Posted by drummer (209.105.134.240) on August 27, 1999 at 22:38:06:
In Reply to: CLUSTERS-PLEASE HELP AND COMMENT posted by Graham on August 27, 1999 at 21:45:08:
WOW, Dude! I am a chronic Cluster Headache sufferer since the age of 21 years old. I am now 36 years old. You have just written my first 3 years of dealing with chronic Cluster Headaches before I ever saw a doctor. My Cluster attacks were also triggered by alcohol. I also found that if I drank enough alcohol in one sitting that I would remain headache free for up to 24 hours. And yes; I would get one hell of an attack while drinking that alcohol! But, to be pain free for the whole next day was great.
After I got to the point of alcohol causing more problems than just Cluster attacks; I decided to see a doctor. He suggested that I stop drinking. I did. He placed me on 240mg Calan SR(Verapamil) a day. I still remember my first sober pain free night. It was wonderful. 12 years later and I am on 720mg of Calan SR/day and starting a new regimen of a drug called Topamax. Also tried Depakote, Lithium, Prednisone and Neurontin. All of which worked temporarily then stopped working. I do my best to avoid alcohol at all costs although sometimes I like to pretend that I can be a regular guy. Believe me though; not that often.
Oxygen and Imitrex(Imigran) are wonderful abortives for a Cluster attack. It is imperative that you see a Neurologist as soon as possible. There is a man named Dr. Peter Goadsby in England who has been researching Cluster Headaches. Cluster Headaches have also been called “Suicide” Headaches. Some doctors are aware of the seriousness of this excruciatingly painful disease and will see you and treat you right away. Please keep calling around for an immediate appointment.
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Your answers, in my opinion…..1) yes 2) yes 3) I don’t know of an answer to your third question. Please seek a Neurologist as soon as possible. Good Luck. E-mail me anytime at davedrum@eznet.net; my name is Dave.