Hi,  my name is Melissa.  I'm a 39 yr old female, mother of two young children, living in Colorado.  I was first diagnosed with clusters 7 years ago, although I believe my first episode was about 12 years ago (around 1997).  They kicked into high gear a couple of weeks before my first child was born 8 years ago, prompting me to seek medical help.  It took about a year to be diagnosed.

My neurologist at the time prescribed O2, I don't remember what flow rate or mask type, it didn't really help.  Then verapamil at 180 mg (very low dose I know) but it seemed to work.  I was on that for a few years and went off of it to have another child.  No headache problems for most of the pregnancy, then they kicked in again just before giving birth.  Verapamil again, this time 360 mg time release.  Not as much of a help the second time and I went off of it last September.  

I ran across the article in Neurology about psylocibin a few years ago  (2004?) which led me to this site and to the clusterbuster site, and I've been a visitor here periodically over the last few years, trying to learn more.

Had a new cycle start last June which hasn't stopped yet (guess I've gone chronic?) and so I've been trying the clusterbusting method this time.  I have had some success, definately makes things more bearable, but I have alot of questions about it.  However, I'm not sure where to post my questions.  Here in this post?

I recently got some more oxygen, flow rate of 15, nonrebreather mask.  Still doesn't seem to really help, so next I will try to get one of the special masks I've seen people talk about here and also see if I can get up to a flow rate of 25.

I also use coffee alot for the headaches and I'm very interested in the testosterone thread as I feel like maybe my clusters are related to hormone imbalance (the pregnancy connection).

It's hard for me to find time to be on a computer with two kids running around (even now I'm bein summoned) and looking at a computer makes my head fell worse.  But lately I've been wishing I could ask questions about things I have been reading, so I'm finally joining.  I'm not familiar with communicating online like this, so I apologize if I don't follow the rules at first, I will learn.

Thanks,
Melissa

Hi and welcome Melissa,

 
Quote:

Had a new cycle start last June which hasn't stopped yet (guess I've gone chronic?) and so I've been trying the clusterbusting method this time.  I have had some success, definately makes things more bearable, but I have alot of questions about it.  However, I'm not sure where to post my questions.  Here in this post? I recently got some more oxygen, flow rate of 15, nonrebreather mask.  Still doesn't seem to really help, so next I will try to get one of the special masks I've seen people talk about here and also see if I can get up to a flow rate of 25. I also use coffee alot for the headaches and I'm very interested in the testosterone thread as I feel like maybe my clusters are related to hormone imbalance (the pregnancy connection).

The place to ask questions about busting would be at the CB site you went to.

Caffeine is a vasocontrictor and that is why it seems to help somewhat.  Also the energy drinks with caffeine and Taurine in them help.  Cold packs work too.  To the left of where you are reading this is a row of links, one of them is yellow.  (oxygen info)   read that thoroughly and maybe you will be able to determine why the 02 didn't work so well.  The lpm on the regulator could have been too low or you were using the wrong mask.   02 works for about 70% of us in aborting a hit in 10 mins. (average)  

Now go read that link and come back here if you have anymore questions.  That's what we're here for.   :-*

 wbcrumb@hotmail.com. email me i will do my best to anwser any questions you may have and if i cant give you the anwser to a question, There are many that can.

                        Coach Bill

Welcome Melissa,no need to apologize.

You have been given good advice.

There are lots of good folks more than willing to help you out.

Lot of good info on this site as well. Read as much as you can.

All the best in your efforts to fight the beast. :) Iddy

Welcome to the board, your new second home! You will not find as comprehensive an info source on CH anywhere!!! Read up and start firing away with the questions.

Joe

Just wanted to stop in and offer a warm welcome to you, Melissa!

I'm glad you decided to join us but sorry for your pain!  Ask away!   There are wonderful people here that are more than willing to help!  Feel free to PM me anytime if you  need to vent!

Jeannie

Thanks everybody, I really appreciate the welcome.  It feels pretty good to finally make contact (not too scary after all)!  

Now I can speak up once in a while, which will be wierd after so many years of just reading.  

And I'm also going to take your suggestion Coach Bill, and email you some of my questions.  Thanks alot for the offer.

Melissa