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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> does redbull really work...?
        
(Message started by: stefanie77 on Jul 6^th, 2006, 12:55pm)

Title: does redbull really work...?
Post by stefanie77 on Jul 6^th, 2006, 12:55pm

dear everybody...my fiancee is suffering from really bad ch and right now i am trying to help him in any way...i've heard that redbull might work in a way so i was wondering if any of you have tried it out and if so, did it really work...? also when do you have to drink it, how many, etc...i really appreciate your replies and i deeply feel with all of you...stefanie

Title: Re: does redbull really work...?
Post by Guiseppi on Jul 6^th, 2006, 1:20pm

I tried it as an abortive and it didn't work at all for me. A lot of people on the site say if they take it as soon as they feel the headache starting and it will often times abort it.

Please tell me he has a great neuro and already has oxygen and imitrex to abort with and has a great preventative regimen with something like lithium or topomax. Cuz if he's defenseless and still looking for something that helps have him, get busy reading and posting on the board here so we can help him.

PS, you're a saint for being a supporter, I would be lost without my wife.

Guiseppi

Title: Re: does redbull really work...?
Post by LeLimey on Jul 6^th, 2006, 1:42pm

It does work for me, as do espresso coffees.. but only if I use them at the first sign of a hit.
Hope that helps!
Helen

edited to add I generally drink a whole can, preferably ice cold and as fast as possible - I hate the stuff so I do tend to knock it back to get it over and done with ASAP. If your fiance finds it hard to drink a fizzy drink fast - and it can be painful I know! You can pop the can and leave it in the fridge open so it goes flat. It still works but somehow it manages to taste even worse! ::)

Title: Re: does redbull really work...?
Post by spidey426 on Jul 6^th, 2006, 2:03pm

I've had better luck with the tinfoil hat.

The taurine in the redbull can disrupt the alien mind-control, but it only works with certain breeds of aliens. The others have become immune. So it really depends on the breed of alien that has targeted him. This is why it only works for some of us.

Title: Re: does redbull really work...?
Post by stefanie77 on Jul 6^th, 2006, 2:23pm

thank you so much for your reply...i think we just have to give it a try...guiseppe, he already got some stuff from the doctor such as nasal spray and some pills...the spray helps pretty good, but it just makes the pain go away for now and not for good, unfortunately...i am really desperate as i feel so sorry for him and would love to help him...what do you guys think is the best way to help...?

Title: Re: does redbull really work...?
Post by Guiseppi on Jul 6^th, 2006, 2:42pm

Listen to him. Sometimes I want my wife with me, a lot of the times I want to be left alone, when you're crying and bonking your head on the wall it's a little bit embarrasing.

You didn't mention oxygen, it's still my first line of defense and one of the most effective at stopping the beast in its tracks. Thanks again for being a supporter, we need you guys.

Guiseppi

Title: Re: does redbull really work...?
Post by stefanie77 on Jul 6^th, 2006, 2:48pm

we have ordered the oxygen machine but we haven't get it yet...but it's good to know that it helps, too...thank you so much for your advice, i will definetly try my best to support him...however, it so hard and i really hate see him suffer to much... :'(

Title: Re: does redbull really work...?
Post by JoeS on Jul 6^th, 2006, 2:53pm

Hi Stef, thanks for being a supporter. I know it is frustrating, because you feel like there is little you can do, but you can provide support in a lot of little ways that end up making a big difference. A small example would be that my wife takes care of calling the pharmacy to refill my meds (and pestering my Neuro to authorize refills when necessary).

To your original question, Red Bull hasn't been a silver bullet for me, but there are those that swear by it, so it's worth a shot.

By far the biggest help for me has been Oxygen. As soon as I figured out how to administer it properly, it has been a Godsend. It is very important to use the proper mask to ensure 100% oxygen delivery. While in cycle, I keep a small tank at work and have a large tank by my bed. A doctor familiar with Cluster Headache should have no problem with prescribing oxygen, and depending on the size of your town, you should have a medical supply store that can, er, supply it.

Good Luck,
Joe

Title: Re: does redbull really work...?
Post by ShawnW on Jul 8^th, 2006, 12:04am

Red Bull worked really well for me. Everyone is different, though, so what works for one person may not work for another. It's worth a try, though.

Some others have experimented with taurine supplements with some success. This is the same active ingredient as in Red Bull, but in a greater dosage.

Title: Re: does redbull really work...?
Post by Charlotte on Jul 14^th, 2006, 8:35pm

I've only tried it 3 times, starting this week. Today, it worked very well.

Charlotte

Title: Re: does redbull really work...?
Post by sandie99 on Jul 15^th, 2006, 3:00am

Hi Stefanie,

Red Bull and other energy drinks with the same amount of caffeine and taurine are my ONLY ch treatment right now. It works within 5 minutes for me, which is quicker than anything else I have tried in the past.

Here's now I do it:
I keep Red Bull in my fridge, ice cold. When I get hit, I get RB as soon as I feel the hit coming, pour all the contents of the can into a huge glas and add some ice cubes (so it's COLD). I drink it all as soon as I can. And I'm PF in 5 minutes.

Now, I must add, that it's fantastic to see you here. We need more supporters here! And all the supporters are more than welcome. :)

Best wishes & I hope that RB works for your fiance as well!

Sanna

Title: Re: does redbull really work...?
Post by navymech on Jul 17^th, 2006, 12:23am

Sometimes the redbull works but only if I take it as soon as I feel it coming on, same with coffee and usually only early in the morning when I wake up. For the really bad ones I use the imitrex injections, if I have a bad one that I know wont go away like a 8 or 9 I take the injection and within 3-5 min the pain is gone everytime. I am still working on getting on a preventitive plan. I havent been to see my neuro yet cause we have just moved to this area from the east coast and my last one wasnt worth spit, just do your research so you can ask intelligent questions to the docs. Thank god for supportive spouses, I would be lost without my wife helping me through my cycles.

Title: Re: does redbull really work...?
Post by Ladybug314 on Jul 17^th, 2006, 8:27am

He Stefanie,

I went to Cosco's yesterday and bought a case of it (32.00$$) for a case. Chilled it and the start of the attack drank one, fast, and didnt even touch it.... Thank god I have teenage boys who wont let it go to waste ;)
I cant help out much because I am a newbie (diagnosed since Thuirsday) I am taking Kudzu just started Sunday so we will see how that goes and too melaatonin last night that I only had one episode ;;D That was great !!!
Good luck and hang inh there.
Friends
Ida

Title: Re: does redbull really work...?
Post by Summerbabe on Jul 17^th, 2006, 9:46pm

:D HEY There Stefanie, so glad to hear you are supporting , there are few out there without CH that go above the line to help for they feel helpless and do not know what to do , so what I am getting at is , you deserve alot of credit and your fiancee is a lucky man to have your concern and support. This is a debilitating disease and the pain is intolerable. Your man needs oxygen asap... I dont understand what the hold up is with delivery, I am fortunate enough that I get it same day or if not needed then I receive when I do 2 hour window. He needs it , stops the demon , hell he may get some sleep..keep him cool, ice pack helps, give him space when hit. I also prefer to be alone when hit, because it can be a frightening, sad sight to see, as I am sure you know this already. Good luck , we are here, tell him to log on , we will help him. God bless you darling...All my best, Summer 8) Almost forgot , Red Bull works for me ice cold, then I slam it down :P