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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Saw Neuro finally, put me on..
        
(Message started by: LindsayLoo on Jun 8^th, 2007, 1:56am)

Title: Saw Neuro finally, put me on..
Post by LindsayLoo on Jun 8^th, 2007, 1:56am

Officially diagnosed with CH's and partial Horners Syndrome (sp?) in my right eye by the Neuro. Had orbit, neck and head MRI and am waiting to do Brain w/ contrast MRI. She put me on Verapamil 120mg, Zomig Nasal Spray 5mg (Samples, insur no cover) and Lidocaine Nasal Stuff. She is going to do her damndest to get me that O2, but my insurance is an A$$ of a company, so it might take awhile. They only like to give it for pulmonary reasons I guess. She also is continuing my other meds, Prednisone, Relpax, indocin and Amitryptiline & putting a standing emergency room treatment order for the hospital she is at for O2, IV Depakote, Imitrex IV, narcotics, if needed etc. So my question, what are these new meds like? any horrible side effects? Anything I should know about them, how long to start working? (days, weeks?) Etc, Etc.

Thanks guys,
Lindz

P.S. She can't determine if they are episodic or Chronic yet since they are new but because it has been since May 14th and it is my first bout with them she thinks they will continue for awhile.

Title: Re: Saw Neuro finally, put me on..
Post by Brewcrew on Jun 8^th, 2007, 7:20am

Another step in the right direction. Good for you!

I have never taken the lidocaine or the Zomig, but I can tell you two things about the other one:

1. The dosage of the verapamil seems way too low to me. Perhaps she is going to ramp you up on it herself, a week or two at a time. Did she ask you to check in over the phone once a week or so? Most folks don't get relief until they hit the 360-480 mg range.

2. Biggest side effect for most is constipation. Be sure you have access to Senekot or some other natural vegetable laxative.

Best of luck! Sounds like you found a keeper of a doc for now.

One other thing - There's always welder's oxygen if the traditional route doesn't work.

Title: Re: Saw Neuro finally, put me on..
Post by LindsayLoo on Jun 8^th, 2007, 3:52pm

Thank you Brew.

As far as the Verapamil goes, could it depend on my weight? I am a tiny one. I'm 5'5 and 123 but very little boned. I always get asked if I am anorexic. Maybe that could have something to do with it. I don't know. I was wondering the same thing too after reading the dosages of other people on this board.

The bad thing about this doc is she is only in clinic on Thursday the rest of the time she is at the V.A. Hospital. but that is the price I pay for needing to get in so quick. She seems like she knows what she is doing and speacializes in headaches. The rest of the time I will have to play phone and email tag with her nurses. I think I can handle that (I hope).

I just called my PCP's nurse to let her know about the neuro appointment and to ask for more samples of Relpax since the neuro was out of them and my ins hasn't auth'd em yet, she is all "I don't think so, but I'll check" what an A$$. I'm giving her a week and then I'll switch to another if she continues to be this way. ARGH!!!

Title: Re: Saw Neuro finally, put me on..
Post by E-Double on Jun 8^th, 2007, 9:02pm

Never heard of Imitrex IV

BE careful with the mix of triptans and get a letter of necessity for the O2

Title: Re: Saw Neuro finally, put me on..
Post by MR_FLOOR on Jun 20^th, 2007, 10:59am

I agree with Brew the verapamil very low.As for the Imitrex do you mean the stat dose?I tried Lidocaine years ago mine where drops I was supposed to drop them in the eye on the effected side (did not work).As for any kind of narcotics,unless it's an injection to me there useless plus narcotics act as a trigger for me,I stay away . Good luck I wish you lots of success in your new treatment I hope whatever your doc decides to go with works for you.

Dave

Title: Re: Saw Neuro finally, put me on..
Post by UN solved on Jun 20^th, 2007, 12:12pm

I also agree with the others. The Imitrex CANNOT be taken IV ... that could be deadly !! Imitrex is to be taken orally or subQ.

As far as the Verapamil dosage, the doc will probably increase the dose a little at a time. Too big of a dose could lead to an unsafe drop in BP and a lowered heart rate. ( I can't handle 400 mg ). Don't increase the dose without the docs consent.

Last thing ... don't mix the relpax and the Zomig as they are both Triptans and you would be 'double-dipping'. Mixing them could also have serious consequences and could be fatal.

Be careful & Goodluck

UNsolved

Title: Re: Saw Neuro finally, put me on..
Post by Linda_Howell on Jun 20^th, 2007, 8:47pm

Let me see if I got this straight Lindz.

This Dr. of yours presribed Imitrex IV (among so many other things) but cannot give you a script for 02?

Any Dr. can write a script for 02. You take it to Lincare, Apria or any other supplier in Tuscon and they fill it. If you don't have Ins. sit down (insist) that they cut you a deal like I did. 10.00 per E-tank.

Apria:
Tucson
Branch
(520) 295-5980 2850 E Valencia Rd
Tucson, Arizona 85706-5917

Title: Re: Saw Neuro finally, put me on..
Post by mynm156 on Jun 20^th, 2007, 11:41pm

[smiley=sayyes.gif] AWESOME I am sooo glad to here you arestarting to get some results!! Good Vibes your brother in pain

MYNM156