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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> What to do about the shadows
        
(Message started by: TarHeel_Todd on Jan 25^th, 2006, 11:56am)

Title: What to do about the shadows
Post by TarHeel_Todd on Jan 25^th, 2006, 11:56am

I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions about dealing with the shadow headaches (Ithink thats the term) in between attacks. They aren't quite bad enough to use the Imitrex (don't want to waste it). I've had one that borders on 3-6kip, but then goes down to a 2 since 8pm last night. Any thoughts?

Title: Re: What to do about the shadows
Post by BobG on Jan 25^th, 2006, 12:33pm

I started my yearly cluster of shadows about 2 weeks ago. Mine don't go to the 3-5 Kip size, more like 1-3 Kip.
I ignore them, or at least try to. I don't want to get started on any meds that I might need later and find out my pain has become immune to them.
Have you tried to use O2? Cheap, effective, safe.

Title: Re: What to do about the shadows
Post by FramCire on Jan 25^th, 2006, 1:17pm

Anything below 6 or 7 and I stick to only caffine or O2. However, caffine makes me jittery and I get nervous when i drink too much of it.

Since only Imitrex inj and Maxalt MXT work for me, I only use them for night time 7+ kippers and only after O2 fails.

Title: Re: What to do about the shadows
Post by TarHeel_Todd on Jan 25^th, 2006, 2:37pm

Thanks! Enough people have talked about O2. I am going to talk to Dr. about it. How expensive is it?

Title: Re: What to do about the shadows
Post by E-Double on Jan 25^th, 2006, 2:40pm

on 01/25/06 at 14:37:46, TarHeel_Todd wrote:

Thanks! Enough people have talked about O2. I am going to talk to Dr. about it. How expensive is it?

cheaper than all of the meds we take

Title: Re: What to do about the shadows
Post by BobG on Jan 25^th, 2006, 4:01pm

Be sure you make it very plain that you must have a NON-rebreather mask and a regulator that goes to at least 12lmp. 15 would be better.

Title: Re: What to do about the shadows
Post by marlinsfan on Jan 25^th, 2006, 4:27pm

I pay $5 copay every time I have the 3 E tanks refilled.

Title: Re: What to do about the shadows
Post by Melissa on Jan 25^th, 2006, 8:10pm

For shadows inbetween hits, I used Alka Seltzer Plus cold medicine, ice packs on the back of the neck (just at the base of the head) and lots of deep breathing.

Shadows suck. :P

Title: If they are bad enoguh, 5+ and loner than 5 or..
Post by Richr8 on Jan 26^th, 2006, 1:53am

..6 hour smd O2 won't work, I use Relpax.. Kills them every time for me.

Title: Re: What to do about the shadows
Post by chewy on Jan 26^th, 2006, 7:57am

When they get really annnoying I'll take an ibuprophen.

If I'm out of cycle I'll hit them with 20 mg of prednisone.

Title: Re: What to do about the shadows
Post by pattik on Jan 26^th, 2006, 11:44am

If it's during the day, I'll take 30mg. of pseudoephedrine (more than that makes me jittery) plus an ibuprophen. That combo will usually take care of it.