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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> DHE / Steroid injections...any feedback?
        
(Message started by: Jacqui on Apr 19^th, 2006, 12:09pm)

Title: DHE / Steroid injections...any feedback?
Post by Jacqui on Apr 19^th, 2006, 12:09pm

My name is Jacqui. I am new to this site - a little back ground, I've had CH since I was about 7-10yrs old. I am 33 yrs old now. Of course it wasn't diagnosed that early on and still Dr.’s will say different things along the way. A new cycle has just come on (it’s been 3 years) I never have the same Dr. We are a military family and move a lot. These new Dr.’s have there spin on things –
1st trip to the ER last night. The Dr. gave me Compizine(nausea med) and a steroid (Prednisone) to the lead up of a DHE injection. I had a HORRIBLE anxiety reaction. I thought it was the nausea med, now I’m supposed to take the steroid again for a few days and the Pharmacist said it was most likely the steroid. I am in a panic to take it again – by the way, because of me reaction I never got to the DHE injection.
The reason for the post… any insight of steroid reaction and what happens if I abruptly stop taking the steroid, and any feed back to DHE injections – has anyone had good effective results? Sorry for the run on- I’m in panic mode right now and nurse/Dr. not returning phone calls! Thanks for any insight and the ear!
:-/

Title: Re: DHE / Steroid injections...any feedback?
Post by unsolved1 on Apr 19^th, 2006, 2:17pm

I've never heard of anyone having an anxiety attack becuase of Prednisone, but I guess anything is possible. I also don't think you have to worry about stopping them abruptly, you only recieved 1 shot, that's not much. It's the people who take it for weeks who cannot stop abruptly.

The DHE has been a godsend to me. It always brings me some relief. If you're still getting hit, I'd think again about going back for that shot!

Goodluck

UNsolved

Title: Re: DHE / Steroid injections...any feedback?
Post by NotH20 on Apr 19^th, 2006, 2:29pm

I agree with Unsolved....both with the anxiety AND the stopping of the medication. I'm currently on my taper down from Prednisone and am on 40 mgs per day for the next few days, then 20 mgs for a few days, etc. Should be off by the beginning of next week. Pred will usually stop the ch's dead in the tracks after the first 24 hours for me - but this last round was not as helpful >:(

My experience w/ DHE was a 9-day stay in the hospital with a DHE IV drip. It really messed with my mind for many of those days - but it actually stopped my cycle after the first dose. I believe I had only one break-thru headache after I came home from the hospital.

Good luck to you - get the shot next time and see how it works - you'll never know if it will be helpful or not. At least you have the comfort of knowing that something is there for you if needed.

Mia