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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> New here, but not to CH
        
(Message started by: techspy on Nov 10^th, 2006, 2:48am)

Title: New here, but not to CH
Post by techspy on Nov 10^th, 2006, 2:48am

Hello all, I am happy to have found this site. I am in the 3rd episode of CH and have been searching and reading as much as I can about it.

Mine started about 5 years ago at the age of 30. I had a CH every day at the same time for 3 months when I decided I needed to find out what the problem was. I had my eyes checked, went to the dentist and finally to a GP. He immediatly said it sounded like CH and sent me to a cardiovascular specialist. The cardio DR immediatly put me on Verrapimil, 120 mg a day and the CH immediatly stopped. I stayed on Verrapimil for a year and after stopping per his instructions, was CH free for approx 1.5 years. They started again and I started the Verrapimil again. They immediatly stopped, and I stayed on the Verrapimil for approx 6 months and the CH were gone. I also had an MRI done, which showed nothing abnormal (I was in a 3rd world country at the time and have some reservations as to the reading of the MRI). That was about 2.5 years ago and they have started again. So, I started the Verrapimil again, same dosage but they persist this time albiet not as severe. The Dr I have access to now has advised me to up the dosage (I just today started a 240mg sa dosage twice a day) and has recommended I see a neuroligist in the meantime, and maybe have a CT scan. One pain med I have tried contains Paracetamol 250mg, Propyphenazone 150mg, and 50 mg of caffeine. The only time I have been CH free in the past 3 weeks is when I take this med 3 times a day. I am concerned about taking this med for an extended period of time so I am trying to take nothing but the Verrapimil for a couple of days. I am however taking some decongestant as I am getting over a head cold I have had for a week.

I must say that I am concerned because the CH haven't stopped with the Verrapimil like they have before. Also, even though I am not experiencing a full blown headache, I have a constant dull ache in the same region as the CH occurs. It seems to be present all day but with some periods of no sensations. Alcohol seems to cause an attack as well. Just 2 beers and a hour later It starts. I did stop all alcohol consumption for about 10 days, but I still had the CH. I have just started keeping a diary of the severity to see if I can find any patterns. I have been woken twice this episode with a terrible CH. They were the worst I have ever had. I really felt like something was going to pop or break. Fortunatly my CH don't last very long. They are usually gone within 15-30 min.

I don't really have any specific questions, but if anyone sees anything that sticks out to them about my symptoms, please speak up. It does make me feel better to talk about this. My big concern is that there may be a tumor causing this. I am bolstered by the fact that I don't haave any other symptoms that are typical with a tumor. I will have another MRI or CT done this week. I can deal with CH as long as I am sure that is what it is.

Thanks, John

Title: Re: New here, but not to CH
Post by BB on Nov 10^th, 2006, 4:53am

Hello John,

Welcome to the Board and painfree wishes to you first up.

Some of your symptoms sound like CH but if you dont mind would you please describe the headache characteristics a bit more ? There are other conditions which are similar to CH but different such as Paroxysmal Hemicrania and Hemicrania Continua which have some of the features that you described. It would be a good idea to rule things out so going to see a neurologist and having further tests/scans would be a good idea. On the left hand side you see the Cluster Quiz, have a go and see how many symptoms of CH you have.

I am glad Verapamil worked so well for you. Have you tried anything else ? Oxygen, Imitrex, Melatonin ... for example. I suggest you reduce the pain killers if you can as they dont usually do much and they themselves can cause rebound headaches which will compound the problems.

Oxygen is safe and can be a very efficient abortive for you. Read the oxygen note on the left hand side. Imitrex injections can be used for the worse attacks. Melatonin is natural and can reduce the night hits.

There are also many other useful tips such as using ice, hot shower, strenous exercise, water treatments and extra vitamins such as magnesium and calcium .....Take some time reading through the threads, see which one might help and discuss it with your doctors.

Its important though to see a good neurologist, one who specialises in headaches to make certain of the diagnosis. Having said this, from reading what others have posted, it is common for CH to "morph", ie changes from 1 cycle to another and some cycles maybe worse than others, no one really knows why.

And yes, good idea to stop the alcohol for now, its a sure fire trigger for many during a cycle.

So read on and then share with us your views, your experience ane your questions.

Take care, all the best.

Annette

Title: Re: New here, but not to CH
Post by techspy on Nov 10^th, 2006, 6:57am

Thanks for the welcome. The pain seems typical of CH. Always in the same place, near the temple. Sometimes effects the same side eye (IE: feeling of pressure and or tears). I do sometimes feel relief if I do a bit of physical excersise when it starts. I am taking a multi vitamin now and make it a point to drink more water. Hot or cold applications don't help, although self massage of the area sometimes provides very temporary relief. I am not sensative to light or nausous when it hits. I answered yes to 9,11,14,15 of the quiz, but a few others seem to be more likely with this episode (like being woken up with a CH). Thanks for the recommendation on the Melatonin. I will give it a try. Oxygen is not an option right now due to my work situation/location.

Thanks, John