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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Too early to start meds?
        
(Message started by: Kate in Oz on Feb 13^th, 2006, 4:39am)

Title: Too early to start meds?
Post by Kate in Oz on Feb 13^th, 2006, 4:39am

Hello,

I am so happy to report I've been pain free (well CH pf anyway ::)) for the past few months but....

I usually get a cycle in March - lasting around 8-12 wks - and the tell tale reminders have begun. Does anyone else get this before a cycle starts?? Just a short - less than a minute - burst of pure unadulterated pain in the back of the eye. Been getting it most days - especially on waking if I have a nap.

Have been having lots of tension headaches and even a migrane! but this is CH stuff. I know this pain and it scares the begebbers out of me.

Anyway I have some verapamil left over from my last cycle - Aug/Sep - and I'm wondering - cos the verap can take a while to kick it - do you think its too soon to start taking it??

The last couple of years I've noticed with the March cycle it ususally begins around the 20th so still a while to go til then.... but starting back at Uni next week and dont want to be missing more time.

Other worries/fears :P that I have are that in the past the med that has worked for one cycle hasn't touched the next. I've used verapamil for the past 2 and I feel like I'm running out of options. Couldn't tell you what I've used cos I AM THE QUEEN OF VAGUE ;;D but well its been nearly 16yrs now of trial and error. Sorry I'm rambling... the question is - do you think if I start early I might lesson the chances that it will work for me this time???

Does anyone else start taking meds at the first sign of a cycle beginning? Like I say its a few weeks off but I'm shakin in my boots already.....

Would appreciate any advice you may have to offer.

Thanks,

Kate

P.S have got a supplier of 02 sorted from the last cycle and will get some delivered as soon as the beast rears his damn ugly head again.

Title: Re: Too early to start meds?
Post by chewy on Feb 13^th, 2006, 7:20am

Quote:

Does anyone else start taking meds at the first sign of a cycle beginning?

There is no better time.

Title: Re: Too early to start meds?
Post by Jasmyn on Feb 13^th, 2006, 7:45am

Kate, I will start with the Verapamil if I were you.

When I get my tell-tale signs that the beast is lurking, I start taking my preventative(also Verap).
As for the meds not working anymore, yes, that does seem to happen to almost everyone. My last cycle the neuro upped my Verap, it seemed to have done the trick as the 240mg x 2pd I used to take did not work as well as it should have.

Hang tough, Girl!

Title: Re: Too early to start meds?
Post by Dragnlance on Feb 13^th, 2006, 9:35am

Hey Kate,

As I am chronic, I have no real imput for you here. Jas and Chewy have good suggestions. I just wanted to chime in to let you know you have my support as well. We are with you!!

Hoping your cycle gets interupted!!

Dragnlance

Title: Re: Too early to start meds?
Post by E-Double on Feb 13^th, 2006, 2:50pm

Get your O2 before it appears full blown

Title: Re: Too early to start meds?
Post by Kate in Oz on Feb 13^th, 2006, 8:55pm

Thanks for your replies.

I did wonder if it was a stupid question ::)

Was just curious to see what the responses might be. Will start the verap tonight.

Thanks again, fingers crossed I might abort the whole cycle !!??

PFDAN to you all,

Kate

Title: Re: Too early to start meds?
Post by Jonny on Feb 13^th, 2006, 8:59pm

The only stupid questions when it comes to CH are the ones that are not asked!!!!

Good luck to you, we are here, ALWAYS!!!!

Title: Re: Too early to start meds?
Post by Kate in Oz on Feb 13^th, 2006, 9:18pm

Thanks big guy ;;D

I feel like I'm here always too - although usually lurking. But seeing as I am here now.... geez a lot of bs gets shuffled around on here doesn't it? If nothing else it makes for an interesting read :P

Keep up the good work everyone, with a new cycle brimming it's great to have somewhere to come where I know that people really do understand.

This place may have it's sticky moments but I personally couldn't cope so well without it.

Kate

Title: Re: Too early to start meds?
Post by Dragnlance on Feb 14^th, 2006, 9:10am

I find myself here a dozen times a day, sometimes I just dont leave. I did not make it last night due to the monster, and I just couldnt sit in front of the computer.

Thanks to everyone of you, this is home.

Dragnlance (with red eyes today)

Title: Re: Too early to start meds?
Post by burnt-toast on Feb 15^th, 2006, 10:04pm

If you can predict your cycles fairly accurately a pre-emptive strike with meds. to build serium levels in your blood stream before the first attack?

Naturally discuss it with your doc. first - but it makes perfect sense to me.

Tom

Title: Re: Too early to start meds?
Post by gardengal on Feb 24^th, 2006, 6:53pm

I have read people saying that verapamil has ended their cycle?? How?/I wish!!! I would start taking verapamil ASAP. I have heard of people taking up to 480-720 a day if their BP is OK. I use predisone to help until verpapamil kicks in, so if you start early you wont need that. I know when it is coming because I will have a regular headache for a week and then watch out.Good luck.