OK, I've got a question. I've seen some posts that sort of address this, but it's a bit like Joe's on Melatonin. When do you decide to dose with a trex injection? Is it when a CH starts? Is it when you get to KIP8+? Or is it a time scale when usual abortives haven't aborted in say 10 minutes?

Just curious what you're experiences are. For me, I dose after a combination of events: KIP 7-8+, and after 10 minutes when O2 and Monster don't abort it.

How about it people? What's your take on this? lance

I have never jabbed myself with imitrex, and I most likely never will.

Brew wrote on Sep 16^th, 2010 at 7:59am:

I have never jabbed myself with imitrex, and I most likely never will.

I have never been down that road either,I use the nasal spray,my insurance covers 80% of the spray.

Hubby uses his only as a last resort since he is only alloted a few each month.  Tries to ride it out until he can't take it anymore.  Thanks to this website we've learned SO MUCH about additional abortives.  (Red Bull Works!...who knew?) If he's hit at work with no shot, I told him to slam down a red bull and go to the maint. dept. and huff on the o2 welders rig.  Worked like a charm, disaster avoided!  I'm sure it was also due to the higher flow rate of the o2.  We also just got our high flow regulator and will be hooking that bad boy up today (THANKS MARC, and everybody else, for sharing all your O2 knowledge so others don't have to continue to suffer!)

Quick note to Newbies like me...these people are AMAZING...I have learned more the past two months than any dr has told us in the past 20 years!!  They've gotten us through one of the most difficult cycles.  Read, read, read and it will change your life and you WILL be able to cope. 

Sorry off track a little but wanted to say THANKS to everybody too (especially to my CH angel, she knows who she is)!!  You guys are AWESOME!   [smiley=bow.gif]

Putting questions of cost aside, the sooner you inject the more dependable and fast is the response. We have had too many folks complain about waiting until an attack was well developed before injecting and, therefore, not getting good relief.

I only use Trex if I'm away from my oxygen. I hate how it makes me feel, the snakes up the back feeling...(I inject in the buttocks)....and that weird disjointed feeling afterwards. I also am concerned about the potential for extending cycles. That being said when I'm caught away from the 02, I stab as soon as I get that "Oh sh%$ here it comes" feeling.

Joe

When I did used Imitrex.  I used the Imitrex tip on the left and I did it as soon I had the first little tingle.  The sooner the better.  If you have done O2 and the Red Bull, I wouldn't even bother because in some cases, if you use trex too late, it won't work.  It's all about the "timing".

Sooner the better, I say.  If you wait it takes longer to work.
The tip on the side is old!  Get vials and insulin needles people.
The auto injector needle is like a roofing nail and there is left
over air in there that will give you a burning sensation.

Can't even feel the 31guage needle going in.  Make sure
you get 8mm 1/4" needles no longer, that will cause other problems.

Also I have been using very little these days and it is till
effective for those on tight budgets.  Let me know if you
have any questions!

Hope that helps!

Peace,
Boski

More than a few hundred jabs this cycle alone.  Not proud!!
Just the facts of my life with my buddy along for the ride.

boski wrote on Sep 16^th, 2010 at 11:13am:

The tip on the side is old!  Get vials and insulin needles people. The auto injector needle is like a roofing nail and there is left over air in there that will give you a burning sensation.

The tip is for people who cannot, for whatever reason, obtain vials and syringes.

boski wrote on Sep 16^th, 2010 at 11:13am:

More than a few hundred jabs this cycle alone.  Not proud!! Just the facts of my life with my buddy along for the ride.

Have you attempted oxygen?

Maybe that excessive use of sumatriptan is the reason your cycle is so long due to rebound HA's.

Anything under a 5 Kip I generally skip the trex and fight my way through unless I am at work then I go for the trex before it escalates to a 10 kip scale tipper.

My Neuro told me to use it at the 1st signs of a CH hit, but having dealt with this for several years and a not so helpful ins. co. I try to conserve on my trex.

Speaking of Trex... 
I think I had an Imitrex Christmas in September!!! 
Doc wrote script for the new SUMAVEL DosePro needles injectors at 6 per mo. the ins. co. didn't gripe and filled it (Whoohoo 6 shots per mo. up from 4 that was allowed by ins before.) Now for the bonus and here's where the Christmas in Sept. part comes in to play... the pharmacy (accidentally?  :-? ) filled 12 shots and the ins. didn't catch it and allowed it.  So Barring some really bad days I may have a stock pile for a bit  :D :D   Oh Ya and with ins. I only paid 15.00 for all 12 shots  ;D 
We all know this won't be happening again, maybe some good karma is paying off  8-)

Yeah, I do use O2 when I can, but not easy all the time. I cant
do 02 at night I fall asleep on O2 or I get no sleep. 

