TakinitEZ

excuse me folks, I'll be right back...

Hhi all thanks for checking in on me. I honestly had a couple rough weeks in Dec that tested my resolve. Doing ok, on train into Philly to see doc. They've had me on Thorazine to k.nock me out when bad. Don't like it one bit. Will see what they say. Unfortunately was unsuccessful going off meds after 2 good tries. Chris

Haven't checked in in a while... still breathing, just kinda busy last couple weeks. Hope you're all well. -T

Jeez, Miss a couple of days and a whole shit storm came through. I'm not gonna jump back up to the earlier stuff and comment now. ?I just sure wish you the best, Dan. Sorry you had a ruff spot. I actually was in a similar mess and almost gave you a call. Now I wish I had. Will check in soon. -T

My guess is most here wouldn't buy it, but they must have an audience at that price. -T

Man, I'd be nervous about that alcohol %. That's like drinking schnopps... yuck. Hope it doesn't trigger. -T

Hey Helpin, Welcome and glad you're here to get the right info re busting. Keep in mind that it doesn't always work right away so multiple tries may be necessary. Also, you really need to wait 4+ days in between or basically nothing happens. The receptors are closed to absorbing the LSA. What he's going through right now, washing out of meds and also during the bust will be very tough for him, especially since he's already in a lot of pain. Make sure the high-flow oxygen and red bulls are available always, and, as much as possible, that his support network knows what he's up against. He may get a little crotchety. -T

I saw this link on the ad portion of this page. It actually looks to be current, factual, and fairly detailed. I didn't actually pick up more reading from the preview than I already knew, but it seems a good guide for the uninitiated. Does anybody have it? -T http://www.medifocus.com/2009/landing.php?gid=NR019&a=a&assoc=Google&keyword=clusterheadaches

that's fantastic news DBLU! Please keep us updated on this. -T

Imitrex pills will not work well for cluster headaches because they take too long to be absorbed in the body. Imitrex (Sumatriptan) injections ans nasal spray work very well to abort the cluster headache. However, there is strong anecdotal evidence that it may perpetuate or elongate the cycle. It may also increase the frequency of what are known as "rebound" headaches, which are essentially drug induced headaches. The Oxygen approach works for many as a headache abortive. Even if it doesn't work completely for some, it helps to reduce the pain level significantly. This is a very easy fix, however, many doctors are slow to prescribe it. You really need to press the request if you get any resistance. Take the information to the doctor and have him/her read it. It sounds like you have a good doctor already, but you should probably consider seeing a headache specialist. Most GPs and neurologists are just not that familiar with cluster headache, and in many cases either misdiagnose or mistreat. A headache specialist is more likely to have familiarity with CH and will get directly to the appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Be careful though, because even they will go straight to heavy prescription drug use. Avoid that as much as possible because they all have significant side effects, some that sneak up on you. The natural methods here seem to work for many, although it takes some trial and error to find the magic. One issue you may have is that you need to wash out of all meds in order for LSAs to be effective. Paxil is an SSRI which will inhibit the effectiveness of LSAs because of its effect on serotonin receptors. Dropping off of Paxil and other SSRIs can be very difficult. Do a search on the internet for "SSRI discontinuation syndrome" to learn more. In the short term, get the O2 and at least a 15LPM regulator with a nonrebreather mask. Read the board as much as you can about other short-term aborts, like energy drinks, etc. They can help a lot. Regards. -T

Hard to believe it's "wrong" when you read something like this. Pretty interesting article, and I can vouch for my cat really enjoying a bit of catnip now and again. -T

Good message, Bob. Kindness matters. -Chris

Boy, Wish I could join you Texans (never thought I'd say that). Enjoy and think about us over here on the east coast. -T

If I recall Joe, you're with Cigna. I am too and they've been very lenient. If they won't pay for it, I expect you will have a hard time, Jilly. By the way, the proforma quantities allowed by insurance companies is way too low, something like 4 injections per week. My doctor called them (as did my Cigna case manager) and they permitted 2 per day. -T

That's the point! I sure hope he is, Ron. That would just be fantastic, and I'd surely add him to the 2010 recipient list! -Chris

First one to go headache free in 2011 gets a genuine CH Medal of Honor from me. None of you episodic jokers claiming to be pain free when you're just off cycle. I mean really pain free. Oh, and I'm also in the running. -T

lionesque features? what the heck is that? I prefer "bearlike". Anything -esque just doesn't sound cool. -T

Turned out to not be too bad. I had to drive my daughters around last night and it was pretty much a blizzard, but the roads weren't bad (in my 4x4 truck). Glad I wasn't in the car though. The best thing is, I had some quality Kubota time this morning. I think I feel about my tractor much like Dan does of the O2...my girlfriend on the side. Diesel fumes, mechanical noises, plowing through snow drifts... oh yeah, quality time indeed. -T

Nice. I canoed often, especially at this time of year, before all this came on. I can certainly relate to the metaphor of canoeing/kayaking into the unknown and a brief shimmer of moonlight providing the path forward. Very nice poem. -Chris

They're saying 8-12" here west of Philly, maybe 10-15" a bit east. 1-2 feet in Boston. Oh there's no place like home for the holllidays... -T

Hey Riva, Like the new name better by the way - As you can see, what works for one may not work for most. You're going to have to try this and that to find out what works for you. I think Jeeb was heading down this path but then he took an abrupt left turn - you may want to consider getting to a real headache doc. Not just a neuro, but a headache neuro. This is a rare puppy, and few docs have seen it or really know how to treat it. Your better off getting with a good doc, cause this, unfortunately, isn't going to just go away. It may go into remission for a while, but most often comes back. Better to be armed to the teeth for battle with many options. You're energy drink doesn't work, double duty with O2, if that doesn't work, hit it with imitrex injectable...you get the picture. Best case is getting full relief naturally, but always good to have a doc who can help guide in case there are other things going on or some of the strange side effects some of us enjoy. -T

but don't you wish it was 7 hrs? -T

think that was 7 yrs, not 7 hrs, eh Hipshot? Welcome newguy. It sounds like you're getting a taste of the excellent care and information you'll get here. Definitely agree on the O2 front. Can help a lot, although sometimes doesn't work for folks unless used at the first sign. Problem is, you need to get through the next couple of days because nobody's gonna sell you O2 today or tomorrow. Red Bull type stuff does OK to help abort, but I think for a lot of people it doesn't fully abort. I agree with watching out for the pot, but it can really be helpful as an analgesic. I think the trick is to avoid the smoke altogether by vaporizing. For some reason, the smoke is a major trigger. This is all, of course, anectdotal information. Ting's suggestion of the cold is a good path, but also, like you said, steeping back into the warmth can trigger. I've had this happen. Just avoid a sudden warm up. Other tricks to consider for the two or so days you have little at your disposal: - low impact exercise if you can stand it - meditation and deep breathing - a spike mat and cool cloth over forehead - have someone close give you a head massage (easy folks, let's not be jokin here..) - hot tub - sleep it away as best you can, using melatonin which acts both as prevent and sleep aid - 9-12mg, available at drug store - Aleve or other basic analgesic - won't touch the ch but will help with secondary pains - muscle relaxer if you have one Hope this helps over the holiday, friend. Welcome and happy holidays. -T

This isn't mythbusters, it clusterbusters. It's very real. -T

sure hope so cause I'm still up. and it's Christmas eve! -T