Posted by Margi (161.184.81.207) on January 09, 2002 at 10:43:42:
In Reply to: headaches posted by rebecca on January 09, 2002 at 09:57:09:
is find a cluster knowledgeable neuro in your area and pull every string you can to get him in to see that doctor. Don't take no for an answer and be determined to get through the red tape. (The way I achieved this for my husband was I emailed our neuro AND his nurse AND his secretary and stressed how urgent it was for us to get in, that my husband was getting hit between 6 and 8 times a day. His nurse called me within an hour! Good old email!) Pain killers aren't going to help him in the long run, and it sounds like the doc he saw doesn't understand clusters.
My husband just got in to see a cluster neuro and he's put him on a prednisone burst (which will break this cycle), verapamil (which will keep the cycle away) and imitrex inhalers (to abort the individual attacks). This is the first time in a long time we've tried any prescribed meds but so far, it's working. Yesterday was the first 24 hours in over a month, that Mike didn't have cluster pain.
There are a number of other routes you can go if your husband doesnt' want to or can't get into a neuro. If he is med-free, he can try the water treatment to break his cycle, or he can try the alternative therapy of psilocybin mushrooms. Another great attack abortive is inhaling pure oxygen at the onset of symptoms. If he can't get this, some folks have experienced relieve in doing strenuous exercise at the onset.
Pain relief can be found by using ice applied directly to the site of his pain, as well. Also, to get some sleep, he can try Dramamine or Gravol at bedtime, OR benadryl but never both.
Now, for YOU - as a supporter - visit the Family Services Team. We know what it's like to stand in your shoes and there is lots of information and email contact there if you need us. Go to the OUCH website button on the left, then the menus above the map. We're in the first menu on the left. Also located there is a list of recommended doctors by area.
Hang in there, feel free to email me directly if I can help you get through this. Just press my name in blue at the top of this message.
Margi