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        New Message Board Archives >> 2004 Cluster Headache Specific Posts >> Cycle
        
(Message started by: tazmaniandevil_man on Nov 29^th, 2004, 5:44pm)

Title: Cycle
Post by tazmaniandevil_man on Nov 29^th, 2004, 5:44pm

Hello all,

I started my latest cycle of cluster headaches 2.5 weeks ago. My doctor finally put me on Imitrex shots (what a god send to end the ch!) The doctor also put me on steroids for 6 days to try and break the cycle, but it hasn't helped. Does anyone know of anything that helps break the cycle. Any help would be greatly appreciated. As the cycle grows longer and longer the more tired I get. I hate the thought of going to bed, because I know the headache will come. Thanks!

Title: Re: Cycle
Post by nani on Nov 29^th, 2004, 5:47pm

Welcome and I'm sorry you're here. Talk to your dr about preventative meds, like verapamil and lithium.. I don't get hit at night very often, but those who do swear by melatonin. Look around the boards for info about it. There's lots of info here and many friends, too. Pain free wishes to you...

Title: Re: Cycle
Post by unsolved1 on Nov 29^th, 2004, 8:37pm

Things that may break a cycle:
Steriods
DHE infusions
Occipital nerve block
Histamine Drip Therapy

You really should try to find a prevent that works

goodluck,
Unsolved

Title: Re: Cycle
Post by don on Nov 29^th, 2004, 10:29pm

What steroid and what dosage?

The only thing that has ever broken my cycle other than prednisone was IV DHE.

Title: Re: Cycle
Post by sandie99 on Nov 30^th, 2004, 2:55am

So sorry that you're getting hit... but I am glad that you found your way here! :)

I wish I could tell you what helps... but nothing breaks my cycle. That's the lovely part of being chronic.

wishing you PFdays,
sandie99

Title: Re: Cycle
Post by jmorgan52 on Nov 30^th, 2004, 3:27am

I have had success in breaking 3 cycles over the past few years by undertaking a pretty extreme detox diet for 1-2 weeks. Had lots of flaming and suchlike from this board about it but here goes. If you are really willing to give it a try and have the willpower to sustain it:

Drink only water and lots and lots of it! Spend lots of time peeing (no tea, no coffee, no booze, no nothing!)

Eat only fresh fruit and veg/salads for the first 3-5 days (no bread, no meat, no fish, no cereal, no nothing!)

Add a little chicken or fish after the first 3-5 days

Try and eat steamed or stirfry with minimum added oil or flavourings.

This diet is hard to keep but works for me.

Expect a nasty detox headache for a few days at the start. Not like a CH, more of a nagging migraine. It will go away after maybe 3 or 4 days then expect to feel great.

Expect to sh*t a lot too!

It may not work for everyone but I swear by it. My last episode lasted only about a week rather than the usual 2 months using this diet.

My theory is that is cleans the liver which I believe is a big contributer to the cause of CH.

Flame away if you feel the need ;;D

Good luck
John

Title: Re: Cycle
Post by JJA on Nov 30^th, 2004, 8:12am

Check out http://www.clusterbusters.com for an alternative approach.

Jesse

Title: Re: Cycle
Post by Rod_v._Devil on Nov 30^th, 2004, 9:09am

My last cycle 18 months ago 20 predizone in the am and 20 in the pm kept the atacks to 3 a weeek for 3 weeks then the cycle broke. This time the cycle started 3 weeks ago I'm on 40 in the am and 40 in the PM any less I'm 2 10ks with 3-5 hours each a day at these levels 2 5ks aday about 30 min each and O2 to abourt the day attacks at very first sign.

Over 20 years and each cycle is different. I miss sancert.

Title: Re: Cycle
Post by unsolved1 on Nov 30^th, 2004, 10:27am

on 11/29/04 at 22:29:36, don wrote:

What steroid and what dosage?

The only thing that has ever broken my cycle other than prednisone was IV DHE.

Prednisone for one at 40mg/day or higher (up to 100mg/day)
SoluMedrol IV 125mg - 1000mg / day
SoluCortez IV (dosage unknown)
Decadron IV
Medrol DosePaks
DexPacks

Just a few of the steriods that may break a cycle or at least give a PF break

Unsolved

Title: Re: Cycle
Post by jmorgan52 on Dec 1^st, 2004, 3:38am

In my long experience with Prednisone it has never broken a cycle for me.

The best I have ever had is the short "Prednisone holiday" where I have had maybe 5 days of PF time, only for the CH to start up again with a vengence even though I am still taking the pred. It did not shorten my cycle and I reckon it extended it to make up for the PF time.

I have vowed never to use it again. Pred sucks!

My detox method may be worth a try. It is drug free, and costs nothing except some will power. Don't try it if you cannot stick with it to the letter for at least 7-10 days before you write it off as a failure.

Another thing I forgot to add to the detox diet instructions is a "detox aid" available from a health store or pharmacy. There are many products on the market. Choose a reputable one. This is maybe not an essential ingredient in the detox, but it may help.

John

Title: Re: Cycle
Post by karma on Dec 1^st, 2004, 6:41am

John,
I'm with you all the way.
I've never tried the detox but I will sure never try the popular meds again. There is just to much risk involved with the abortives, prevents and steriods.
When a diet change or a well tended garden can give better results with almost zero long term side affects it makes no sense to fund the drug and insurance companies and risk long term health.

Title: Re: Cycle
Post by unsolved1 on Dec 1^st, 2004, 9:05am

I've never had a diet change help with my clusters. I've also never had a steriod break a cycle ... BUT ... sometimes a 5 day break from the headaches is PRICELESS ;)

Unsolved

Title: Re: Cycle
Post by marlin on Dec 1^st, 2004, 6:27pm

pred taper broke my cycle this past month.

60mg 4 days
40mg 4 days
20mg 4 days

I don't know if this was your regimine.