Posted by Jeremy Hollander on May 16, 1999 at 23:08:44:
Going on my third yr. as a cluster sufferer and the
condition is getting worse. If the attacks themselves
don't do me in then the preventative and abortive meds will.
Tried everything- acupuncture, herbs, psycho-therapy,
vitamins, oxygen therapy, Calan, Sanset, Depakote, Ritalin, Prednisone,
Indocin, Imitrex, Maxalt, the list goes on.
Vist a neuro headach specialist at NY Presp/Cornell
weekly. All tests, MRI, have ruled out tumors.
Since April the attacks are more frequent and more severe.
Prednisone helps somewhat and Imitrex 6m injection does
relieve it w/in 6 minutes at $50/shot but these meds are
taking a toll on my body. Not merely weight-gain but
numerous metabolic changes have occured.
Currently on 20mg Prednisone 4/day, 250mg Derpakote 2/day;
Sansert 2 mg. 4/day; and Imitrex injections 6m. as needed.
My insurance does not cover out-patient Rx but I
will pay
ANYTHING to avoid an attack.
My real worry now is that these meds are causing
damage to heart and vascular system. Not to mention
how my whole life, work, routine, is compromised; and
I'm becoming financially ruined.
I don't even want visitors in my apt. to see the
oxygen- it looks like a missile- very depreesing!
Has anyone had success w/ Lithium?
Would greatly appreciate any feedback!
Thanks for listening.
Sincerely,
Jeremy