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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2005 >> Imitrex sucks...... help?
        
(Message started by: gravelgirl on Apr 25^th, 2005, 4:27pm)

Title: Imitrex sucks...... help?
Post by gravelgirl on Apr 25^th, 2005, 4:27pm

So I tried the Imitrex nasal spray the other day. I would rather die than do that again! It hurt sniffing/snorting the stuff, then it went into my throat and into my mouth. As if the HA wasn't bad enough, the taste of that almost made me puke which I would have done had I not been in a movie theater....

Anyways… What are the Imitrex injections like? Could I really give myself a shot?

I need a way to get rid of the pain. Oh damnit... I'm getting one right now.................

~Bris~

Title: Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
Post by E-Double on Apr 25^th, 2005, 4:44pm

Hi Bris,

I hear ya with the NS.....I didn't tolerate it very well.

The injections are cake!!!
Your a tough cookie and would find that they go in rather smoothely and do not hurt whatsoever.

I prefer them to sprays or pills.....

Go get yourself an O2 tank......We're gonna keep on nagging you about that one!!!!

If you can get the vials if you are unable to do so and use the autoinjector..may of us use the "imitrex tip" to use less meds and to get more shots than many of our insurances will pay for.....

Here when you need and hang in there!!

E

Title: Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
Post by Jonny on Apr 25^th, 2005, 4:48pm

If its going into your throat you are snorting it to hard, it supposed to be absorbed in your sinuses and never make it to your throat.

Injects are easy when your heads in a vice and you can get it out with just a prick of a needle.

Good luck and dont suck so hard (did I just say that? ;;D )

...................................jonny

Title: Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
Post by gravelgirl on Apr 25^th, 2005, 4:50pm

whats an auto injector?

.....head throbbing......

these things put me in a bad mood. grr... grumble....

btw... took my first verapamil today. prescription is verapamil hcl tab 80mg. Take 1 tablet daily for 3 days then take 1 tablet 2 times a day thereafter for headache prevention.

Title: Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
Post by SteCo on Apr 25^th, 2005, 4:52pm

Another push for the o2 here too.....great abort for most. You may be amazed. You can get smaller tanks to have in your car too.

The trex may cause rebounds in some...
SteCo

Title: Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
Post by gravelgirl on Apr 25^th, 2005, 4:53pm

anyone wanna see my headache chart? looky:

4/5 Mon/Tues 3:00am (with vomiting)
4/12 Mon/Tues 3:30am (with vomiting)
4/12 Tues 10:00am (trip to ER) (with vomiting)
4/12 Tues At ER - Cat scan & Spinal Tap
4/16 Sat 5:00pm (right before/at my race)
4/19 Mon/Tues 2:00am (awoke from sleep)
4/19 Tues 10:00am (slept in woke up with)
4/20 Wed 7:00pm
4/21 Wed/Thurs 3:45am (awoke from sleep)
4/21 Thurs 3:45pm (at work)
4/22 Friday 10:00am (at work)
4/22 11:30am met with Neuro was prescribed Imitrex and Verapamil
4/24 Sat/Sun 12:00am (at movies) (Imitrex DID NOT work… hurt worse!)
4/24 Sunday 5:00pm (after nap at home)
4/25 Monday Started Verapamil (1 pill) at 11:30am
2/25 Monday 1:45pm (at work)

Title: Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
Post by gravelgirl on Apr 25^th, 2005, 4:55pm

on 04/25/05 at 16:52:37, SteCo wrote:

Another push for the o2 here too.....great abort for most. You may be amazed. You can get smaller tanks to have in your car too.

The trex may cause rebounds in some...
SteCo

whats a rebound? as soon as my neuro calls me back i'm getting shots and o2.... i need a travel size one.....

:thinking about snorting the horid trex for this headache:

Title: Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
Post by E-Double on Apr 25^th, 2005, 4:56pm

It'll get easier!!!!

an autoinjector is the device that shoots it into you rapidly!!! the thing is that many of us find that the full dosage is too much med and that we can abort with less.......and we get mor HA than we are allowed to trerat so we learn to extend the amount of meds we use by not using the autoinjector and using the tip.

