Am i crazy?

[capt scotty]

I swear i can tell what nights I'm gonna get a cluster headache . Just before i fall asleep i start getting a aching feeling behind my left eye. On those nights it's a sure thing so last night when that happened i hit the 02 and it was still there so i took a 100mg oral imitrex and slept through the night.(5 hours) Kinda just wondering if anyone else has a warning? From what i read most say it comes on sudden and leaves the same way. I have had some without any warning but lately i feel like I'm recognizing the way my body sets up before the hit. I know imitrex isn't a preventative but i feel like it stops it before it builds. I save the injections for the full blown hits.   also i usually don't get hit until 3a.m which would mean i'm getting a long warning.

[MoxieGirl]

Hi,

Not crazy. Well, that's not a professional opinion, but in regards to this question, no, makes sense. LOL

I used to, when my clusters were really bad, get extreme body temperature shifts after an attack for about a 1/2 hour. Someone on the board said they tend to get temperature shifts BEFORE an attack, which warns them of a coming attack.

I sometimes get more subtle signs, but then it's not 100% accurate. I'll get a feeling, or a sense that one is due, but then maybe nothing. Or a headache for an hour, then a proper attack.

[spiny]

capt,

I call those little achy signs a 'shadow'. For me, they mean I will get a nighttime hit shortly after lying down. The shadow just shows up. Annoying mostly. Then, going prone seems to push it into an attack.

I just take them as an indicator that it will not be a peaceful night. The attack does come on fast, but a shadow can last for hours during the day. To me it sort of feels like a thumb pushing into my temple. Pressure pain, not 'real' pain, if that makes sense.

[capt scotty]

complete sense. That's whats happening. I feel like it's lurking and then anywhere from 1a.m to 3a.m i get hit. I have used the oral imitrex  right when i feel it and it never builds on those nights.

[spiny]

Lurking is a good description. Watching and waiting for your guard to be down. AKA: Sleeping. Sometimes I have a shadow most of the day and other times it hits as soon as my head hits the pillow. >

[capt scotty]

Spiny i got to tell you this is a great forum!!!!! Up until i joined i would constantly wonder what the heck was going on now i can see others are going through the same thing. I guess my next appointment is gonna either be try verapamil or decide to bust. busting seems less dangerous.

[Dallas Denny]

I guess my next appointment is gonna either be try verapamil or decide to bust. busting seems less dangerous.

My experience is that you'll find far fewer side effects with that choice as well cap'n.....good luck!!

DD