Posted by Meyer on May 03, 1998 at 17:02:51:
I am a cluster headache patient who took prednisone (80mg/day). After nine days I experienced severe hip pain and was diagnosed with steroid induced avascular necrosis of both hips. AVN is a condition which causes death of the bone. This is a terrible and physically crippling condition.
I am requesting information from other CH patients who have taken prednisone. What was initial dosage? Were other drugs tried before prednisone? How long was the course?
I know how bad the cluster headaches are but you must know that Prednisone has terrible side effects. I am disabled from the steriods and having surgery on both hips just to be able to walk again. I only took it for nine days. I may need hip replacements because of this and I'm only thirty five years old. What a great bonus in addition to the cluster headaches.
I am currently getting relief from verapamil and would be interested in anyone taking verapamil and getting relief. How long? Long term side effects? Does it lose its effectiveness.
Thanks for any help. Keep up the positive atttitude.