Hang in there!!

Title: Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
Post by E-Double on Apr 25^th, 2005, 4:59pm

Rebound HA is a HA that typically comes when an analgesic wears off........

We refer to trex rebounds as additional hits that may come following the trex...some get them some don't.....

Get several E & D tanks....can fit in your trunk!

A "D" tank can fit in large backpack...once you become a pro at using them you will see what gold they can be

Title: Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
Post by gravelgirl on Apr 25^th, 2005, 5:03pm

How often do these rebounds occur and how bad are they?

I’m only getting 1-2 HA’s a day; so I shouldn't have a problem with the amount of meds they give me.

I have Kaiser and my parents pay for all medical related stuff so fortunately I don't have to worry about that.

Title: Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
Post by gravelgirl on Apr 25^th, 2005, 5:05pm

on 04/25/05 at 16:56:04, E-Double wrote:

where do you shoot yourself at? (body part)

Title: Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
Post by E-Double on Apr 25^th, 2005, 5:12pm

First things First.....BREATHE!!!! :)

The quicker you learn to cope a little the easier things will get.....try not to get anxious because that will perpetuate things.....

Look Bris,

The fact is this it's either an attack or something to kill the attack.....They're gonna happen so you have to make the choice......

As far as the injections go it is directly under the skin...it does not hurt...could be arm, thigh, belly

If you get yourself a tank.....that could be your first line prior to injection if you like.

Not everyone gets rebounds so don't worry about anything until the time comes to worry and remember these things won't kill you!

You can do it!!!

E

Title: Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
Post by SteCo on Apr 25^th, 2005, 5:22pm

What E-Double said.
Look at the bars at the left for the oxygen info. pay particular attention to the equipment needs. (high flow regulator and mask - very important)

After you get the o2.....you may find that is all you need to abort these. It will become your best friend.

At FIRST sign of CH hit the o2.....the sooner the better.
That is why you want to carry smaller bottle around.
I have one in truck, one in office and the balance at home. Total of six tanks during cycle...about knee high ones.

IMHO..Try to use the trex as very last resort...possibility of rebounds. But if you hit the o2 quickly, you may never need the trex again.

The worse ones are the night ones....already full blown and screaming....o2 may take longer to work.....but keep trying....it is a b@tch to try and breath the o2 when rockin'....but keep at it, usually the o2 will bring things around to the sanity level. And get everything set up prior to going to sleep.....ain't fun when you realize you forgot to set it up. And cut off strap for the mask...just in case you fall asleep after the o2...it kinda relaxes you.
SteCo

Title: Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
Post by gravelgirl on Apr 25^th, 2005, 5:26pm

It just hurts so badly and no one understands. Here I am at my desk crying because of the pain and one co-worker says to me, "just tell your self you don't have one" and another offers me Advil. My boss thinks I’m slacking. My pseudo-bf hasn't answered my calls at all today and my mom couldn't talk to me because they were in the middle of lunch.

I've only been dealing with this for a few weeks and I’m already at my wits end.

My fucking head hurts. All I can do is cry. Crying seems to help.

I was bitching about the fact that I still wouldn’t be legal to drink for another 2 months, and now I’ll never be able to enjoy a glass of wine I with my pasta because if I do I’ll get a horrific headache.

I’m sorry to bitch. I’m sorry to rant. But no one else seems to understand………..

Title: Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
Post by E-Double on Apr 25^th, 2005, 6:01pm

on 04/25/05 at 17:26:19, gravelgirl wrote:

Bris,
There is no need to apologize...especially here!!!
You are brand new to this "nightmare" and can learn from us as we can learn from you.

Print this out.......
http://www.clusterheadaches.org/Cluster%20Headache%20Syndrome.doc

It is a letter you can give to your employers and colleagues if you like...It will explain what it is you are going through in very lay terminolgy...keeping it simple and may help people realize that headache is really a misnomer for these things!!!

You will be fine!

If you really need to talk and don't want to post drop me a PM I will be glad to help or listen or whatever!!

Hang in there, breathe and try to smile.....All will work out!!

Eric

Title: Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
Post by SteCo on Apr 25^th, 2005, 6:13pm

Quote:

It just hurts so badly and no one understands.

