Posted by alan (154.20.83.41) on September 19, 2001 at 11:32:29:
Hi out there,
I started a message but was cut off so if it got posted and this is redundent I'm sorry - I'm new at this.
I've suffered from cluster headaches for 20 years (since I was 18). I used to get a 4-8 week cluster every 2nd year, then every year (always between Dec and April)but the this year I began a cluster in late June and I'm still getting them! I'm pretty frustrated and a little depressed because I've never had such a long cluster, never in the summer and worst of all I can't take any more medication.
About 5 years ago my doctor gave me the prednisone/verapamil combo and it worked great. Immitrex needles work excellent on individual attacks. Problem is I've taken two courses of prednisone/verapamil this summer (3 weeks each) and my doctor said I can't take it any more. He loves medication so for him to say no more makes me appreciate the risks. By the way, what are the risks? Anyone out there take prednosone/verapamil all the time?
So I'm now geeting 2 attacks a day (I never used to get more than one a day) always between 1AM and 9AM. I take the Immitrex needles and they work very well but I have the usual complaints (the cost, the inconvenience, the concern about long term side effects, and rebound headaches). Are there yet any studies on the long term effects? Is it common for people to take 2 needles a day for a long period of time? Are the Immitrex needles extending this cluster? I'm scared that my body will get used to Immitrex and that it will stop working (my worst nightmare).
Finally, oxygen didn't work for me but have any of you had success with dieticians or holistic remedies? I've never tried either but I'm getting desperate...
It helps me to know that there are so many others out there experiencing the same pain as me but I feel sorry for your suffering.
Alan