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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> new guy
        
(Message started by: bustedbrian on Sep 12^th, 2006, 10:28pm)

Title: new guy
Post by bustedbrian on Sep 12^th, 2006, 10:28pm

Hello,
I’m new to the site, but a long time suffer. Went 2 years pain free until last month. Had stocked up on imitrex in preparation for the cycle. Had a warchest of 60 100 mil. Tabs of imitrex. Week 2 went to doc and stated verapamil. Week 3 got to a point to where I was taking (4) 100 mil. Tabs a day. Not a good thing! Per my nuro I was causing my self more pain by putting myself in a rebound situation by taking too much imitrex. Week 4 began with begging doc for more imitrex, terrified, brain filled with trex, 02 not helping, depressed. Wife called doc when she caught me crying in closet. Doc admitted me to hospital. 4 days of IV steroids. Week 5 one small attack and then days followed by light shadows around the normal times. Week 6 tapered off riods, Pain free…..Question, anyone out there who has used steroids? Will they help next time if I start the steroid medication earlier? What are the long-term effects of steroids if I use them 1.5 months a year?

Title: Re: new guy
Post by BigCoffinHunter on Sep 12^th, 2006, 10:34pm

Ouch sorry to hear that you went through all that. I've never had IV steroids, but every time I've been on prednisose or dexamethasone I've gotten complete relief until the taper ended. They never solved the problem though, I've used them to give other preventatives time to build up in my system. I know they come with a lot of long term risks, probably good to discuss that with your doc.

Title: Re: new guy
Post by Nick8977 on Sep 12^th, 2006, 10:53pm

I just got off my 1st Pred. cycle (and 1st CH cycle >:() and I was told that you can take 2 cycles a year, no more. I also heard that if you follow the dir. there will be no side effects.....not true for me, maybe it was the CH but I was a real BASTARD (xcuse me) when I was on it. Heck I even knew it. Thank the Lord that I have understanding Friends and Family. Besides my attitude I did gain a couple of pounds (bring it on....Im a skinny guy) but besides all that I was good.
And I did notice significant improvement in the furiosity of the CHs when I was on it
Take Care
Nick

Title: Re: new guy
Post by Kevin_M on Sep 12^th, 2006, 11:37pm

on 09/12/06 at 22:28:04, bustedbrian wrote:

Week 2 went to doc and started verapamil.

Week 4 began with begging doc for more imitrex

What was the verapamil dosage after two weeks?

Glad it ended for you.

Title: Re: new guy
Post by chopmyheadoff on Sep 13^th, 2006, 8:43am

there are some here on 960+ mg verapamil per day.
i myself take 480mg and get nearly complete relief.

your doc should be prescribing the imitrex injections not the pills. the pills take for too long to work.

sorry your in pain mate - i.v steroids sounds aweful
iv never done that so unfortunately i cant comment

Title: Re: new guy
Post by BB on Sep 13^th, 2006, 9:01am

Steroid for 6 weeks in a year while you are in cycle is fine and safe as long as the dose is not too high and that its tapered off slowly.

You may get some temporary side effects while on it such as fluid retention which causes swelling and tiredness or muscle weakness and ache but all will go away once the steroids are tapered off.

Good luck with it all and painfree wishes to you.

Annette