~~Can someone provide a link to that page that is the "handout for CH's" to give to co-workers and family for this young lady? I can not find it now.~~ E-Double got it already!

This community understands what you are going thru. This is the place to vent. AND everyone here understands....some have it worse.....much worse....Many, Many Ch's per day.....That is the way I try to think of it. What you are hearing from everyone is a very common response..they just do not understand.. ...how could they?

Here is part of the Kaiser website....specifically for cluster headaches....I have Kaiser too. They mention AND recommend o2 for an effective abort treatment and some good reading for you. Watch for personal triggers- keep a record of what you eat, drink, you may notice a trend, .....alchohol during cycle is a big one for most
http://tinyurl.com/45kr7

Until you get the o2......make THIS a priority!!! you can get it in a few hours...particularly if Kaiser has you on record for CH AND they will deliver it to your house. This WILL sound crazy....but try it...vigorous exercise. at the onset of one....same theory as o2.....I have been able to abort a few doing this. Not easy.....but worth a try.

And stress IMHO will bring them on.....so ease up....not easy I know.....but try.

Read, read, read the pages on this site (sidebars on the left)......so you understand what is happening and how you can better deal with it. It WILL be okay....trust me.
SteCo

Title: Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
Post by Bob P on Apr 25^th, 2005, 6:22pm

Quote:

How often do these rebounds occur and how bad are they?

I switched from cafergot to trex week before last. In 2 days I went from 2-3 hits a day to 7 a day. Every one of them a full blown ch. I got the heck off the trex fast!

Title: Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
Post by gravelgirl on Apr 25^th, 2005, 6:59pm

Thanks guys.... the headache mellowed out and I can think again. I just got off the phone with my neuro who is giving me the shots and sending me O2. Thanks to you guys and this site I know what the hell I'm talking about and what to specifically ask for.

Q: Can anyone tell me what exactly Imitrex is and why it helps the headache and possibly brings on others? Is it a painkiller?

Thank You!

Title: Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
Post by E-Double on Apr 25^th, 2005, 7:09pm

on 04/25/05 at 18:59:02, gravelgirl wrote:

It will kill the pain but not considered a painkiller
......it's in the triptan family, Sumatriptan to be percise....
Will constrict the vessels that are dilated and touching the trigeminal nerve.

I'm not sure why some people get additional HA from it and why some do not.....

You will learn what is right for you, like most it is trial and error.

Stay strong,

E

Title: Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
Post by Jonny on Apr 25^th, 2005, 7:47pm

on 04/25/05 at 18:22:24, Bob P wrote:

I got the heck off the trex fast!

Me too, Zomig NS works for me in 6 mins or under (Even with a full blown attack) and with no addittional HA's cause of it....plus the half life is WAY, WAY longer than Trex.

Title: Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
Post by E-Double on Apr 25^th, 2005, 7:56pm

on 04/25/05 at 19:47:30, Jonny wrote:

Me too, Zomig NS works for me in 6 mins or under (Even with a full blown attack) and with no addittional HA's cause of it....plus the half life is WAY, WAY longer than Trex.

We're all different.....
I participated in the Zomig NS trials from NECH......
The 5mg didn't touch an attack, The 10mg wiped one out in like 15 but left me with massive nastiness after......
I wish I knew why we all respond so differently....I bet the docs do to though..would make for easier treatment.

Feel good!

Title: Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
Post by gravelgirl on Apr 25^th, 2005, 8:08pm

Haha! Thank you for the link to the "Cluster Headache Syndrome for people you know" thingy. I printed this and gave it to a co-worker that I HAD considered a friend. I went to the bathroom and when I came back the papers were sitting on my desk and there was a note on it that says, "When you get an MRI and are diagnosed in writing then give this to me".

I called and read the whole thing to my pseudo-bf, whom at the end responded with, “Well, what can I do?”

I called and read it to my mom whom was (and has been) very sympathetic.

It's becoming obvious to me who my REAL friends are. Thank you guys for the continuous information!!!!!!!!!

