This is oldred82. I just started a new medicine today called MethylPrednisolone. It's 1 of those 6 day series. Has anyone heard of it? Is it any good? Has anyone ever heard of it? Is this the same as "Emitrex"?

Last year was the 1st time in 27 years of CHs that I used prescription medicine. Some of the reason was self inflicted but I got bounced around too.Last year's was a similar kind of series but I don't remember the name. I think it worked because the headaches went away by the end of that series.

I'm new here. I used to be here years ago but I've forgotten what I used for a name. You're allowed that when your 82 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I thought the headaches were gone ????????????????? What a dreamer.

oldred82

Hiya red....sorry you have to be back...but good on ya for remembering us. Several new and exciting developments, among them:

START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

....keep reading.

This is oldred82. I just started a new medicine today called MethylPrednisolone. It's 1 of those 6 day series. Has anyone heard of it? Is it any good? Has anyone ever heard of it? Is this the same as "Emitrex"?

Yup...sure have...a recognized, usually temporary, cycle breaker until prevents kick in (like verapamil, lithium, or topamax). Bet the previous used on you was predisone...my understanding that methylprednisolone is "stonger"...though I know little of the actual differences. MANY here can attest to the, at least, temporary benefits

My experience...3 tapers of the "methyl". First two with an initial IV "bomb". That first time an incredible experience...it broke the cycle SAME DAY...which lasted for 7 months (way longer than previous cycle experience). Second two times...for me...nothing. I don't do it anymore. Definitely worth a go though!

No...is not same as, I think you mean, Imitrex.




Last year was the 1st time in 27 years of CHs that I used prescription medicine. Some of the reason was self inflicted but I got bounced around too.Last year's was a similar kind of series but I don't remember the name. I think it worked because the headaches went away by the end of that series.

I'm new here. I used to be here years ago but I've forgotten what I used for a name. You're allowed that when your 82 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hoping to get to 82 myself....

I thought the headaches were gone ????????????????? What a dreamer.

Count us ALL in that dream!

Best,

Jon


oldred82 

Hey Red, as Jon states we all have been given the steroid treatment one time or another. Sometimes it works to stop the cycle, sometimes it doesn't. Frequently it only works at the highest doses. It's main use is to be a bridge while something longer lasting kicks in. If it doesn't stop your cycle you need to have a better abort system (like O2) and a preventative. It may be you are more limited if you are taking other meds as well, but your doc should be able to sort that stuff out. Really, though, look into the O2. It's a life saver. God bless. lance

Prednisone and methyl-pred are 2 different animals although both are steroids.  Methyl-pred (Medrol Dospak) is way stronger.  It stops my CH attacks dead in their tracks, with the first dose.  The attacks return when I get around day 4 of the 6 day taper.  It's good for giving you a couple of nights sleep though.

At your age it's quite unusual to find Cluster. There are a number of disorders, some of which are quite serious, which can mimic Cluster. It takes a skilled doc to sort out the real from the false and so strongly suggest that you seek a headache specialist.
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LOCATING HEADACHE SPECIALIST

1. Search the OUCH site (button on left) for a list of recommended M.D.s.


2. Yellow Pages phone book: look for "Headache Clinics" in the M.D. section and look under "neurologist" where some docs will list speciality areas of practice.

3.  Call your hospital/medical center. They often have an office to assist in finding a physician. You may have to ask for the social worker/patient advocate.

4. START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE; On-line screen to find a physician.

5. START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE Look for "Physician Finder" search box. They will send a list of M.D.s for your state.I suggest using this source for several reasons: first, we have read several messages from people who, even seeing neurologists, are unhappy with the quality of care and ATTITUDES they have encountered; second, the clinical director of the Jefferson (Philadelphia) Headache Clinic said, in late 1999, that upwards of 40%+ of U.S. doctors have poor training in treating headache and/or hold attitudes about headache ("hysterical female disorder") which block them from sympathetic and effective work with the patient; third, it's necessary to find a doctor who has experience, skill, and a set of attitudes which give hope of success. This is the best method I know of to find such a physician.

6. START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE NEW certification program for "Headache Medicine" by the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties, an independent, non-profit, professional medical organization.
        Since this is a new program, the initial listing is limited and so it should be checked each time you have an interest in locating a headache doctor.
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