Posted by Steve Swencki (207.24.213.3) on October 02, 2000 at 09:01:08:
Great Website !! I too am among those that suffer from CH.
Mine started back in 1972 when little information was available.
I am now 57 years old and still continue to get the attacks, although
not as frequent as in my 40's. I too started off with the ergot drugs
as the attacks were diagnosied as migranes. A visit to a neurologist and
a CT scan during an attack and the Dr advised that it was a "classic cluster",
text book variety. After trying several beta and calcium channel blockers,
verapil (Calan), in conjunction with prednisone, was the sure cure to break
up the "cluster". Imitrex never worked for me for pain, and after trying several
different drugs, Midrin still works the best.
I have been advised to try oxygen as well.
The CH occurrence was very regular....I could just about set my clock by them.
Every fall, lasting about 2-3 months, with onset at same time of day, everyday.
After 16 years, they stopped...for two years. Then came back for two years, then
stopped for 5 years. Over past three years, they have "come and gone"...no regularity.
I am not able to take the Calan now as I am already on Cardizem (another calcium channelblocker),
and also cannot take the prednisone as I am recuperating from major surgery and the Dr is concerned
about affect on imune system. Lst night was a real "killer". I am on a typical Midrin "high".
I am not sure why the CH has resurfaced, but I have been looking at Stress as an "instigator" !
Have any of you considered stress as a factor ??
I have ruled out the "molds"...wine, cheese, etc.
Why do they start in the fall ?? Any one else see the same pattern ??
After 28 years, still searching for answers !!!
steve.swencki@ieee.org