~Bris~

Title: Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
Post by E-Double on Apr 25^th, 2005, 8:33pm

You are going to have your ups and downs....just like everyone else in this world. It will just hurt more ;)
This shit will make you tough as nails and though it may wear on ya you will have to learn to move forward and to honestly say "Fuck em!!"

Seriously, the best advice I can offer you is not regarding medication.

Deal with this thing the best you can! Keep pushing forward and do not let it consume you!!!!

I've dealt with these things for a decade (many here have been way longer)....My last cycle never ended and I went chronic..Big deal.It's just a label.....

It may end tomorrow. It may not. and here is the mantra...IT is What IT is.....Don't sweat it.

As quickly as you can learn not to question the nature but to deal with it ....you will learn to live life again.

PERIOD!!!!

Hang in there and kick ass!!! ;)

Title: Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
Post by mcf69 on Apr 25^th, 2005, 11:50pm

Quote:

then it went into my throat and into my mouth

I have the same problem with the trex, it tastes awful, without snorting it too hard and getting it into your throat. I always go for the O2 first and then the trex if it isn't working.

Quote:

The trex may cause rebounds in some...

It always gives me rebounds, if I take a dose when an attack wakes me up, I'm certain to have one a few hours later.

Quote:

It just hurts so badly and no one understands

Been there done that, no one truly understands what clusters are until you experience them, thats why this is such an awesome place, we all understand.

I was looking at your diary and see that you get hit at night and in the early morning sometimes. I may be standing on a soapbox here, but look into getting a sleep study done. I had one, and lo and behold I found that I had sleep apnea, I thought I was too young and in too good shape to have it, but turns out it can afflict anyone. My doc truly beleives that those who suffer from clusters are abnormally sensitive to changes in blood oxygen at night, trigering night attacks and aggravating daytime ones. Also try melatonin, commonly available in pharmacies, health food stores, and the big retailers, 3 mg before bedtime may help.

We all know what you're going through, just hang in there, ignore the ignorant ones and don't be afraid to holler for help here.

Title: Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
Post by ClusterChuck on Apr 26^th, 2005, 4:53am

Bris, I am almost in tears, reading your posts .... So SO sorry you have to be here! But, since you have to be, you could not be in a better place. Do NOT EVER appologize for crying, whining venting or what ever you need to do!!! This IS the place to do it! That is one of the MAIN reasons for this site! We all understand and feel for you. We KNOW what you are going thru ... We have ALL been where you are right now. The advantage you have is that you found us so early in your illness. I have had this for 27 years, the last 7, are chronic, and I only found this site 2 years ago.

Oxygen: I agree with the others. GET IT!!! You say your neuro is setting you up with it. Make SURE you are set up correctly. If you do not use it in a specific way, it most likely will not work. You need a regulator that will go to 15 lpm (liters per minute). You MUST have a non-rebreathing mask. NOT one of those nose thingies! The rebreather, is a mask that covers your nose and mouth, and then has a bag that collects the oxygen while you are exhaling, then empties when you inhale. Many of us suck that thing flat during our inhale. That surprises the bejeebers out of most medical professionals!
I find the O₂ (oxygen) works best for me if I hold the mask to my face with my right hand, and my forefinger over the valve (a set of holes, with the round, flappy, rubber type thing on it, on the left side of the mask), and my thumb over the set of holes on the right side, without a valve on it. When I inhale, I put my finger and thumb over the two openings, to keep any outside air from entering the mask, and then when I exhale, I lift the fingers (while holding the mask to my face with the palm of my hand, and the rest of my fingers) to allow the air to escape. Using this method, you are making sure you get 100% oxygen, which is what works best.

If it does not work the first few times, continue trying. I get hit between 8 and 15 times a day, and I am a VERY hard case to control, yet without the O₂, and the people here, I would have ended my life. The O₂ may not work for every hit. But continue to use it.

Good luck, and hang in there. You ARE strong enough to deal with this. Don't let it take over your life. CH, by itself, will not kill you.

If you need someone to talk to, send me your phone number, in a pm, and I will call you. You need someone who understands what you are dealing with, to talk to. If not me, then pick some one who you have taken a liking to, and send them you phone number. Most of us will call you and help you deal with this horror.

