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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> thanks			
        
(Message started by: maryo on Dec 25^th, 2007, 3:19pm)

Title: thanks
Post by maryo on Dec 25^th, 2007, 3:19pm

Maybe it's because I eat too much Turkey at Thanksgiving that I don't get around to giving thanks until xmas. I don't know where I'd be without this site. Actually I do know -- encountering doc after doc, one alternative [health provider] after another , person after person who doesn't understand ch and say things like "Do you think it's stress?" I've decided hearing that phrase jacks up my stress more than anything.

I checked in last night to refresh my brain as to options to maybe get through one night without desperation. Started verapmil four days ago, 120 mg/day. Never had to take a prophylactic. But here I am, 55 and female, with the worst episode yet -- 4-5 a night, each one worse than the previous, and the oxygen having less and less benefit. And what the site reminded me about was melatonin. Took 6 mg regular melatonin and 3 mg of time release at bedtime, woke up this am pain free. There must be a Santa after all.

Thank you all for the information you share, and for validating my experience -- yes, women do have ch; they morph just when you think you have them licked and all of the sudden your routine stops working; most of all, there is no cure, and they're not my fault!!!!

Again, THANKS!!

Title: Re: thanks
Post by RichardN on Dec 25^th, 2007, 9:03pm

Yo Ho Maryo and Merry Christmas

I got here 2/02 (having 6-8 attacks per day and sometimes 3-5 at night) Verapamil and 02 were my salvation. Verapamil is a taper drug and I didn't have my first PF day til I reached 240 mg (had three that night I killed with 02, but it was a WONDERFUL day . . . the first PF day in over a year). You need to make sure and monitor your blood pressure when taking Verapamil . . . can lower same more than you want . . . make sure your doc is on top of this. Having said that . . . many here take MUCH higher doses and sometimes in combinations with other drugs such as Lithium.

I assume you are using the 02 12-15 lpm? Non rebreather mask (the one with the bag)? I ask because all too often docs who do relent and give and 02 script prescribe much lower flo rates thru a nasal canulae . . . . which just doesn't do it for us.

Glad the Melatonin provided you with some rest.

Be Safe, PFDANs

Richard

Title: Re: thanks
Post by lionsound on Dec 26^th, 2007, 6:33am

good for you! you had a good night!!! :D

and you are very welcome :)
thanks for checking back with us.

Title: Re: thanks
Post by maryo on Dec 26^th, 2007, 8:42am

Two pain free nights now. Woke up with a shadow both mornings, oxygen didn't help those so I popped a couple of cafergot. I feel certain it's the melatonin and not the verapamil that's given relief. Being a paramedic I never hesitate with oxygen and yes, I use a non-breather at 12-15. Will be checking in with medical folks today about upping verapamil to 250. I've been in this cycle two months. Am hopeful it will end some time this month. Cheers!

Title: Re: thanks
Post by brewcrew on Dec 26^th, 2007, 11:49am

on 12/26/07 at 08:42:25, maryo wrote:

I feel certain it's the melatonin and not the verapamil that's given relief.

Very glad to hear that you're getting relief.

How are you certain of the above?

Title: Re: thanks
Post by maryo on Dec 26^th, 2007, 4:13pm

How certain? Oh, gee, kinda certain. I had been on the verapramil 5 days with no change. Things changed when I added the melatonin.

Do c-heads generally do better with time release melatonin or the regular? I have both on hand. Thanks.

Title: Re: thanks
Post by E-Double on Dec 26^th, 2007, 5:05pm

on 12/26/07 at 16:13:50, maryo wrote:

thought you were saying dickhead$ lol

some actually mix time release and standard suggestng that it provides a more natural sleep.
I have only used standard.

Sleep is good...enjoy ;)