Posted by Kyle (152.163.206.193) on August 08, 2000 at 15:30:09:
In Reply to: My Demon posted by Bob Collins on August 08, 2000 at 11:31:45:
of the demon are hard to understand for us who suffer, much less a doctor who understands very little about this condition! I would advise that you seek out a neurologist familiar with this condition and get him to prescribe meds. that will be effective in your treatment!
I am just concluding my worst cycle yet (clusters started 9yrs. ago) and for this cycle i found that imitrex tablets (50mg are the strongest you can get in the U.S.) and 100% pure oxygen were the "cocktail" of choice for this dance with the devil. I took the imitrex prior to going to bed and used the oxygen as an abortive at other times. the oxygen works great if you can catch the CH in the early stages - useless if used in the "middle" of the headache. The imitrex taken at night at least allowed for a restful nights sleep until the morning when at times the bastard would rear his ugly head! My cycle occurs mostly at night but at times in the morning, mid day, early evening etc.. Nature of the beast!
I, as well, have had thoughts of wishing my brain would just explode and get it over with or jumping out a window, grabbing a gun etc... there IS a reason they are referred to as the suicide headache!!! Been there my friend!! I wont allow it to take over my life though - we HAVE to survive, otherwise we justify the power of the demon with our weakness!! We are a strong bunch with a tolerance for prolonged pain that i would challenge anyone with!! Wish i wasn't part of this club, but what a lifesaver this website has been for me - just so reassuring knowing there are other people out there who TRULY understand!
My wife tries to understand and be there for me, but as we're aware, when we dance - get out of our way!! Unfortunate as it is - why would we want people to see us at a human beings very worst? Its not fair!
I was prescribed steroids as well and they didnt do anything for me - i have heard that verapamil is a great preventative (a calcium channel blocker) that a lot of people posting on the board have had success with - maybe worth looking into!!
Best of luck my fellow clusterhead - wishing you pain free days and nights - be well and stay safe!