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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Shadows or CH coming on....
        
(Message started by: Superirish2005 on Aug 29^th, 2006, 5:03pm)

Title: Shadows or CH coming on....
Post by Superirish2005 on Aug 29^th, 2006, 5:03pm

I am wondering if I am jumping the gun and taking meds at the strike of a shadow. It is so hard to tell if it is just a shadow or the twinges of an upcoming attack. Either way I have been jumping at the meds (Maxalt) in fear of waiting too long.

Title: Re: Shadows or CH coming on....
Post by MJ on Aug 29^th, 2006, 5:39pm

Irish.

Hi your an inquisitive one. good questions all of them.

Dont let fear be your quide.

How long have you had CH? Whats your story? you probably posted it somewhere but I'ts too many posts to read.

Title: Re: Shadows or CH coming on....
Post by Superirish2005 on Aug 29^th, 2006, 5:46pm

I have had headaches since I can remember and was diagnosed with clusters in 2002, get them once a year for about 4-6 weeks.

This cycle which started August 18th is the WORST I have ever had and it is not getting better no matter what I try.

Doctor has prescribed Maxalt and I average 2-3 pills a day and am almost out. Have a call in to my doctor today.

Title: Re: Shadows or CH coming on....
Post by Jobette on Aug 29^th, 2006, 9:24pm

Are you taking any preventive meds? [smiley=huh.gif]

Title: Re: Shadows or CH coming on....
Post by Superirish2005 on Aug 30^th, 2006, 4:05pm

no preventatives but may start taking melatonin tonight or Thursday night!

Title: Re: Shadows or CH coming on....
Post by Guiseppi on Aug 30^th, 2006, 4:13pm

Try and get the doc to prescribe oxygen. Read the link to the left and print out the info so he understands what you need and how you use it. For me it will chase away the shadows, and knocks down the full fledged ones too. That way you don't have to decide when to use it.

I use lithium for a preventative and then use oxygen or imitrex for the ones that break thru the lithium. I have to take cafergot when I use the oxygen or the headache comes right back in about 15 minutes. Good luck to you, it's a scary feeling to be low on meds and know it's lurking.

Guiseppi

Title: Re: Shadows or CH coming on....
Post by brewcrew on Aug 30^th, 2006, 4:16pm

on 08/30/06 at 16:05:08, Superirish2005 wrote:

no preventatives but may start taking melatonin tonight or Thursday night!

One of the things I may not have gotten across in my previous posts to you is that getting on a preventative med program is essential. While the preventatives have their own sets of side effects, they are not as potentially harmful as gobbling triptans (like Maxalt) on a daily basis. Doing this can give even a young guy like you a heart attack! At the very least, you should be able to knock the spikes off the pain with preventatives and very possibly abort the remainder with oxygen.

Now promise us you'll go talk to your doc about an acceptable preventative program (prednisone, verapamil, lithium, etc.). Besides, you'll find these drugs MUCH cheaper than Maxalt.

Title: Re: Shadows or CH coming on....
Post by prcole18 on Aug 30^th, 2006, 5:37pm

Listen to brewcrew
Get on the preventives ASAP.

Title: Re: Shadows or CH coming on....
Post by Jobette on Aug 30^th, 2006, 8:57pm

Ditto, the object is to try and stop or prevent them and if you can't stop them, then deal with them :-*