Posted by Jackie on March 06, 1999 at 18:01:54:
In Reply to: 35 years and just found out! posted by Moe on March 06, 1999 at 01:56:11:
Moe:
It makes me sick to think that so many people have undiagnosed
clusters and are therefore possibly suffering
needlessly. There are many meds out there that
may be able to help you. You help to experiment,
with the help of a knowledgeable neurologist.
For instance, I'm on a preventive med, Verapamil
(160 mg per day). Many take much higher dosages, as
high as 420 per day. Then I'm on abortives for
the "breakthrough" headaches. A typical abortive
is an oxygen tank and face mask. At the first sign
of a headache you inhale 8 liters per minute. You
do this sitting up, slightly bent over. Breathe
regularly--don't hyperventilate. Another abortive
is Imitrex shots, nasal spray, or tablets. The shots
work the fastest.
Take care,
Jackie