I seem to have a visit every REM cycle I fall into.  Driving me nuts.

Working on 5 months so far this cycle.  Rebounds, how can I tell?
Aren't rebounds closer in time to the original? On the meds now
most of the hit are when and if I hit REM sleep.  I never
could tell a rebound, really they all feel like crap.....
I'm not really getting them one after the other now  but I
do get an s load the first few months 6 - 8 a day.  that adds up quickly. 

But I guess it could be rebounds, not sure.

Brew wrote on Sep 16^th, 2010 at 11:27am:

boski wrote on Sep 16th, 2010 at 11:13am: The tip on the side is old!  Get vials and insulin needles people. The auto injector needle is like a roofing nail and there is left over air in there that will give you a burning sensation. The tip is for people who cannot, for whatever reason, obtain vials and syringes.

Hey Brew:
It should be updated.  You can cut the plunger in the pen
and make 3 pens.  Much better for squeamish people.

Peace,

Boski

boski wrote on Sep 16^th, 2010 at 7:19pm:

The tip is for people who cannot, for whatever reason, obtain vials and syringes.Hey Brew: It should be updated.  You can cut the plunger in the pen and make 3 pens.  Much better for squeamish people. Peace, Boski

I'm the wrong person to tell - I've never used the stuff.

Send a note to either DJ or one of the moderators.

While we're on the subject of when, how about where?  I'm curious and tried to search it but came up empty.  I thought I read where some injected into fatty areas, like the belly.  My husband has been injecting into his arm all these years.  Is any area faster/better than another?  Thanks.

his wife wrote on Sep 16^th, 2010 at 7:44pm:

While we're on the subject of when, how about where?  I'm curious and tried to search it but came up empty.  I thought I read where some injected into fatty areas, like the belly.  My husband has been injecting into his arm all these years.  Is any area faster/better than another?  Thanks.

I usually us the thigh, a jab, and walk around gets it going quickly.

Thanks for all the replies, guys! And Ginger, here's a great big whoohoo for you, too! I hope you don't need any of them anytime soon. God bless and pf days and nights to us all! lance

JustNotRight wrote on Sep 16^th, 2010 at 7:52pm:

I usually us the thigh, a jab, and walk around gets it going quickly.

Interesting.  My doctor told me inject at the first sign or it wouldn't work at all & the higher the better- when I was trying it I used my upper left arm.  It's not worth it for me-- terrible rebounds for three days.

Katherinecm wrote on Sep 17^th, 2010 at 7:52am:

JustNotRight wrote on Sep 16th, 2010 at 7:52pm: I usually us the thigh, a jab, and walk around gets it going quickly. Interesting.  My doctor told me inject at the first sign or it wouldn't work at all & the higher the better- when I was trying it I used my upper left arm.  It's not worth it for me-- terrible rebounds for three days.

Would be nice if all doctors could reach a firm consensus on when to use shot and for that matter the best treatment of CH.   ::) 

I used to use my arms too but the soreness from frequent use was an added aggravation I didn't need or want, so I use the thigh it works pretty well.

I stick my right shoulder at first sign, and that means ASAFP. Good results, and the resulting bruised "pin cushion" of a shoulder doesn't really bother me enough to think about changing locations.

After all this time I'm still a wreck about the idea of giving myself a shot. It's comical as hell, I bend over, push the stat pen against the right buttocks cheek, screw my face all up, close my eyes and deliver the shot! It's resulted in a cell phone in the toilet on one occasion! ;D I admire those who can use the imitrex tip but I'm just not there yet! ::)

Joe

Joe:

That's cause that thing is like a roofing nail!!!

I have shot my calf, thigh, tummy and arm all seem to get results. 
Not sure if I noticed any speed difference...

The faster you shot the better.  Less of a linger...
Joe, I was the same way as you, but once that pain sets in
stick it to me no problem.  Good thing I didn't know that
when I was a younger chap! 

With this 31 gauge needle  I feel nothing at all, ok well with
the head going I fell nothing!
Also great for conservation for those tight on imitrex!

I am using about a 1/6th per hit now and still finding relief!

Boski

Brew wrote on Sep 16^th, 2010 at 7:42pm:

boski wrote on Sep 16th, 2010 at 7:19pm: The tip is for people who cannot, for whatever reason, obtain vials and syringes.Hey Brew: It should be updated.  You can cut the plunger in the pen and make 3 pens.  Much better for squeamish people. Peace, Boski I'm the wrong person to tell - I've never used the stuff. Send a note to either DJ or one of the moderators.

Guess we kind of did now, no? 

Yes I saw that in your post.  I guess you were lucky to be
able to deal with it with 02 and other ways.

