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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Getting to Know Ya >> Hello, fellow travelers 
        
(Message started by: Jane on Feb 2^nd, 2008, 11:52pm)

Title: Hello, fellow travelers
Post by Jane on Feb 2^nd, 2008, 11:52pm

It is such a relief to finally find people who actually understand this crazy condition. I have spent some time on this site over the past week and have a ton of ammunition for my next doctor's visit. He has never suggested oxygen or imitrex and those sound like remedies I might like to try. I'm on prednisone dose pak (6 days) at the beginning of the cycle and then maxalt at the onset of a headache...sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. I have tried the Red Bull thing this past week...and wow...I'm really impressed with the results. I have suffered with this for around 22 years; typically one cycle per year that lasts around 2 months with 1 - 2 headaches a day. I am just exhausted by this condition and I am sure my family and friends are too....I try not to complain but when I have a particularly bad attack, I feel "off-balance" for the rest of the day and its hard not to share this...even though they don't have a clue as to what I am really talking about. I must say.... so many of you have great attitudes that I find refreshing and uplifting. I'm so glad to have found you all !!

Title: Re: Hello, fellow travelers
Post by RichardN on Feb 3^rd, 2008, 4:08am

Hello Jane and Welcome Home

You'll probably want to copy the 02 info and take with you to your doc to get the 02 script. Many docs are reluctant to prescribe 02 . . . you might have to educate him/her on it's effectiveness. If your insurance won't cover it, it's cheap and easily available even if you have to pay cash. (Read my reply to Zolapower's post on how we use it).

Make sure your doc is aware of any heart issues (artery blockage or high cholesterol . . . as I have) before you accept a script for Imitrex . . . . can be very dangerous if those conditions exist.

Don't discount water therapy (see "water X 3" . . . link on left). I'm convinced this has helped me reduce the frequency/intensity of attacks.

Keep reading . .. keep asking. Much info/caring/sharing here from folks who truly know your pain.

Be Safe, PFDANs

Richard

Title: Re: Hello, fellow travelers
Post by barry_sword on Feb 3^rd, 2008, 9:06am

Hi Jane and welcome. Sorry you had to be here but you are with people who understand now.

Please print off the o2 info to your left and take to your Doc.
100% o2 at 15 lpm with a non-rebreather mask. Get on the o2 at the very first sign or twinge of an oncoming hit. Works for the majority of people here, including myself.

As a preventive I take Verapamil at 480mg daily, but you and your Doc will find what med and what dosage will work for you.

All the best for you and welcome again to your new family.

Barry :)

Title: Re: Hello, fellow travelers
Post by GrandPotentate on Feb 8^th, 2008, 10:37pm

I was misdiagnosed and went though a lot of ineffective doctor dope. I was still in pain, but also loopy. My GP found Oxygen therapy about the same time my kid's bartender referred me to this site. O2 had been good for me (not for everybody). This site has been good for me (also not for everybody). Be glad you found us. I hope you also have a compassionate doc. Discuss O2, also discuss a neurologist.

Please keep in touch with us on your progress!