Hello everyone-

I'm going on 25 years with these damn headaches, they've only been properly diagnosed for the past six.  Here's what's going on:

Imitrex in shot form appears to be the only reliable effective treatment.

Coffee, boat loads of coffee that is, seems to help but it's inconsistent.  It's a vaso-restrictor and I understand the science behind why it works.  I'm glad I like coffee.

Hot showers, dark cold rooms and total silence comfort me but it only makes it slightly more tolerable.

The insurance companies can all perish in flame for what they've consistently done to me:  limit the amount of Imitrex I can get.  They treat our condition like migraines and don't understand the frequency of these attacks.  The mere thought of making one of us wait ten days to receive two more shots when we can get two attacks per day should be considered criminal. 

Have any of you figured out a loophole?  I'm ready to go to Canada!

Thanks in advance for listening, I'm very happy to have found this site, and to know that I'm not alone.

Cheers,
Mike

Welcome. I didn't see any mention of oxygen in your abortive treatment plan. Click on the oxygen info link to the left.

Using Imitrex time after time only leads to longer cycles, rebound headaches, and an empty pocket.

Coffee's good - have you tried an energy drink (one that has the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee plus around 1000mg of taurine) instead? For many, they work even better than coffee.

Welcome and I'm sorry you've had to suffer this pain!

Check out the imitrex tip to the left - many people are able to get 3 shots worth of effective medication from one syringe of medication.

Also, I know that alot of people keep refilling their imitrex to the maximum monthly even when they're not having HA.  This way, they build a backstock to use when they have an episode.

I'm sure others will chime in soon with some more tips...

Hang in there!!!!

You have not mentioned a prevent yet. I use lithium, blocks about 60-70% of my attacks most of  the time, really reduces my dependence on abortives.

Verapamil is ususally the first round try at prevents with Topomax also having a loyal following. The idea is to reduce both the frequency and the intensity of your attacks. Worth talking to your doc about. And do look into oxygen, has all but eliminated my dependence on imitrex. You'll hear that  alot as it's giving a lot of people their lives back.

Then read the Imitrex tip in the left. You can get up to 3 aborts from EACH shot. I have never tried it but many here swear by it.

If coffee works well try energy drinks, Monster, Red Bull, any containing caffiene and taurine. I prefer sugar free red bull just for taste. Chug it at the first sign of an attack. I use it with my oxygen for a 1-2 punch.

Welcome to the board. I'm  alittle concerned about your current regimen......is the doc you're seeing a headache specialist? There's so much available to make life more liveable then just imitrex. Pull up a seat and read like crazy, wishing you a short cycle this go round.

Joe

Hi cud.  Skip the insurance and check out START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

Works like chmp for many.

--shaggy

Quote:

limit the amount of Imitrex I can get.

Hi Mike.  yes the Ins. Co's will limit the amount you can recieve and that is because CH is so rare and no research of note has been done and we have to piggy-back on the migrainers for our meds.  Imitrex being the number one.  Lets face it Migrainers do not usually need more than 6 per month, so that is all we can get.

People here are correct that too much Imitrex can only prolong and do indeed cause rebounds...that said however...

Where are you living?   Are you in the U.S?   If you are...please PM me, o.k.?   ;)

Linda Howell, Family Services

Another alternative for a prevent, which it appears you need, is Kudzu.  Kudzu is an over the counter herbal remedy that has worked as well or better for me than Verap and Lithium combined and without the side effects.  Keep reading.  There is a wealth of info available for you here.

Jerry

And the Canada thingie....I did find a prescriptive online pharmacy in Canda that would fill a larger Rx with a doctor's order. I also have had to alternate between imitrex and migranal, although being careful to avoid 24 hour overlap. My neuro says he trusts me and has no problem filling both, so long as I keep him informed. That has helped me to do what was just suggested: keep a backup supply handy. Do check out the tips on the left. Blessings! lance

Definitely use oxygen as much as you can.  Try to find a good reliable preventative medication.  Use imitrex only on an as-needed basis when there arent other options.  Have your doctor communicate with your insurance company about changing the quantity limits.  They are willing to work around specific needs.

CudtheGrind wrote on Jul 7^th, 2010 at 9:51am:

Hello everyone- I'm going on 25 years with these damn headaches, they've only been properly diagnosed for the past six.  Here's what's going on: Imitrex in shot form appears to be the only reliable effective treatment. Coffee, boat loads of coffee that is, seems to help but it's inconsistent.  It's a vaso-restrictor and I understand the science behind why it works.  I'm glad I like coffee. Hot showers, dark cold rooms and total silence comfort me but it only makes it slightly more tolerable. The insurance companies can all perish in flame for what they've consistently done to me:  limit the amount of Imitrex I can get.  They treat our condition like migraines and don't understand the frequency of these attacks.  The mere thought of making one of us wait ten days to receive two more shots when we can get two attacks per day should be considered criminal.  Have any of you figured out a loophole?  I'm ready to go to Canada! Thanks in advance for listening, I'm very happy to have found this site, and to know that I'm not alone. Cheers, Mike

I am in the same boat and have described it as gov./ins. 'Sanctioned Torture'

The best thing you can do is get your hands on some O2 and try the imitrex tip in the left menu bar.

Not sure if this will work for you but another thing you can do to get around the Ins co. is have your doc also prescribe the imitrex nasal along with the imitrex shots, most ins. co's will fill both at the same time, that is the route I had to go.  The nasal doesn't work as well or as fast, but in a pinch it will have to do. 
I save my shots for the killer hits and use the nasal for milder 5-7 kip scalers mostly when I am at work. 

Good Luck to you and let us know how it goes.

mike, my doc called the insurance co. and they allowed a lot more shots per month, he said he sees this quite often, and a phone call from the doc is usually all it takes!