Well, I do use,  I'm a junkie  :D  You got me!!!! 
But I only use if I have too, not cause I want to!!!  ;)

Soon too be med free I hope!!!!

See I do forget had to post twice!!!

Peace all,

Boski

Since I started using 25lpm O2 I haven't had a hit I couldn't abort.  But if I'm away from my O2 I turn to Imitrex at kip 3-4 and use the 4mg stat dose.

Back when I used 15lpm there was the occasional hit that O2 wouldn't kill.  Id try to abort the attack twice slaming an energy drink in between.  If the bastard came back for round 3 or didn't go away I'd turn to old faithful.

Joe I still pause before hitting the button too.  But only for a second.  My snakes crawl up my neck.

I always inject in my stomach.  That's where my best padding is  ;)  Roofing nail indeed  :o

-Dennis-

Yeah, I don't know what's more intense the lead up to the
pulling the trigger or just the thing going off.  I found using
the needle much more calming.  I was so tense with the stat
system.  And way way way more pain, during and after! 
I switched and will never look back.  Didn't think I could but
it's not as hard as it seems...  ;)  Not to mention the speed
that it is injected.  I put it in nice and slow, I'm in no rush and
it hurts if you squeezzze it in fast.....  I'm just a wuusss.  :D

Peace,
Boski

I have to take a different medication once a week via sub-q syringe, and my doc first ordered the script for self-inject pens. I made him change it to single-dose pre-filled syringes. The needle gauge is smaller and I get to control how fast it goes in. Sometimes the injection site doesn't even bleed, that's how much of a non-event it is.

As imitrex is my only abortive at the moment , other than red bull, I use it asap stat dose in the thigh . I'm with Joe on the screw your face up grit your teeth and press the button .

As for the roofing nail thing , I shot a 4" nail through my finger, well through a Jack rafter and a lay board and then my finger, with my nail gun , it went in the underside and out through the middle of my finger nail , it was a right sod to pull off too. Any hoo it was definitely more painful than an imitrex shot.  ;)

God bless

Nigel

Joe, you're one of the very most up to date authorities on the practicalities of dealing with CH, so I am SHOCKED  :D to hear that you're still using that painful auto-injector!!'

I used those for years and years until I read the imitrex tip, and I always scrunched my face all up and hesitated before letting 'er rip.

The first time you pinch some belly and stick the syringe in sans auto injector, you might hesitate, but after that you realize how much less painful it is than using the auto-injector anywhere. It quickly got to the point of being a very ho hum blase experience for me.

[disclaimer: yes any shot is of course much less painful than a CH, but some of us still flinch  :D]

Color me WIMPY BeJeeber!! Fortunately my last cycle was my very last one, I am "cured" and will never have another cycle and will NEVER have to face off with "TREXY the needle!" ;D

Joe....the eternal optimist!

Headache Boy uk wrote on Sep 24^th, 2010 at 7:52pm:

As imitrex is my only abortive at the moment , other than red bull, I use it asap stat dose in the thigh . I'm with Joe on the screw your face up grit your teeth and press the button . As for the roofing nail thing , I shot a 4" nail through my finger, well through a Jack rafter and a lay board and then my finger, with my nail gun , it went in the underside and out through the middle of my finger nail , it was a right sod to pull off too. Any hoo it was definitely more painful than an imitrex shot.  ;) God bless Nigel

Ok, Nigel Dam!!!

I stepped on a plank and yup nail flip flop flop foot just about
other side but skin is elastic and didn't break.  Long time ago
But, Nigel you put the gun to your finger and pulled!  Didn't
screw up the face till later I bet!  ;)   Why so squeamish?
You can still screw up you face and close your eyes.  Just
feels better and your in control. Oh, leaves less marks for
when your showing the great bod...   ;D I know Roofing
nails are much thicker gauge than the Stat unit just making
a point.  Now someone will say how well you got the picture
I also adjust dose with hit, surrounding and need. One thing
not easy to do with the stat unit, unless you grind down a
bunch of pens to deliver a bunch of different doses.

Just humor  ;)

Peace,
Boski

Guiseppi wrote on Sep 25^th, 2010 at 8:49am:

Color me WIMPY BeJeeber!! Fortunately my last cycle was my very last one, I am "cured" and will never have another cycle and will NEVER have to face off with "TREXY the needle!" ;D Joe....the eternal optimist!

Way to go, Joe! BTW. what was it that "cured" you? We can't wait to hear. ;)

I am willing to use the Imitrex tip, but I wonder how far in should I push the needle into my skin?
Halfway, a quarter, three quarters?
Any advice on that?

