I just started a new cycle and my CH are lasting much longer than normal (2-7 hours) and I need some ideas on how to stop them.. They are waking me at 4:30 am and lasting well into the morning so that I cannot work. I am constantly between a 9 and 10 on the Kip scale and when then CH finally ends, I feel like I have run a marathon and pass out at 11:30 only to wake up at 2:30 pm and start again. I can't get any rest, I'm exhausted and can't do my job.
Normally I am on 100mg Topamax 2x a day as a preventative and have Zomig Zmt as an abortive along with O2 25 lpm non-rebreather. However, I currently work at a special needs camp and can't have my O2 tank around because it would have to be locked up for safety reasons, so by the time I needed it, it would be too late to abort the attack.
Because of my busy schedule I don't really have time to go see my Neuro, and need some ideas of how to stop this cycle before it keeps me out of more days of work. Thanks!!

Are you saying the Zomig isn't working to abort?

I'd call the Neuro and tell him just what you have written here. He may be willing to make a change in abortives for a brief trial, until you can get in to see him and make a long term change.

In any case, a quick acting med is suggested given your working environment with a pill or injection being the most convenient form.

Which argues for: Imitrex injection (self-injector very easy to use), or Olanzapine (pill with fast action). I'd avoid nasal spray or Imitrex pill--both with less predictable action.

What Bob said! ;)

Then, go to the meds section and read the post, "127 pain free days and I think I know why." It outlines a daily supplement regimen, D-3, Calcium Citrate, zinc, magnesium, that's providing a lot of relief for many on the board.

Have you tried the energy drink abort yet? Rock Star, Monster, Red Bull, any containing the combo of caffiene and taurine. I prefer sugar free Red Bull. Chugged at the first sign of a hit it's possible for many to abort or at least scale down an attack.

For the wake up hits.....try melatonin, an OTC sleep aid, about 30 minutes before bedtime. Start with 9 mg, some go as high as 18 mg, takes some trial and error. Some combine the slow release with the standard release, 5 mg each for example, to get them thru the night. Many can avoid the night time terors this way. There are several versions of melatonin, read the label carefully, this is the one we've seen the best results with:

n-Acetyl-5-Methoxytryptamine

If the doc will prescribe you the imitrex injecatbles, read this link:

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You can get up to 3 aborts per shot this way.

Finally, for long term consideration, read our sister board. Alternatives to mainstream that are kicking out some impressive results:

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Hang in there. :-/

Joe

I can oly suggest the Imitrex tabs or the O2 which you  said you cant use at work.  However, I must tell you that I was on Topomax as well.....The more the Neuro increased my dosage, the WORST I felt.  I swear the Topomax GAVE me CH's and quickly too.  She kept me on it way too long, and I asked so many times to take me off that useless stuff.  Finally she gave in, and as I was reducing the dosage I was feeling better.  Sometimes your own body knows whats best for you no matter what the Health Care Pro says.

Sometimes your own body knows whats best for you no matter what the Health Care Pro says

A lot of truth to that one Keno, a LOT of truth. ;)

Joe

Guiseppi wrote on Jul 28^th, 2011 at 9:42pm:

Sometimes your own body knows whats best for you no matter what the Health Care Pro says A lot of truth to that one Keno, a LOT of truth.

Equally it can also note what is not good for it too. Do take note of how you respond to medication and discuss it with your doctors.

Thanks for all the replies guys. I have a feeling my meds are going to change soon. I have been at the ER overnight for a CH that just won't stop (same quality of pain, location, intensity, etc). This was after visiting an urgent care and another ER.

he urgent care tried  toradol, nubaine (x2), zofran, benadryl, and a steroid in an IV to no effect. They gave me a prescription for staydol nose spray and said if it didn't work in an hour to go
to an ER.
At the ER I was given 4lpm O2 (way too low I know) adavan and reglan in an IV, which knocked me out. When I was woken up the next day, the beast was still there full force. So we went to another ER where they have given me compazine and some other drug I can't remember any more. In a few hours I start on IV DH3 I think. I just want this to be over... 48+ hours with the beast is far too long.

keeper5689 wrote on Jul 29^th, 2011 at 6:10am:

At the ER I was given 4lpm O2 (way too low I know) adavan and reglan in an IV, which knocked me out. When I was woken up the next day, the beast was still there full force. So we went to another ER where they have given me compazine and some other drug I can't remember any more. In a few hours I start on IV DH3 I think. I just want this to be over... 48+ hours with the beast is far too long.

The IV you describe above is for migraines, not CHs. It's typicaal of ER docs who have no idea what to do with us. You should get better results if that second IV is DHE45. That coupled with a good preventative ought to kick the beast out the door. Let us know. Blessings. lance

Quote:

The IV you describe above is for migraines, not CHs. It's typicaal of ER docs who have no idea what to do with us. You should get better results if that second IV is DHE45. That coupled with a good preventative ought to kick the beast out the door. Let us know. Blessings. lance

I was just given depacon and decadron in my IV to hold me over until the imtrex injection they gave me (the one I couldn't remember cuz of all the other crap in my system) washes out. Then they are gonna give me DHE (not DH3, pardon my typo) this afternoon. If that doesn't work, I don't know what's next....

Thanks for all of your support, it helps to know that others out there understand what I'm going through.

When I go to ER (note from doc in hand).. I get a shot of Demerol & Phenergan, then I'm on my way.. it usually works to at least take the pain away... I can work on my prevents and aborts at home better than they can... unless there is a reason for an IV?

Just what I do...

Last year I had bouts everyday at work with the Beast in Sept./Oct. In the Morning I'd eat 2 aspirin and 2 cups of coffee. That'd quell the shadows. Next I'd take a  Sumitripan so as to postpone his arrival. I also get the 2-4am wake up Kip 9-10 and pop a pill then also. I totally understand. It sucks for sure.
I'm a camera op on major sporting events. I can't afford an attack during work. It's impossible to wear a headset with lots of voices in it while being attacked. Also hard to focus and see with my left eye shut. So I pre-pop before we go live. It's 6-8 weeks of feeling totally out of it. But the only way to make it thru. I also become a hermit since I cannot take any noise at all during a Hit. So I'm opting to try the Busters method before my next cycle. Legal/Illegal I don't care, I'd chew on glass if I thought it stop a cycle. As would many others I'm sure.
Lucky for me I can make my own schedule and also I'm taking a bit of time off during Sept.. Hope I can stop the cycle because October I'm working everyday of the month. And It's usually "On" then too.
But my position is being a Zombie at work is better than No Work at all. But I feel for you. Peace

Cupper, your preemptive busting plan for Sept. sounds like a good strategy to me.

And there's also the vitamin D3 regimen for prevention if you haven't considered it yet:

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