Posted by Cheryl Copestake on November 07, 1998 at 07:56:42:
In Reply to: Imiject posted by Pierre on November 02, 1998 at 08:57:51:
I've had CH for over 20 years now. I diagnosed it myself, from research at a library, since no doctors were able/willing to offer any help. I took part in the UK clinical trials for Imigran injections, about 10 years ago - they were like a miracle. The headache is completely gone inside 5 minutes, including all of the residual effects (ie swollen eye, sore head).
I've had problems getting hold of the injections. Here in the UK, you can't pay the doctors for the medication, it's prescribed under the NHS, & the doctors are reluctant to prescribe it because it's expensive. For the last 2 cluster episodes I've been able to get a good supply, enough to treat every headache. For both of these episodes, I've noticed that although I can get immediate relief for each headache, the episodes are lasting longer & the attacks are even more relentless than usual - ie I never get the occasional day free from attack. If I don't use an injection for a headache, the headache lasts for about 1.5 hours, then returns about 2 hours later, then returns again about 2 hours after that. They've never behaved like this before.
Has anyone else experienced this sort of side effect from the injections?