Posted by Jackie on January 22, 1999 at 10:20:17:
In Reply to: CH and allergies, is there a connection? posted by Scott on January 21, 1999 at 20:01:50:
Scott:
You should see a neurologist. Imitrex is great
as an abortive, but you should also be on a
preventive. With a good, effective preventive,
you can reduce the frequency and severity of the
attacks. You might even cut them out altogether.
Two real good preventives are Verapamil (start
at a low dosage, like 80 mg for 2 days, then go
to 120, 180, 240 mg per day, whatever works. But
ramp up slowly and ramp down slowly. Also, Prednisone
is a possibility, at 60 or 80 mg for a few days,
then tapering down gradually. In addition, for
god sakes, RENT AN OXYGEN TANK! Your doctor should
have told you about this. It needs to be
prescribed, and can be gotten from a medical supply
house. Use a face mask, and inhale and about 8 liters
for 10 or 15 minutes. Sit up, slightly bent
forward, and breathe regularly.
All these things I've mentioned are very well known
and tried for cluster headache. If you doctor did
not talk to you about them, he is not the person
you should be seeing.
Good luck,
Jackie