Clusterheadaches.com Message Board


    
      
        Clusterheadaches.com Message Board
        (http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi)
      

        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> At wits end
        
(Message started by: vegas1002 on Jul 1^st, 2007, 12:41am)

Title: At wits end
Post by vegas1002 on Jul 1^st, 2007, 12:41am

My last season I would have 1 -2 CH nightly. I am in week 2 of this season and its very different from the last 31 years. I am eposodic and get them every 3 years. Today I had 2 hits in the middle of the day - that has never happened to me. Also I am getting 3 - 4 nightly versus my old 1-2. I am at a kip5 now and know the beast will hit any moment. I have had 16 hours sleep in the last 5 days and can't handle it. I have my imitrex, oxygen, Jolt gum, red bull, and it is just not working this time. I need sleep. Can't the ER just give me something to knock me out for a few hours? Sorry for ranting - I am so thankful for this site. Hope you all have a PF night

Title: Re: At wits end
Post by E-Double on Jul 1^st, 2007, 12:48am

hang in there!!!

Title: Re: At wits end
Post by taraann on Jul 1^st, 2007, 4:19am

So sorry to hear you are havin such a rough time! Yep hang in there and in the meantime see if your doc can prescribe you a sleep med maybe? or some of the pplhere have had great success with melatonin for sleep. Sorry I can't be too much help in this dept. Other than to say I feel for ya, you aren't alone, and I hope you find something that helps you.!!!!

Title: Re: At wits end
Post by MR_FLOOR on Jul 1^st, 2007, 4:34am

Hang tough bud , don't let that S.O.B. beat ya your way stronger then he is.I wish I could help battle him with you.

Dave

Title: Re: At wits end
Post by Guiseppi on Jul 1^st, 2007, 10:53am

You have been prescribed some great abortives, stuff you use when you are getting hit, but haven't mentioned any preventatives, stuff you take when on cycle to reduce hits.

I use lithium, 1200 mg a day, when on cycle. blocks 80-90% of my hits so I don't have to use so much 02 and trex. For dosage comparison I'm 47, male, weigh about 190 pounds.

Others use Verapamil, Topomax, there are many options, some use a combination of meds. Might be worth your time to download some of the med info off the board and discuss the options with your doctor. None guarantee relief, all take some trial and error. Since finding lithium as my preventative, head aches have become far more manageable. I went from my almost daily 7:30 am, 6:00 pm hits to sometimes less then 3 hits a week, infinitely more manageable. Good luck.

Guiseppi

Title: Re: At wits end
Post by DennisM1045 on Jul 1^st, 2007, 11:29am

Hang tough man. Don't every appologize for ranting. That's what this board is for. Hope you get some relief soon.

-Dennis-

Title: Re: At wits end
Post by Wayne on Jul 1^st, 2007, 11:35am

I can only echo what Guiseppe said about preventatives, Topomax saved my life. Other than that everything you're doing is on the money. Take care and good luck.

Wayne

Title: Re: At wits end
Post by UN solved on Jul 2^nd, 2007, 1:03am

I agree, you named some good abortives, but no preventative medications.

If you are at wits end, you should call your doc asap and let him/her know. Also ask about preventative medications (Verapamil, Lithium, Topomax, etc) and maybe a transitional med (steroid, or DHE) to give you a quick break and give the other med(s) a chance to work.

Goodluck

UNsolved

Title: Re: At wits end
Post by kcopelin on Jul 2^nd, 2007, 2:16am

Ditto on the preventatives. Also, for some possible relief of nightime hits I have had success with 9-15 mg of melatonin and 50 mg of benadryl. Pretty much knocks my butt out and so far only get sporadic nighttime hits.
Did I mention preventatives? ::)
Good luck
PFDAN y'all
kathy

Title: Re: At wits end
Post by vegas1002 on Jul 2^nd, 2007, 8:31am

Thank you everyone for your advice and support. I am going to neuro today for a second nerve block and will discuss the preventatives and sleep aids.
Thanks again

Title: Re: At wits end
Post by BarbaraD on Jul 2^nd, 2007, 8:49am

You might also ask for a predisone taper while the prevents take affect (some take a couple of weeks to kick in). The melatonin (9-15mg at bedtime) have worked for me for years to get me thru the night).

Other than that, the O2 and trex seems to be the best line of defense for the hits.

Hugs BD

Title: Re: At wits end
Post by thebbz on Jul 2^nd, 2007, 8:13pm

Hope it goes well at the neuro's. Screw the nerve block crap. You need transitional meds. Like the suggestions above.
all the best
jb