1/4" in is all.  Don't want to go any deeper.  It is a sub-Q.

wimsey1 wrote on Sep 27^th, 2010 at 8:20am:

Guiseppi wrote on Sep 25th, 2010 at 8:49am: Color me WIMPY BeJeeber!! Fortunately my last cycle was my very last one, I am "cured" and will never have another cycle and will NEVER have to face off with "TREXY the needle!" ;D Joe....the eternal optimist! Way to go, Joe! BTW. what was it that "cured" you? We can't wait to hear. ;)

I figure I'm  so damned old now the beast feels sorry for me and will leave me alone for good! ;)

Joe

Joe:

I hope he feels sorry for you!  I do, I hate that anyone has
to feel this pain and live with knowing it may pop up.  CH's SUCK!

Peace,

Boski   ;)

Your not that old, it's only a number.

Guiseppi wrote on Sep 27^th, 2010 at 9:19am:

wimsey1 wrote on Sep 27th, 2010 at 8:20am: Guiseppi wrote on Sep 25th, 2010 at 8:49am: Color me WIMPY BeJeeber!! Fortunately my last cycle was my very last one, I am "cured" and will never have another cycle and will NEVER have to face off with "TREXY the needle!" ;D Joe....the eternal optimist! Way to go, Joe! BTW. what was it that "cured" you? We can't wait to hear. ;) I figure I'm  so damned old now the beast feels sorry for me and will leave me alone for good! ;) Joe

You say optimist.  I say delusional!!!  :o

I sure hope you're right and the beast can't read  ;D

-Dennis-

boski wrote on Sep 27^th, 2010 at 9:02am:

1/4" in is all.  Don't want to go any deeper.  It is a sub-Q.

So a quarter in should suffice? Thank you so much, Boski.
Appreciate it  :)

I don't have a stat one handy but 1/4" | 8mm is what I do. 
Don't remember how long the needle on the stat is.  1" long or more?

The needle only sticks out of the auto injector body by 1/4 ".

As for the nail gun thing It didn't actually hurt any more than hitting you finger with a hammer, but it did bleed allot more. :-?

I think the thing with the auto injector is the fact that it literally fires the needle in , 95% of the time it doesn't hurt but the 5% when it dose it really dose.

I will give the trex tip a go when my next cycle comes along , in my last/first cycle I just did what it said on the box and I hadn't read the imitrex tip till my cycle was over and then didn't really take much notice of it thinking it was more about saving the cost of the shots, living in the UK that was not a problem for me, but now I know that it is more about spreading the max dose for up to 6 attacks a day as opposed to 2 I will definitely try it.

God bless

Nigel

If you can get the vials and insulin syringes, it is the best. I
use 31 gauge, they are so thin you feel nothing.   I use so
little per hit now I may get 5 - 6 kills from 1 dose.  I'm in
conservation mode.  Takes a bit longer to kill the beast like
taking a bear with a 38 cal!  But it can be done if you catch
them early or are willing to endure the beast ripping at you
for a while, till he bleeds out!!  Part of the pain with the stat
is the speed of injection, then the air in the unit.  Also,
once in a blue moon you hit the nerve.  I just start over in
a new spot with the needle.   :D  I'm a wuss!!   Hope this
info helps some of you on here.

Peace,

Boski   ;)

Someone posted a video of the trex tip awhile back. Anyone remember it? It might be worth posting here again. lance

Not sure if this is the same one but here ya go...
START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

That's the one, Ginger! Thanks! Now if I can only find a way to save this link....? ::) lance

Using your mouse HighLight the link by clicking the mouse at the end of the link and dragging it over the  Link Text :  START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE
Now while the text is highlighted hold down your ctrl key and hit the  c  key it is now copied... Open new browser window and in the address field do a mouse click; hold down ctrl key again and hit the   v  key  it should past into the address bar; now hit enter and go there  ;)  When there add to your book marks.

or

Avoid all the above crap and click START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE <<There and when it loads add to your book marks  :D

how much is too much ans what is the danger? i can't seem to get a straight answer from a dr.
i'm up to 5 ha a say and scared to use too much.

Get the vials and use less per hit. I could take care of 10 to 14
hits on 2 6mg vials. Taks a bit longer to work but worth
staying within the 2 dose limit.  Now I did take many more
in my younger days. Dr. didn't like it.  Was before the vials.
Not a good idea.  Get vials or use imitrex tip <<<<<<< top
Left!

Boski ;)

Jonas you could be using just 2.5 injectors worth or less to kill those 5 CH hits a day!

Looks like the imitrex tip that outlines how to do this is some critical info you could use right around now: START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

Thanks, i was reluctant to do that until yesterday. i must be getting to the peak of my cycle i had a total of 8 yesterday.
i will now strech my trex as far as possible.

I feel for you!  It BLOWS!!

Hang in there.  But, shoot early and then you can take less.
The longer you wait the longer it seems to take to work.

Hope your taking other preventatives too.

Peace,

Boski ;)