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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> new member
        
(Message started by: oakie on Mar 6^th, 2007, 2:58pm)

Title: new member
Post by oakie on Mar 6^th, 2007, 2:58pm

I'm a new member and a cluster headache suffer for nnearly all my life. I take medrol to combat attacks but i read here that there are side affects. I'd like to know how much is to much and the side affects?

Title: Re: new member
Post by LeLimey on Mar 6^th, 2007, 3:11pm

Hello Oakie, did you not discuss this with your doctor?

We can't give you advice on how much of any drug to take here as we don't know your medical history or any interactions with other meds you may be taking.

I would imagine there should be a leaflet included with your medication stating what potential side effects would be too but if its missing a good place to look is www.drugdigest.com

Hope this helps
Helen

Title: Re: new member
Post by oakie on Mar 6^th, 2007, 3:26pm

I never asked but i have an open scrip at my Pharmacy for when i'm having attacks. The most i've taking during one period is 3 packs.

Title: Re: new member
Post by Gator on Mar 6^th, 2007, 10:20pm

Medrol? Only medrol? How long and how often are your cycles? You can start here for a list of side effects, but I suggest you use Google and do some serious research of your own.

http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/methprd_ad.htm

Clusterheads have to take a much more active role in their treatment than patients of a lot of disorders, because the disorder is rare and most docs don't know how to treat it. You need to read everything you can get your hands on about the diagnosing and treating of clusters. Make print outs of information and share them with your doctor. You may have to demand to try certain treatments and you just might have to switch to a new doctor a time or two (or more). There is no way I would stay with a doctor who is unwilling to listen to me or work with me on a treatment plan. Many of us here have been through multiple doctors and neurologists until we found one that knew anything about CH and would work with us.

Knowledge is power. You are your own best advocate in your treatment. If you are going to ensure you get the best treatment, you need to busy and get informed!

Title: Re: new member
Post by BB on Mar 6^th, 2007, 10:49pm

Solu medrol is a steroid and has many side effects, it needs to be used with a good understanding of its effects.

It shouldnt be used singly for CH but as an adjunct to abortive and preventive meds.

http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/DVH/Uses/0,3915,441%7CSolu%252DMedrol,00.html

http://gsm.about.com/compact/showtext.asp?cpnum=392&r=6078&match=B&infotype=&ixid=824&ix=Methylprednisolone*tablets&gname=Methylprednisolone&last=

Please check with your doc. Painfree wishes to you.

Annette

Title: Re: new member
Post by clusterwife on Mar 13^th, 2007, 9:34am

It sounds like you're fighting the beast blind-folded and tied up. Like the others have said, preventatives are needed like now! Have you tried o2? Works well for most, very few side effects. What about imitrex? Excellent abortive too. Keep reading and ask all the questions you can. Like Gator said, knowledge IS POWER! Leah.

Title: Re: new member
Post by Guiseppi on Mar 13^th, 2007, 10:29am

One more vote for oxygen. You need to start it at the first twinge of a CH, it must be used with a non re breather or "cluster" mask, it has to be at a high flow, up to 15 LPM. All of which many doctors will argue against!!! It has proven very effective for many on the board. It's a great first string abortive due to almost no side effects. Keep reading up, as Gator said, you are your own best advocate. Start reading like a mad man and keep asking questions!!

Guiseppi

Title: Re: new member
Post by ClusterChuck on Mar 13^th, 2007, 11:12am

Here is a trick that works for some, and it doesn't cost anything, nor do you need a prescription for it!

Just hyperventilate. Just breath in and out real fast. Do it until you feel dizzy, and your fingers tingle. It actually works for many. It has something to do with keeping your body from producing CO₂, and going into excessive O₂. Your body actually DOES require some CO₂.

Try it! It can't hurt you. If (extremely rare) you actually pass out from doing it, your body will automatically start normal breathing.

BUT, as your pill warning labels say, don't do it while driving or operating power tools and equipment. LOL

Chuck

Title: Re: new member
Post by clusterwife on Mar 13^th, 2007, 2:23pm

And you think this is o.k.? I'd try everything before making yourself passout. What if you swallow your tongue and die? Sounds risky and dangerous. Chuck, ever try shruumms?

Title: Re: new member
Post by ClusterChuck on Mar 13^th, 2007, 6:00pm

on 03/13/07 at 14:23:14, clusterwife wrote:

And you think this is o.k.?

Yes, quite ok.

on 03/13/07 at 14:23:14, clusterwife wrote:

I'd try everything before making yourself passout.

I doubt that you would. I threw that in as a precaution. I am not sure that it would ever happen.

on 03/13/07 at 14:23:14, clusterwife wrote:

What if you swallow your tongue and die? Sounds risky and dangerous.

From what I have read and heard about epileptics doing that, it is almost impossible to do. The rumor of that happening to an epileptic, is just that a rumor. Medical writings on it say that it virtually impossible to do.

on 03/13/07 at 14:23:14, clusterwife wrote:

Chuck, ever try shruumms?

Nope. Not yet. There are extenuating personal circumstances that are preventing me from doing them.

Chuck