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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Forced to endure the whole thing...
        
(Message started by: schlags on Mar 10^th, 2008, 12:31am)

Title: Forced to endure the whole thing...
Post by schlags on Mar 10^th, 2008, 12:31am

Today got a nasty one while in the car with my sister and brother on our way to an uncle's funeral visitation. (No wasn't driving thank God!!) Had nothing with me, we were literally out in the middle of nowhere, so had to endure the whole 25 minute thing with no oxygen or imitrex or red bull...nothing. Am lucky my sister is a nurses aide so she honored my request to just ignore me, as did my brother.

Have been getting 3 or 4 hits daily for the past 3 weeks, and at least 3 at night, most of them aborted by either oxygen or imitrex. After I had to endure the entire ache, although I still have a buzzy face and that deep nose feeling, no more headaches today..that one was my only one (and it's almost bedtime). I really haven't paid too close attention since I started using oxygen, but I seem to recall that at least a few times if I don't use any help, they don't come back (that day anyway, far from over with for the whole cycle).

And PLEASE don't get me wrong...I'm not gonna quit using the abortives...not on yer life!! Just wondering if anyone has had the same type of experience?

Title: Re: Forced to endure the whole thing...
Post by kaj_ducker on Mar 10^th, 2008, 1:47am

Yeah, but i've had the same exp. with the oxygen, if i stop a morning-attack with oxygen, its very likely to come back during the day. So if the attack doesnt make me desperate enought i try to hang on, for the sake of not losing anymore of the day, and do some overdue studying and house-work. No pain no gain..?

As for meds, i can recall that the CH periods ive had with meds, where far worse in frequency and length than otherwise, so I use only coffe, water, and occationally oxygen.

Title: Re: Forced to endure the whole thing...
Post by Guiseppi on Mar 10^th, 2008, 10:04am

Schlags I had the same experience with oxygen, except mine would come back within 10-20 minutes of shutting down the oxygen. Now I pop an oral cafergot and start the 02. The 02 beats it down, the cafergot buys me 8-12 hours pain free time.

I recently saw several posts of people who use energy drinks or strong coffee instead of the cafergot with their oxygen and intend to try that next cycle.

One other thing, if you ever get hit in a car again, blow the ac on full, hyperventialate in front of the vent, breathing the cold air in through your nose. I can ratchet a hit down 2-3 clicks that way. Helps when you're caught naked like that.

Guiseppi

Title: Re: Forced to endure the whole thing...
Post by Linda_Howell on Mar 10^th, 2008, 12:40pm

Quote:

Had nothing with me, we were literally out in the middle of nowhere, so had to endure the whole 25 minute thing with no oxygen or imitrex or red bull...nothing

Lesson learned the hard way, huh?

Lesson for today:

Abortives. DO NOT leave home without them.

Title: Re: Forced to endure the whole thing...
Post by DennisM1045 on Mar 10^th, 2008, 12:46pm

I 2nd what Linda says! I have a backpack I carry everywhere. It has my Imitrex injections, one or two can's of energy drink, and my O2 regulator and mask. If I can, I bring an e-tank with me too. I'm seldom without the tank and I'm never without Imitrex and at least one energy drink.

I would have asked that they pull over at the next variety store and get me a can. There is no point suffering like that if a little prep can avoid it.

I hope your cycle lightens up soon.

-Dennis-

Title: Re: Forced to endure the whole thing...
Post by Annette on Mar 10^th, 2008, 4:34pm

Some people here find vigorous exercise can help abort a hit if starts early. You might like to test it some times so that if for some unfortunate reason you get caught out in the middle of nowhere without ammunition, you might like to go for a fast jog taking in deep breaths, as well as stick your face in the car vents with the air cond turned on full blast, pour some water on your head/neck and drinking heaps, it might help.

My husband always has bottles of water as well as Red bull in the boot of his car, even now when he is out of cycle. They dont go off and they come in handy.

Sending you strong vibes and painfree wishes.

Title: Re: Forced to endure the whole thing...
Post by outofcommission on Mar 11^th, 2008, 12:12am

on 03/10/08 at 12:40:18, Linda_Howell wrote:

Lesson learned the hard way, huh?

Lesson for today:

Abortives. DO NOT leave home without them.

try this on for size. i would only take loads as far as my o2 would take me. it was kind of like being on a leash. o wouldn't dare go out longer than 2 days, and thats 4 bottles worth. kept red bull and ice water in my little fridge. if i got held over 600 miles away from home i was out of luck on the o2.
i remember my last cycle before i figured out the wonders of o2, i had to leave my grandmothers 80th birthday party. they were all dancing and having a great time. the coffee wasn't working the way it used to. i had to leave. i was so upset.

Title: Re: Forced to endure the whole thing...
Post by Becky on Mar 13^th, 2008, 8:20pm

Last cycle I had I forgot my Imigran and I was in the Merry Hill shopping center. As soon as I walked in it started, I ran the length of the center to get to a chemist. I had to spend 15 mins filling out a form to say I havnt got any heart probs, then I had to pay £8 for 2 tablets,so now I do American Express...and dont leave home without them ;;D

Title: Re: Forced to endure the whole thing...
Post by brewcrew on Mar 13^th, 2008, 8:40pm

Got caught on Tuesday in my car. Thought I had my O2 rig all set in the back (D-tank, regulator, clustermasx). Got off the expressway, still about 20 miles from home, pulled over, went to the back of the car - shit! No regulator. I had brought it inside the night before to test the levels on some E-tanks.

Thrashed and writhed in my car for 45 minutes after swallowing a naratriptan without water (4 gags worth). Once the pain level subsided a bit (from a K8 down to about a K5), I drove home. Because I didn't get to it soon enough, the beast wouldn't respond to anything. A 4-hour ordeal. I'm still pissed at myself for not having my ducks in a row.

Title: Re: Forced to endure the whole thing...
Post by Linda_Howell on Mar 13^th, 2008, 9:27pm

Outofcommision,

Your situation is different in that you drive a semi and can't possibly get to your supplier any ol time you need to. If I were you and of course I am not....I'd leave behind clothes, toiletries, CD's, and anything else you normally take with you on long-hauls, in favor of an extra e-tank. Jest a thought.

BREW!!!!!! you know better. :-/ Do not let this happen again, you hear?

Title: Re: Forced to endure the whole thing...
Post by brewcrew on Mar 13^th, 2008, 9:52pm

Linda - It was a mistake and completely unintentional. I don't go through 4 hours of pure hell because I enjoy it.

Title: Re: Forced to endure the whole thing...
Post by Linda_Howell on Mar 14^th, 2008, 2:21pm

I know Bill. I was jest yanking your chain because I like to tease ya.

Title: Re: Forced to endure the whole thing...
Post by brewcrew on Mar 14^th, 2008, 2:31pm

Then I'll consider my chain to be yanked!

Yikes! ;;D