Sorry for the length of this, but you really got to me with how this is trying to kick your ass. Don't let it. Take control and YOU do the ass kicking!

Good luck, and keep us informed.

Chuck

Title: Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
Post by lionsound on Apr 26^th, 2005, 12:43pm

Hi Bris,

How are you doing today?

I've been following this thread since yesteday and I know I've said the exact same things to myself through the tears and pain.

the fellas have given you excellent advice. :)
The trex injection is so easy that even a self prolained needle-wuss like myself can do it. And that O2 can't be recommended enough.

And remember this place is your home... we all understand and care about you and are here to help when ever you need it.

be well and PF,
lionsound

Title: Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
Post by gravelgirl on Apr 26^th, 2005, 1:52pm

on 04/25/05 at 23:50:35, mcf69 wrote:

I was looking at your diary and see that you get hit at night and in the early morning sometimes. I may be standing on a soapbox here, but look into getting a sleep study done. I had one, and lo and behold I found that I had sleep apnea, I thought I was too young and in too good shape to have it, but turns out it can afflict anyone. My doc truly beleives that those who suffer from clusters are abnormally sensitive to changes in blood oxygen at night, trigering night attacks and aggravating daytime ones. Also try melatonin, commonly available in pharmacies, health food stores, and the big retailers, 3 mg before bedtime may help.

My grandfather had sleep apnea and when I went to the ER after my third attack my bf was with me. When they told us what sleep apnea was he said that I do that all the time to the point where he thought I was faking sleeping, whatever that means. Hehe
Anyway… what is blood oxygen and how does one control it? My worst attacks occur at night. I’ll look up the melatonin, thanks. ;)

on 04/26/05 at 04:53:10, ClusterChuck wrote:

The advantage you have is that you found us so early in your illness. I have had this for 27 years, the last 7, are chronic, and I only found this site 2 years ago.

If it does not work the first few times, continue trying. I get hit between 8 and 15 times a day, and I am a VERY hard case to control, yet without the O₂, and the people here, I would have ended my life. The O₂ may not work for every hit. But continue to use it.

Chuck

Thanks so much for your kind words and wishes. I’m astounded at what you’ve had to endure for so long. I’d never be able to handle what you have. Fortunately, so far the ha’s are only 1-2 times a day and the day time ones are mild. 8-15 times a day I’d just live at the hospital connected to a very strong sedative. I really hope you have some wonderful friends and family to help you. I’ll be speaking with the O2 people today and now I’ll be able to tell them exactly what I’ll need. Thank you again.

on 04/26/05 at 12:43:28, lionsound wrote:

Hi Bris,
How are you doing today?
I've been following this thread since yesterday and I know I've said the exact same things to myself through the tears and pain.
the fellas have given you excellent advice. :)
The trex injection is so easy that even a self proclaimed needle-wuss like myself can do it. And that O2 can't be recommended enough.
be well and PF,
lionsound

Thanks so much guys. I haven’t been hit since I posted yesterday. I’ve found that if I stay up really late then I don’t get hit as often… probably just a coincidence though. I got the Imitrex shots yesterday and had a burning sacrifice ritual with the nasal spray. ;) I played with the shots familiarizing myself with them and now I just sit and wait. It says to put it into a fatty/fleshy spot. Got any favorites?

Thanks to everyone for this miraculous outlet. I’ll keep ya posted!
~Bris~

Title: Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
Post by BlueMeanie on Apr 26^th, 2005, 2:06pm

Hi Bris,

Looks like you got some good advice. Glad to hear your getting your ammo and you're ready to fight this ordeal. Don't worry too much about the shots, just remember it'll kill the Beast which will make it much easier to push the trigger. Once you get used to gving yourself a few shots, you need to learn the Imitrex tip to the left of the page here. For most people, the Beast will die with a 1/2 shot just as easy as a whole one. As far as the 02, you need to start sucking it at first sign of an attack for it to work.

Sending vibes.... hang in there Bris, it'll end as fast as it started. Crying is o.k., we DO know how bad it is.

