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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Back after 3 years
        
(Message started by: duck_soup on Nov 30^th, 2006, 3:53pm)

Title: Back after 3 years
Post by duck_soup on Nov 30^th, 2006, 3:53pm

I've had episodic clusters lasting about 2 months each cycle. I used to get them every year, but the last two cycles have been every 3 years. I've had them since I was 20, and I'm 48 now. While it's great to be without them for so long, I am not up on current treatment. Last time, I used O2 when I could and imitrex when I couldn't or when the O2 didn't work. I used prednesone tapers to try to calm down the inflamation and end the cycle, but it seems to always take 6-8 weeks no matter what I do. I woke up with a mild one the other night and the O2 blasted it. The bad news is that now it seems like they will come on like they always do.

A couple of questions.

1. is there anything "new" regarding treatment and especially ending a cycle early?

2. is "expired" imitrex ok to use?

Thanks in advance.

Rick

Title: Re: Back after 3 years
Post by vietvet2tours on Nov 30^th, 2006, 4:22pm

Nope and Idunno.Just keep huffin

Title: Re: Back after 3 years
Post by Guiseppi on Nov 30^th, 2006, 6:11pm

Welcome back, we're the same age and mimicked or long breaks on this last cycle!

Nothing new to report. I have never tried any of the "alternative" treatments but have heard rave reviews. I still use lithium when I'm on cycle, 1200 mg daily, as a preventative...(you didn't mention a preventative while you're on cycle, I hope you have one???) Then I use the oxygen and cafergot when one breaks thru the lithium. I tried imitrex injectables for the first time this cycle and have a non proveable theory they extended my cycle. I was amazed at how fast and thouroghly the imitrex knocked out a headache though. Welcome back to the board, hoping it's a short cycle for you.

Guiseppi

Title: Re: Back after 3 years
Post by johnd7 on Nov 30^th, 2006, 6:37pm

Duck Soup,

I am also very simillar, I have had them since my teen years every year except the last few have been 2-2.5 years. I am now 36 and they just returned after about 2.5 years.
New stuff on the board that I had not tried or seen much about a few years ago is...

1. clustermasx - if you do not own this special 02 mask get it now at clustermasx.com I cannot recommend this enough, it will increase the effectivness of the 02 and often decrease the time needed to abort an attack.
2. Magic Mushrooms - www.clusterbusters.com Not for everyone, but worth a look if your cycle is bad enough.
3. Kudzu Root - There are some threads around on this stuff which can be bought online.

I, like you have used 02 and Prednisone but never liked the affects of the Prednisone so have not taken yet this time. I did try the shrooms last weekend and I believe the small dose may have just about knocked out the cycle. Good luck and let us know if you go a new route or find something that works for you.

Title: Re: Back after 3 years
Post by duck_soup on Nov 30^th, 2006, 8:01pm

Thanks for the info. I read about the mask and I think it's a good move. I never had much success with the preventatives that my neuro put me on, although I haven't tried the lithium. I used to say that when the ex-wife left, she took the clusters with her, but here they are back again. I think my current wife is taking it personally. She went through them with me last time before we were married and she has a very good, calming attitude.

I always hope when I get them again that they will have found the magic bullet, but such is life I guess. Still I remember the cycle when I found out about O2 (1989 I think), and the one where they came out with imitrex (1997?). Sure makes these things a lot more bearable.

Title: Re: Back after 3 years
Post by Kevin_M on Nov 30^th, 2006, 8:45pm

on 11/30/06 at 15:53:44, duck_soup wrote:

2. is "expired" imitrex ok to use?

I've used n/s trex samples that were almost two years expired that worked ok still.

Title: Re: Back after 3 years
Post by Jonny on Nov 30^th, 2006, 9:28pm

Thanks for coming back when you need us.......we didnt need you either!

Title: Re: Back after 3 years
Post by sandie99 on Dec 1^st, 2006, 5:48am

Rick,

I'm so sorry that the beast is back to torture you. I hope that this time the visit will be a short one and followed by a long, long break.

You asked about new treatments... Well, my only ch "med" is ice cold red bull, which I get as soon as I feel the devil coming. It works wonders for some of us.

Anyways, I hope that you'll find relief soon. :)

Best wishes,
Sanna

Title: Re: Back after 3 years
Post by BarbaraD on Dec 1^st, 2006, 7:50am

Red Bull at the first sign is helping a lot of us.

Melatonin at night (takes a while to get in your system so don't give up after a couple of nights) helps get you thru the REM sleep and helps you get some rest at night.

I use cafergot when the O2 and Red Bull doesn't work...

Hugs BD