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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Day just got a little better
        
(Message started by: midwestbeth on Jan 22^nd, 2007, 5:30pm)

Title: Day just got a little better
Post by midwestbeth on Jan 22^nd, 2007, 5:30pm

I've been going through a really rough time with clusters among other things. I stopped taking the atenolol (with the Dr's ok UNsolved) because it seemed to be making the ch's worse. Now I'm getting only two or three a day, BUT they are really bad (kip 8 - 10). I can hardly function and I'm exhausted. The Red Bull was working before, but now it seems the Red Bull just delays the full blown ch and is only adding to my inability to get some sleep. I just now got over a full Kip 10 after drinking 2 Red Bulls.
Anyway, when I got to the point where I could talk I called the Headache Clinic where I have an appt in 4 weeks and asked the nice lady who answered the phone if there was anyway I could get in any sooner & she scheduled me for TOMORROW!!! I'm looking forward to talking to a Dr who may actually understand what a ch is. Also wanting to try O2. My gp perscribed me some Topomax, but I haven't started taking it yet. After doing some reading about Topomax, I'm not sure if I want to risk my already tired brain for this drug that may or may not work. My gp would not perscribe me 02 or Imitrex injections. My gp is a moron when it comes to clusters. I'm rambling..... but happy that I may be getting some help soon.
Beth

Title: Re: Day just got a little better
Post by Mattrf on Jan 22^nd, 2007, 5:38pm

Beth I am so glad that they listened to you and got you in so fast. I will be praying for you that the new doctor will know CH and will give you the weapons you need to fight this beast.

Good luck to you and keep us posted.

Matt

Title: Re: Day just got a little better
Post by Guiseppi on Jan 22^nd, 2007, 5:42pm

Please try and download as much of the treatment info as you can off of this site. Be prepared to educate. Beg, plead, whine, threaten his life and that of his off spring but convince him(or her!) to give oxygen a try. It's success rate on the board has just been too high not to give it a shot. Keeping you in my thoughts, let us know if you're succesful!!!

Guiseppi

Title: Re: Day just got a little better
Post by E-Double on Jan 22^nd, 2007, 6:45pm

This is a great resource to know like the back of your hand...print it out and give it to the doc

http://www.brightok.net/~mnjday/chtherapy.pdf

It will present the appropriate treatments that you should seek and your doctor should know!!!

If you want an abortive with the least amount of side-effects O2 should not only be requested but demanded from your doctor!!!

http://www.maplefallswebdesign.com/misc/oxygen/oxygen.htm

I have used Zyprexa as an abortive and have found it to work (for me) as fast as Imitrex and without the "hangover"

http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=medsarchive2005;action=display;num=1120904753

Title: Re: Day just got a little better
Post by Kris_in_SJ on Jan 22^nd, 2007, 8:05pm

Hi Beth,

Please listen, follow and print out the links given you by EE. Topomax is really a good thing for some people, but certainly not the first treatment of choice.

You need an abortive like oxygen or Trex, and a preventative as well. These are described well in the articles suggested.

Best of luck. Keep us informed.

Hugs,

Kris

Title: Re: Day just got a little better
Post by froggy on Jan 22^nd, 2007, 8:41pm

Keep searching for a neuro who will work with you. ;)

Title: Re: Day just got a little better
Post by starlight on Jan 22^nd, 2007, 8:58pm

Get the O2. Insist on it.

Title: Re: Day just got a little better
Post by midwestbeth on Jan 22^nd, 2007, 9:47pm

Thanks everyone for the replies. I have a file already printed up with all the info. I'm going to insist on th 02. I'm also having the gp fax my MRI and CAT scan results. I was recommended to this headache clinic by someone on this site, so hopefully I will get some help.
Beth

Title: Re: Day just got a little better
Post by JohnM on Jan 23^rd, 2007, 9:25am

Beth - a Dr who will not prescribe Imitrex injections to treat a CH is indeed e a moron and needs to be told this or perhaps reported to the medical council. The Trex inj is just about the best line of attack to kill a CH!

Good luck with the HA clinic, but beware of them just ripping you off. My own experience with a HA clinic years ago was that they wanted to see me numerous times at great expense and then tried to get me to use de-stressing techniques - a waste of time and money. Cost me a fortune and did absolutely zip for my HA's. Sorry to sound cynical.

John

Title: Re: Day just got a little better
Post by kimmiedawn81 on Jan 23^rd, 2007, 9:32am

Beth, I hope you get some help soon! I hope that they know what they're talking about at the headache clinic and that they can help you! Take care!

-Kim

P.S. You know where I am if you need anything!

Title: Re: Day just got a little better
Post by sandie99 on Jan 24^th, 2007, 4:57am

Beth,

I'm so glad to hear that you're getting help quickly. I hope that you and the docs can figure out together a treatment, which will help you now. Lots of PF vibes are on their way from Finland! Let us know what happends next, ok?

Best wishes & lots of PF days,
Sanna