Title: Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
Post by SteCo on Apr 26^th, 2005, 2:44pm

Quote:

I’ve found that if I stay up really late then I don’t get hit as often… probably just a coincidence though.

Hi Bris,
Watch with messing with your normal sleep patterns too much. The night time hits will mess with them enough. The beast seems to like it when you start losing sleep. Get it while you can. If you get those darned horrid night ones.....remember the o2!!!!!

Appears you have a new great attitude today.....good for ya. I have two daughters about your age..breaks my heart seeing someone young having to be introduced to these things...more often than not, usually reserved for us older folk, but not uncommon all the same. But it is a VERY GOOD thing you know what is happening..too many have went for years not knowing what is happening. So you DO have the upper hand. Keep reading and gain knowledge...knowledge is strength with these things. And do not get too down after the beast (what we call a CH) hits ya, pick yourself back up and dust off... remember the o2!!!

Did I say remember the o2 yet???? ;;D Your first line of defense for these bad boys........
SteCo

Title: Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
Post by lionsound on Apr 26^th, 2005, 3:17pm

on 04/26/05 at 13:52:50, gravelgirl wrote:

I played with the shots familiarizing myself with them and now I just sit and wait. It says to put it into a fatty/fleshy spot. Got any favorites?

Thanks to everyone for this miraculous outlet. I’ll keep ya posted!
~Bris~

my favorite is my thigh...mostly because It's the fattest/easiest one I can get too. try not to push it too hard into your skin because you get a real attractive bruise. although, when my head hurts I don't much care.

and you may find that the stat dose is too much. The only way to find out is to give it a go. If it is too much, you'll know cuz you won't like it....you'll love the pain drain.... just not the other trex burning feeling/hair fry if it's too strong. If it is, then Eric, E-double, (hi E ;)) is a good one to ask how to split the dose.

so glad to hear you sounding better today! :)

Be well,
lionsound

Title: Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
Post by mcf69 on Apr 26^th, 2005, 4:29pm

Quote:

Bris-
Blood oxygen is how much oxygen is being carried in your bloodstream, it is expressed in percentage and called saturation (or SPO2 in medical terms). A normal, healthy persons saturation ranges from 95-100% As you probably know, sleep apnea is pauses in your breathing while you're sleeping, this causes your blood oxygen to crash, there are documented cases of people going down into the 30% range, although most go down to around 70% You can see where this would be a problem when you get relief from taking in extra oxygen via a mask during a cluster attack, when your saturation is already in the high 90's If you do have apnea and your saturation drops, it deprives your brain of oxygen, your blood vessels dilate and bam-headache. There are several methods of correcting this, the most effective is CPAP or continuous possitive airway pressure therapy. You wear a mask which fits over your nose while you sleep, the air pressure keeps your upper airway "splinted" open, and thus eliminates the apnea. It is not the coolest thing in the world, but trust me, it works extremely well. Definately try the melatonin, it works well to get you to sleep, but doesn't leave you with a hangover in the morning like sleping pills.

I'll leave you a link to check out about the correlation between sleep apnea and cluster headaches, plus it has alot of other good info in it- http://www.washdiplomat.com/03-07/a4_03_07.html Look it over and let me know what you think, if you'd like any more information don't be afraid to give me a shout, I've had good luck with it, and it may be something worth looking into more. Hang in there and best of luck. :)

Title: Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
Post by E-Double on Apr 26^th, 2005, 5:21pm

There are quite a few of us who have sleep apnea as well.......I personally could not tolerate the CPAP nor would I consider having the surgery.....There is a fine young lady here who even states that the CPAP triggers an attack so go figure......I don't know if there is a direct correlation because if you have apnea you have it regardless....If you are in cycle you still have it and when out guess what ..it's still there.

Keep that attitude in the right direction Bris and life will seem much easier.

I'll talk to ya later!

E

Title: Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
Post by gravelgirl on Apr 26^th, 2005, 6:48pm

So I'm on the phone right now tryng to get the O2 and Kaiser's being diffcult. They're telling me that I'm outside of their coverage area, whatever that means. Wish me luck trying to get these people to work with me.

Otherwise.... it's been over 24 hours since my last HA! I'm over-joyed. Maybe coming off the cycle? My first one was 4/5 and today is 4/26... 20 days isn't long enough is it?

