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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2003 >> Has anyone ever?
        
(Message started by: tannero on Jul 5^th, 2003, 5:20pm)

Title: Has anyone ever?
Post by tannero on Jul 5^th, 2003, 5:20pm

Has anyone ever checked into the hospital for an iv treatment that supposidly breaks the cycle of the ch and you are pf for several days? I have checked into a hospital in houston twice for this treatment and the first time it seemed to work, however I was for the first time on meds daily when I left. The second visit did nothing. Another question, is everyone here on their meds throughout the year or are some of you able to get off them when your cycle is over? Thanks ahead of time for any responses.

Title: Re: Has anyone ever?
Post by BobG on Jul 6^th, 2003, 10:55am

About the iv treatment, also refered to as a DHE drip. Many here have tried it, some with success and other not.
A little from the OUCH site.
http://www.clusterheadaches.org/library/medications/dihydroergotamine.htm

Many here are chronic (headaches every day all year, year after year) and always on meds.

If you are episodic it is probably best to stop the meds when the cycle is over. There is a chance of the meds becoming ineffective over time and you wouldn't know it when a new cycle started and it's to late.

Title: Re: Has anyone ever?
Post by sueellen83 on Jul 6^th, 2003, 2:09pm

Hi Tannero,

I am episodic and only take Verapimil when I am in cycle.

Neuro told me totake it for 2 weeks after the last CH and then discontinue it.

Bob is right taking it all the time might decrease the affectiveness of it.

Title: Re: Has anyone ever?
Post by smfaison on Jul 6^th, 2003, 2:59pm

I started new medications this cluster because my old tried and true stuff isn't available in the US (Sansert). I am now taking Depakote and Bellaspas, in addition to Prednisone. What always happens is that I try to taper off the Prednisone and have a bad rebound. This just happened yesterday. I used to be able to take the Imitrex injection, but the neuro says I can't do that and be on the Bellaspas at the same time. So I was screwed and had a 4 hour headache. I almost went to the ER for pain last night.

Title: Re: Has anyone ever?
Post by Nathan on Jul 6^th, 2003, 9:49pm

cycle??? whats a cycle? lol! and doesnt checking into a hospital for an iv drip cost a ton?---N

Title: Re: Has anyone ever?
Post by sueellen83 on Jul 7^th, 2003, 6:30am

SM and Nathan,

Sorry to hear you are having such a bad time. :'(

Hang in there. PF vibes coming your way.

Title: Re: Has anyone ever?
Post by svelletta on Jul 9^th, 2003, 12:36pm

My husband had I.V. DHE treatments last of June. Has had no headaches since. He received the treatments 3 x daily for 5 days. A combination of DHE, Reglan (for the stomach upset from meds) Magnesium, Depakon, and Depakote. All I.V. He also received Baclofen for leg cramps caused by the DHE. As many suffereres can attest to, he had tried numerous combinations of meds, all to no avail. Is now on a combination of oral meds he was sent home with. There are some side effects, but no headaches. I am hopeful that he will be "weaned" off of these as well. Good luck to ya. They say sometimes it takes more than one run of the I.V. treatments.

Title: Re: Has anyone ever?
Post by svelletta on Jul 9^th, 2003, 12:40pm

Just an F.Y.I.--If you are not having any luck with your current situation, the Dr. my husband saw was Dr. Stuart B. Black in Dallas. We live in OKC, but it was well worth the drive. He is the only Dr. who has said "we will find a resolution for you, one way or the other."

Title: Re: Has anyone ever?
Post by tannero on Jul 9^th, 2003, 1:40pm

sylvetta, probably mispelled that. Your husband's treatment sounds exactly like what I went through five years ago. After six months on the meds I was able to stop for around six months, then back on them then off but for the last year \every time I try to stop the oral meds the headaches have come back. Its still way better that before and mabey someday I will stop these things. Thanks for your response.
tannero

Title: Yup...
Post by Georgia on Jul 12^th, 2003, 1:02am

I did. Here's my story. It isn't pretty.

http://www.clusterheadaches.com/wwwboard/messages/89366.html