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        Supporter's Corner >> Supporter's Corner >> Found HELP for chronic
        
(Message started by: brer_rabbit on Mar 15^th, 2004, 1:24pm)

Title: Found HELP for chronic
Post by brer_rabbit on Mar 15^th, 2004, 1:24pm

My husband suffered from chronic clusters for 14 years. They fell into a cycle of every two hours (sometimes less) all night long every night. He was dying. After over a year of practicly no sleep, he had lost all drive, hope, happiness.
I went to this site looking for help. There was a study being done in S.F. at the Headache Research Clinic run by Dr. Goldstein. I emailed them. We made an appointment. Russ was started on Verapamil and Prednisone. He had immediate good results but was still having one ha a day. He was weaned off the Prednisone after two weeks and put on Lithium. As soon as he started the Lithium the ha's stopped altogether. It has been almost a year now!!!!! :D
He is only taking one Verapamil and one Lithium a day and sometimes even skips days. The Lithium upsets his stomach and reduces his appetite and generally makes himfeel "flat". So he tries to not take them. He can go 3 days and then starts getting ghost ha's.
After I read all the letters in here I was scared drugs wouldn't work, as they don't for everyone. But they did for Russ, so far. Don't waste time with doctors who don't specialize in headaches. This doctor knows everything to know about clusters---I highly recommend him. Christy

Title: Re: Found HELP for chronic
Post by Jackie on Mar 15^th, 2004, 6:00pm

Hi Christy,
It's always good to read a success story.... :D I'm glad you all were able to find a knowledgeable doctor.
I am also married to a chronic. After years of little or no relief we have also managed to find a good drug combo.
Verapamil, Lithium and Topamax. Life has been good since last August....a few hits here and there but we'll take that.

Congratulations to you and your hubby and thanks for sharing.

Jacks 8)

Title: Re: Found HELP for chronic
Post by miapet on Mar 15^th, 2004, 10:17pm

*happy dance*
I'm soooo happy for you!!!!

Title: Re: Found HELP for chronic
Post by Karla on Sep 2^nd, 2004, 12:19pm

Congradulations on finding something that works. I was chronic for 6 years of pure hell getting hit every 2 hours. It is no life! I have been pain free for last 5 months! Yeha! Pain free time is such a blessing!

Title: Re: Found HELP for chronic
Post by synergy on Sep 3^rd, 2004, 5:27am

Congratulations hun!! ;;D ;;D

Lithium didnt work for my chronic partner - but 02 has definately saved him. Its such a nice feeling to get the majority of your lives back!

Glad you are finally able to enjoy life together - love and happy hugs sent to you!

love sarah xx