced it. Be safe and talk to your doctor about it. You said the tests came back OK, maybe you are in the clear, but still mention it.
Good Luck!

Title: Re: confession...
Post by TxBasslady on Jul 26^th, 2006, 5:14pm

Michael,

Ultimately, the decision is yours to make.

However.....there are other ways to handle the pain. Personally, I have never taken the Trex...but have heard enough stories about it, that I'll never take it.

I think you're asking for trouble in the long run, if you continue the Trex. However, I know the pain, and I realize the chances we are willing to take. I could tell ya about other ways...and what works for me. But that does not mean the other ways will work for you.

I use 02.....nothing else. I got off all meds in December.

Scarey to think of not having the meds...I know. But once I got over the 1st hurdle....it's been great. My CH is under control....and what hits I do have are manageable.

Good luck....Let us know how you're doing.

Jean

Title: Re: confession...
Post by BobG on Jul 26^th, 2006, 5:17pm

Scroll down to ‘Cluster & the Heart’ string for a little discussion on this subject.

There are other triptans available. Frova, Relpax, Axert. Discuss them with your doctor. They may create less stress on your heart.

Linky thingy. Click this and then type tripans in the search box.
http://www.webmd.com/drugs/index-drugs.aspx?alpha=D

Title: Re: confession...
Post by Bob P on Jul 26^th, 2006, 6:04pm

I have a left bundle branch block of my heart. I still lie, cheat and seriously considered beating the crap out of the Pharmacist when he wouldn't fill my cafergot script because it was too soon after the previous script.

I take vaso-constrictors at 3 to 4 times the maximum amount. My fingers and toes become white and cold. But if it helps get away from that pain, I don't care what else happens.

I don't think that Trex does "damage" to the heart. It does constrict the arteries and makes the heart work harder to pump through the constricted arteries. Could be a problem with a pre-existing heart problem.

Title: Re: confession...
Post by chopmyheadoff on Jul 27^th, 2006, 7:45am

mate - bottom line - you dont wanna kill yourself >:(

im a firm believer in telling my doctor EVERYTHING, wether they like it or not. They are the ones who have done the med school bit after all and they are there with your best interests at heart.

tell your doc about your heart , and also tell him that you are VERY opposed to giving up the imitrex and that unless he ABSOLUTELY FORBIDS you from taking it then you are going to carry on.

Then he understands that you are willing to take a small risk , and how much it means to you.

Then if he STILL tells you to stop then you must find an alternative.

i know how you feel brother- i cling on to imigran for dear life !!
These headaches hurt like a b1tch :'(

Title: Re: confession...
Post by BlueMeanie on Jul 27^th, 2006, 9:18am

I think it depends on your condition. Chronics seem to have more hits, but less intense throughout the day. I personally NEVER have an attack less than KIP7. I went 2 years with heart pain and never said anything to the doc. Trex is way to important to me. It's a very tough choice to make when your in that much pain and you've got the ONLY thing that works setting next to you.

I did finally get checked out AFTER my cycle was over because I didn't NEED the trex. Luckily all is o.k. and the pain is no longer present. I fear not having Trex during a cycle worse than the possible outcome of taking it.

It's a very tough choice, but in all reality you should tell the doc.

Title: Re: confession...
Post by mr.c on Jul 27^th, 2006, 9:25am

I knew what I needed to hear/read...

It was even balanced... somewhat... ;)

I've been on clusterbusters and maybe I missed something. Everything there is illegal...?

Like I said, I am now in remission so I'm not needing imitrex for the moment... ( for 2 years hopefully).

Thanks. I will keep looking at the site. I read a lot of helpful information.