How long was everybody's very first cycle?

Also... another question is... have yours ever or do they, switch sides? My haven't yet, right side only, but I felt a slight twinge to my left temple earlier, just for a few seconds almost like it was threatening me.

Another odd question... when are your birthdays?

Thanks so much to everyone!!!
~B~

Title: Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
Post by Jonny on Apr 26^th, 2005, 6:59pm

on 04/26/05 at 18:48:52, gravelgirl wrote:

How long was everybody's very first cycle?

For me?........29 years and seven months......it was only then that I went weeks W/O a HA.

23 years left side and they switched to the right...then back....its an ugly beast always keeping you on your toes.

Title: Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
Post by mcf69 on Apr 26^th, 2005, 7:02pm

E-
Good point you have there about the apnea always being with you, I'd really like to see someone do more research into the subject. Dr Chervin's study only tested 25 people with clusters, and as you probably know 20 of them had apnea, I'd like to see results from a larger population. The great mystery is why clusters occur in the first place, and what brings them on, but I'm working off the theory that if high amounts of oxygen stops attacks, it would be perfectly reasonable for low amounts to trigger them, that's where the apnea comes in.

Bris-
It's been so long I can't remember my first cycle very well, but I recall it being around a couple weeks, they now average about a month, sometimes shorter, sometimes longer. As for switching sides, they usually don't during cycle, although they may switch sides between cycles. Glad to hear that you are doing so much better, maybe the cycle is ending?, they tend to start to spread out towards the end, so keep your fingers crossed.

Title: Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
Post by gravelgirl on Apr 27^th, 2005, 2:42pm

46 hours headache free!!!!! Joy!

Maybe not clusters after all???

I've had lingering "shadows" but no headaches. My first one was 4/5 and my last one was 4/25. I doubt there are 20-day cycles in cluster-world.

Input anyone?

~B~

Title: Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
Post by pam s on Apr 28^th, 2005, 11:47pm

on 04/27/05 at 14:42:41, gravelgirl wrote:

I doubt there are 20-day cycles in cluster-world.

~B~

Bris, I think your cycle is over. For years, mine lasted two weeks (and I got them every two or three years).

Like many here, the Imitrex seemed a Godsend at first, but I know that it prolonged the cycles -- my last one was 6 weeks long. Not bad compared to some, but still, hell on earth.

I am preparing to use "alternative treament" for my next cycle, which is due in two years (but you never know).

Enjoy your painfree time, but do a lot of research here, and be prepared for the next cycle, because if you have clusters, it will come.

Title: Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
Post by pinksharkmark on May 4^th, 2005, 11:32pm

Quote:

Maybe not clusters after all???

I've had lingering "shadows" but no headaches. My first one was 4/5 and my last one was 4/25. I doubt there are 20-day cycles in cluster-world.

Input anyone?

It's not unusual for your very first cycle to be short and relatively uneven. The first year I had them they weren't even really regular enough to be called "cycles" at all. This is possibly why I was originally misdiagnosed as having migraines.

The bad news is that over time the cycles typically become longer. There are few clusterheads who get by with less than six weeks per cycle after a few years of 'em. Sorry to be so negative but that's just the way they work.

I'm with Jonny on the Zomig thing, although I've only taken the tablets. I found compared to Imitrex tablets they work faster, last longer, and cost a bit less. Less side-effects as well. I don't believe there is an injectable form of Zomig yet, though I may be mistaken about that.

I sincerely hope your first cycle is done with for now and that your next is a long time in coming, but you really should be prepared for the next one. It's worth doing some reading here before the next cycle arrives. There are some promising new treatments discussed in this forum (i.e. kudzu extract and psychedelics such as psilocin, LSA, and LSD) that your doctor is most likely unfamiliar with. Now is also the time to get your oxygen gear set up. While it doesn't work for everyone it is a godsend for most clusterheads.

One other thing I noticed is the dose of verapamil you mentioned. Very very few clusterheads have any success at all with such low doses. 240 mg seems to be about as low as most will go, and there are some who regularly take double or triple that amount.

pinky