Posted by Dave W (12.10.85.65) on September 08, 1999 at 09:40:51:
In Reply to: Fiorinal w/ Codeine posted by Craig on September 08, 1999 at 09:20:07:
Craig,
It's really important to have a good diagnosis, and a doctor who agrees with it! Try to find a good neurologist or internist who's experienced with cluster headaches, or at the very least take a copy of the "Medical Info" from this site to your doc and go through it with him or her. Be sure of what type headache you're dealing with first.
Narcotics and pain killers have never done anything for my CH's, they only made me groggy and sluggish during the intense pain. I've seen lots of other posts on this board that indicate similar results for others.
My philosophy, which I'm fortunate to share with my doc, is to prevent the headaches first (lithium, sansert, verapamil, prednisone, topamax, ritalin, and a couple others are choices -- look through the board for side effects and success rates). Next, abort the headaches when they come (oxygen, cold air, hot shower, imitrex, maxalt, zomig, and a couple others). Finally, accept the pain when it comes because there is nothing that will really help!
It sounds like you're being treated for the pain first -- and it's the end of a long chain of events. See if your doc (or another one) can help you start at the other end.
Pain Free Days, All!
Dave W