[Verapamil & Steriods]

I have to start of by saying that I have never ever tried any medication.  I fear the side effects and for the last 4 rounds I have had I just suffered through.  every 5 years for 3 months.  I peak at about 8 a day (lasting 20 mins to 1 1/2 hours) a day.  I do that for about 2 weeks and start the downward slope.  

I don't know if it was because I am older.  They were harsher or I just couldn't do it anymore but I couldn't just suffer through them this time.  I was starting to get depressed.  Feeling helpless and thinking I just couldn't take it anymore.  So they started with steroids (i did get a referral to a neurologist, he can get me in around xmas).  Anyways so 60 mg a day for 10 days then the taper starts.  The headaches were much better from day one.  They still came but much weaker.  After 10 days they completely stopped.  I started my taper concerned that they would return but they didn't.  Until 24 hours after stopping the steroids.  I was down to 1-3 a day by this point.  And they started the Verapamil.  Low dose of 120mg.  Once a day.  Also, I got some oxygen tanks (that was harder than I would have expected) I am almost positive I can find heroin easier than oxygen but let me tell you.  It was worth it.  Best thing I have ever tried for these terrible headaches.  So 2 weeks in with the verapmil and I schedule another appointment because I am thinking we need to up the dose  There was absolutely no relief.  I make the appointment and a few days later I am in.  Only by now.  They headaches are so weak that I just lay down for a few minutes and they go away.  So we didn't end up upping the dosage but decided to wait it out.  Now three weeks in and I can feel the pain on the side of my head.  No eye pain or jaw pain (which I get pretty bad) and they are so mild that I don't even notice them half the time.  So officially 5 days headache free.  I am going to take the verapimil for the next two months and then taper off.  Fingers crossed that they don't return but I can say I will never try and "suffer" through these again.  

[Can hot yoga trigger a cycle?]

Heat or excursion of any kind is a trigger for me.  I have to keep all my temps low and sleep in a cold room (which is not my norm) just so I can cool down quickly when one comes on.