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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Increased CH intensity
        
(Message started by: Bond007 on Aug 4^th, 2006, 10:15am)

Title: Increased CH intensity
Post by Bond007 on Aug 4^th, 2006, 10:15am

I saw my neuro for the first time on 7/12 and he wanted to increase my Topamax to 200 mg a day, so I started titrating upward the very next morning. Over the course of the next 10 days my headaches became less frequent and intense until they stopped completely. Then, I flew home from my vacation. That was 7/23. I'd actually had about 4 PFD's by that time when our flight crew decided to rapidly lower the pressure in the cabin and it triggered a new CH cycle for me. The rest of that Sunday was absolutely horrible for me as was the rest of the week. I was only able to make it to work for 3 days out of 5. The HA's were lasting an average of 2.5 hours at a pop and easily a kip 5-6 and I was getting very short breaks in between bouts with the beast.

This week is different still. While I've at least been able to put in a full work week, which has been a blessing, I've been getting hit with at least 2 Kip 8-9 every day that are relatively short-lived -- approximately 45 minutes to an hour. I'm still clocking around 8 HA's a day with one almost every night at midnight, most are bearable.

Prior to this, I'd usually get at least 2-3 PFD's between HA's. Has anyone else experienced a ramp up in frequency/intensity like this with your headaches? This all so relatively new to me. I'm afraid I'm getting worse, not better. I don't want to use that damn Stadol NS the doc gave me. I don't like how it makes me feel. I'm really getting worried here. My mother-in-law, who's a former nurse, thinks I should be admitted into a hospital for a 48 hour observation because this is getting so much worse. UGGGGHHHHH!

Title: Re: Increased CH intensity
Post by LeLimey on Aug 4^th, 2006, 11:13am

Topiramate caused a massive upswing in hits for me as well as some awful "hallucinations". It was the most miserable period of my life. Are you using any abortives other than the red bull I know you're trying at the moment?

Title: Re: Increased CH intensity
Post by Bond007 on Aug 4^th, 2006, 11:47am

The only other abortive I've got is Stadol NS. I've only had 1 appointment with a neuro and the Stadol was prescribed only as an interim abortive until we experimented with different medication regimens. Since I was already on the Topamax, he wanted to try upping that first and see how I tolerated and what effect it would have on the headaches. My next appt isn't until 9/14. I'm beginning to think that I hold out that long and I should probably call his office and tell him about this drastic change.

Title: Re: Increased CH intensity
Post by LeLimey on Aug 4^th, 2006, 11:49am

I would definitely say to call your neuro, this is a dramatic change and its untenable, no way can you continue like this for another six weeks.

Get on that phone now or else!

Title: Re: Increased CH intensity
Post by Bond007 on Aug 4^th, 2006, 12:22pm

Just called. Apparently, Fridays are his hospital & charting days. I talked with his secretary and she promised to get a message to him and she'll try to get back with me later today. He typically calls in for messages. We'll see how it goes from here.

Jamie

Title: Re: Increased CH intensity
Post by Bond007 on Aug 4^th, 2006, 5:03pm

Doc called back. He wants to up the amitriptylin (elavil) that I take at bedtime with my Topamax. It's supposed to work as a synergist by increasing the Topamax's potency without increasing the Topamax itself. We'll see how this works.

Here's hoping!!! 8)

Title: Re: Increased CH intensity
Post by Jonny on Aug 4^th, 2006, 5:36pm

on 08/04/06 at 17:03:10, Bond007 wrote:

Here's hoping!!! 8)

Good luck, Dude!!!

Title: Re: Increased CH intensity
Post by Bond007 on Aug 4^th, 2006, 6:03pm

Thanks bro!

Title: Re: Increased CH intensity
Post by LeLimey on Aug 4^th, 2006, 7:22pm

Good luck from me too, I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you!
Helen

Title: Re: Increased CH intensity
Post by Bond007 on Aug 4^th, 2006, 10:15pm

Thanks Helen!

I was so exhausted from this week I did a baaaad thing when I got from work this evening......I took a nap. I woke up with a damn shadow. An hour later, the beast is now taking his wrath out on the ENTIRE left side of face. CRAP!

Title: Re: Increased CH intensity
Post by Charlotte on Aug 5^th, 2006, 12:51am

Good luck. Hang in there.

Charlotte