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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Approaching a cycle... help?
        
(Message started by: Tom_db on May 7^th, 2007, 1:22am)

Title: Approaching a cycle... help?
Post by Tom_db on May 7^th, 2007, 1:22am

Every June - July without fail I get daily attacks... I've tried prednisone... didn't work, imigran... didn't work... and the only other things available to me had a risk of kidney failure. I read mushrooms have helped other people... anyone here?

Title: Re: Approaching a cycle... help?
Post by George_J on May 7^th, 2007, 1:38am

Oxygen. 15 liters per minute with a non-rebreather mask. See the "oxygen info" link at the left side of your screen.

It's been a lifesaver for many here. Few side-effects, and very effective as an abortive.

Best,

George

Title: Re: Approaching a cycle... help?
Post by Tom_db on May 7^th, 2007, 1:42am

Thanks, I'm willing to try anything. I just moved to London so i'll try it, oxygen wasn't easy to come by in New Zealand where I used to live.

T

Title: Re: Approaching a cycle... help?
Post by andrewjb on May 7^th, 2007, 6:28am

http://www.clusterbusters.com/index.html> this site is invaluable. others, more knowlageable will be along soon, iam sure. andrew.

Title: Re: Approaching a cycle... help?
Post by tommyD on May 7^th, 2007, 7:03am

Tom db -

Sure - mushrooms, psilocybin of course, have helped many here. Folks are also using Rivea corymbosa seeds with similar results. Both work well wth oxygen, by the way.

But many find they must stop using many of the cluster meds in order for shrooms or seeds to work. Prednisone, imigran and other triptans, opiates and others seems to interfere.

It’s legal to possess the seeds for gardening purposes in most countries, but you are not allowed to eat them. Shrooms are illegal in most of the developed world.

Be sure to read the www.clusterbusters.com site throughly, especially the faqs
http://www.clusterbusters.com/faq.html
http://www.clusterbusters.com/faqlsa.htm

-tommyD

Title: Re: Approaching a cycle... help?
Post by Guiseppi on May 7^th, 2007, 10:37am

Another strong vote for oxygen. Still my first line abortive after all these years. A few suggestions to talk with the doc about. For preventatives have you tried lithium or verapamil? I use lithium, 1200 mg a day when on cycle and it blocks 80-90% of my headaches. Like you I'm episodic, usually 2 cycles a year for around 12 weeks. I know lithium is a salt so I don't know what that does to kidneys.

A lot of people have had success using verapamil as a preventative, the doses tend to be high so again you'd need to ask the doc about the kidney stuff. There are those who have had success using both verapamil and lithium together.

There are lots of other med options available, read up on the left, print out the options and then ask the doc which ones will work with you. And please try and get oxygen. Almost no side effects and has been a miracle abortive for many on the board. Here's hoping you skip a cycle, good luck either way!!!

Guiseppi

Title: Re: Approaching a cycle... help?
Post by Samiam on May 7^th, 2007, 2:23pm

After 26 yrs of yearly attacks I got O2 for the first time this cycle. It was a life saver and I won't ever go without it. If nothing else get the O2 maybe a couple of weeks before the attacks start so your prepared. Good Luck and you know that many have skipped cycles. I just came off of a 5 yr vacation from my cycle so anything is possible.

Sami

Title: Re: Approaching a cycle... help?
Post by Batch on May 8^th, 2007, 10:24pm

Hang in there... I used to have the same problem when I was episodic, except my cycle started around mid April to mid May and ran from 6 to 8 weeks. Don't let the pending cycle get the best of you. A positive attitude can work wonders. 100% O2 at 12 to 15 lpm works like magic for me as an abortive and gives me a world of confidence that I can kick the beast square in the ass just by picking up the NRB mask and cracking the O2 supply valve open... Pull down the following file and go through it.

http://www.artonio7.com/o2.pdf

Go see your doc or neurologist or both and get an Rx for O2 as an abortive. See if either will work with you to find a preventative that works. It's not easy finding one that works as we're all wired differently and a doc or neuro that will work with you to find one is the key to success.

If you've not tried Neurontin (gabapentin) ask your doc/neuro about it.

Finally, don't give up or let fear of the next cycle get to you. Be confident. The beast loves picking on a wuss. And, while you'rw at it, think long and hard prior to going down the halucinogenic road unless you've got a first class shaman with you. Bad trips can be a bummer.

Title: Re: Approaching a cycle... help?
Post by GrandPotentate on May 10^th, 2007, 9:48pm

Hey maybe yes, maybe no. Enjoy PF time, but be prepared. I went several years where my cycles were a bunch of 2-3's (or even occasional PF shadows - weird).

O2 was a fairly unusual treatment during my last bad cycle, but helped me a lot when we started late in the cycle. And it has been good to me this time as well, but it took some effort to train a new doctor.

I wish you luck. If things get rough, there are a bunch of folks here willing to listen.

Jon

Title: Re: Approaching a cycle... help?
Post by AussieBrian on May 10^th, 2007, 10:22pm

And for all the pills and potions, motions and lotions, always remember Tom that the the only effective remedy, abortive, preventive or curative is right there inside you yourself.

Only you can beat the beast but be assured we're behind you all the way.

Always remember Illigitimus nil carborundum which in English, and probably American, means 'don't let the bastage grind you down'. (In Australia it has to do with not getting sand in your KY gel, but that's another story.)

Prepare your body and your medicinal arsenal, for sure, just get your head on right first and let the games begin!