Clusterheadaches.com Message Board


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

        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Getting to Know Ya >> Suffering for over 20 years
        
(Message started by: bruised on May 13^th, 2008, 10:45am)

Title: Suffering for over 20 years
Post by bruised on May 13^th, 2008, 10:45am

Hi everyone!
I'm a 41-year-old Canadian hunting/fishing guide from Ontario/Québec.
I've been suffering from clusterheadaches since 1987. Every fall like clockwork from sept - december. 5 to 7 attacks a day from 4:00pm to 4:00am. However, the last two years I haven't had anything and I happily assumed that the nightmare was over.
About a month and a half ago, low and behold, they're back. And this time in the spring? After suffering for so many years, you'd think that you'd be well prepared for that pain you know?! I'm in peak cluster cycle right now, and the devil seems to laugh at seeing me go from grizzly addams to wimpering baby boy in 60 seconds flat. They're worse than ever. :-/ They take a lot of color out of life as I'm sure you all know. And at my age now, my strength and tolerance is weakening. Sometimes I feel so weak I wish they would just take me and save me the pain and suffering. The spring is such a beautiful season and i'm under siege in my home hiding from everyone.

Title: Re: Suffering for over 20 years
Post by debOUCH on May 13^th, 2008, 10:52am

sorry to hear the beast is bothering u.................in a few, all the experts will be by 2 guide u through .................u will get through this............................pf vibes on their way 2 u from long island
deb
[smiley=hug.gif]

Title: Re: Suffering for over 20 years
Post by Brew on May 13^th, 2008, 11:02am

Do you do anything to combat them medically?

Title: Re: Suffering for over 20 years
Post by bruised on May 13^th, 2008, 11:16am

I go through about 100lb oxygen tank evry week. IAll it does is shorten attacks from 2 to 3 hours, to 1 to 1 and a half hours if I get to it in time.

Title: Re: Suffering for over 20 years
Post by Brew on May 13^th, 2008, 11:33am

Taking any preventative medications?

Title: Re: Suffering for over 20 years
Post by seasonalboomer on May 13^th, 2008, 11:36am

Sorry you're going through this.

While O2 is a good start, and from what you are indicating it seems to shorten your suffering, O2 is to be considered an "abortive"...meaning it ought to work better than that and quicker.

What kind of flow rate are you using? And are you using a "non-rebreather" mask? For most people, O2 works in less than 15 minutes.

As for other options -- I only fully felt that I'd gotten control of my life when I had a couple things in the arsenal. O2, Red Bull and Imitrex have given me back my life when in cycle by bringing me options for different situations. I have a lot of confidence to go out when in cycle when I've got an Imitrex jab in the car if I need it. If something pops up I can excuse myself for a few minutes and take the inject and less than 5 minutes later, I'm back.

Outside of O2 are you using anything else to help yourself?

Scott

Title: Re: Suffering for over 20 years
Post by bruised on May 13^th, 2008, 11:44am

You're right. If I get to my O2 early enough, i can stop the attack within 20mins or so. however my window of opportunity is very small. If I see it's not working, I turn the tank off. But it still shortens the episode. I've tried it all. Imitrex does nothing for me, as for many other pain killers and treatments. Some treatments such as beta blockers have increased the number of attacks or worsen them. O2 is my only weapon. When I'm in peak cycle, there is NOTHING I can do but hold on for dear life.

Title: Re: Suffering for over 20 years
Post by DennisM1045 on May 13^th, 2008, 11:47am

How high does your regulator go?

Are you using a non-rebreather mask?

-Dennis-

Title: Re: Suffering for over 20 years
Post by bruised on May 13^th, 2008, 11:51am

Regulator is fine. Goes to 15. I use 10-12. And i have proper mask. Don't get me wrong. O2 is a god send. If I don't breath any at all during an attack, i'm down for a good 2 1/2 - 3 hours.

Title: Re: Suffering for over 20 years
Post by DennisM1045 on May 13^th, 2008, 11:55am

Thanks for the clarification. Sorry for being so persistent. Just wanted to make sure you were on the right track. Sounds like you know the ropes.

One other thing I'll offer is that some folks have had better results with a demand valve regulator. The flow rate can reach 60lpm.

Welcome to the neighorhood and I hope your cycle is a short one.

-Dennis-