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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Chronic question
        
(Message started by: woodyclarke on Aug 8^th, 2007, 3:02pm)

Title: Chronic question
Post by woodyclarke on Aug 8^th, 2007, 3:02pm

I'm pretty sure my boyfriend is chronic, I have been with him for 3 years now, up until June his headaches were just a pain in the ass. Maybe 3 to 4 a week , most he could get rid of with a hot shower. Since June however he has been in a really bad cycle?? period??? Finally his doc prescribed O2, verapamil 80mg three times a day and imitrex. They have made a big improvement. in 14 days he has had 4 headaches. My question is...........does he sound more chronic then episodic??? also are chronic sufferers in bad cycles all of the time????or rather then remission do they go back to several headaches per week?????? Thanks all, Andy

Title: Re: Chronic question
Post by UN solved on Aug 8^th, 2007, 3:50pm

I am chronic ( or am I ? ). I will have multiple cluster attacks daily if I don't do something to try and prevent them. The only thing that seems to be helping me is Histamine Desensitization, sometimes stopping them for weeks at a time. (Up to 9 weeks at the most, so far)

Criteria for CCH is not having a 30 day remission within a years time.

UNsolved

PS. The last treatment (only) lasted less than 2 weeks :(

Title: Re: Chronic question
Post by docblondie on Aug 9^th, 2007, 11:24pm

Episodic means they come in episodes- with remissions at least 30 days of no headaches. Chronic means there is no remission period- the headaches are unrelenting, ongoing, continuous- without remission for more than 14 days.
I was episodic, turned chronic in 2004. The phase from turning episodic to chronic was slow and phased in over three years. During this time the headaches were unpredictable and without a true pattern - so for a couple of years I was unsure if I was growing out of them or what was happening. Unfortunately, I turned chronic rather than grow out of them. Now if I am not on preventative meds. the headaches return.
Hope that helps.

Title: Re: Chronic question
Post by UN solved on Aug 9^th, 2007, 11:44pm

on 08/09/07 at 23:24:33, docblondie wrote:

Chronic means there is no remission period- the headaches are unrelenting, ongoing, continuous- without remission for more than 14 days.

Actually, I believe they changed it to 30 days.

UNsolved

Title: Re: Chronic question
Post by MadHatter on Aug 10^th, 2007, 12:13am

I've been wondering about whether I'm moving to a chronic stage as well. Sounds like you don't really know. This episode is 4+ months long and counting. Thought I was done after 2 PF weeks but started getting hit sporadically 5 days ago. Seems now I'm 2 days on, 1 day off (kind of like a firefighter, hum). Wierd. After 2 decades of this crap, it's changing up on me and lasting longer.
Those who are chronic, when did you know and how do you cope with that. I'm exhausted and my life is feeling the effects. I'm really distressed at the thought of getting no breaks and don't know how long I can go with this little sleep (but wouldn't have thought I could go as long as I have).
O2 works but 4-5 hits a night is taking it's toll. Can't afford trex and insurance only covers 4 injections per 30 days (if I would ever wish for anyone to have CH, it would be the sadistic idiot at the insurane company who made that decision).
Anyways, reaaly appreciate this site and the support you all bring.

Title: Re: Chronic question
Post by nani on Aug 10^th, 2007, 12:23am

Fact:
Chronic is one year without a 30 day remission.

Don't waste energy worrying about becoming chronic. You either will be or not.

If you can't afford meds, look at OTC supplements like melatonin and kudzu. If you have an open mind and do your homework, consider www.clusterbusters.com
RedBull, or other taurine and caffeine containing energy drinks work as abortives for many of us.
It's a waste to spend your time worrying about something, when it's possible to be proactive. JMHO

Title: Re: Chronic question
Post by Barry_T_Coles on Aug 10^th, 2007, 12:58am

I’m mildly chronic or chronically mild; I started out with a cycle back in late 99 that lasted for 10 -12 weeks & went away for five years until late 04, went through the mandatory 10 – 12 weeks again but it didn’t go away I kept shadowing continuously with the odd biggie here & there.

When we talk about breaks or remissions I tend not to consider anything below a KIP 3 as a headache it’s just a pain in the A.

For example I went through a period of 244 days with nothing above a KIP 3 but had only 1 week totally clear of shadows in that time; then on June 6 I started getting belted with KIP 7s that gradually increased in number and gradually decreased to where I am now at wearing daily KIP 4 shadows, effectively I went about 2.5 years without a cycle.

I’m one of the lucky ones in that unless I am going through a cycle like I just have I can drink all I want & not be affected.

It’s a weird beast this CH and it effects all of us in different ways but I think the key to survival is to accept that you’ve got it & get on with your life using the best info you can glean from this site.

Life can still be good.
Cheers
Barry

Title: Re: Chronic question
Post by kcopelin on Aug 10^th, 2007, 1:24am

I was episodic for 23 years, and have been chronic since 2/2005-not even one day off. Now, using the Kip scale-I consider a day with only 3 Kip 4's and 5's a good day. And a day with 4 or 5 Kip 7 and above a sucky day.
Please do not waste any of your precious time or energy or pain-free hours on being anxious about episodic to chronic.
Just live. Today. Tomorrow has enough trouble of its own, and you can't change a thing by worry.

PFDAN y'all
kathy