Hi,

I have been suffering from Cluster Headaches for about 12-15 years.  I usually get an "atack"  every 2-3 years and they last about 3-4 months usually.  This "attack", which started in July, is differnt though.  Everything that used to help isnt anymore.  Im taking Verapramil, Vitamin D, Melatonin, and prednisone.  Last time I had an attack the prednisone taper stopped it in its tracks. This time, not so much.  My clusters are happening more and more frequently with shadows on and off through out the day, when I was almost pain free for a week or two.  I recently for the first time tried Zomig yesterday, and it did help.  My doctor is going to be getting me oxygen, I should get it within the week.  Im just so sick of it, I cant even type this without being in tears.  I just need relief.  I just want someone to tell me that they will be gone soon since im at the 3 month mark...  Thanks for listening and im sorry you all have to deal with this terrible crap too.

[What you call "attack" is a actually a cluster of attacks which is known as a "cycle".]

If you got Prednisone before they gave you O2 and Triptans (zomig) than this probably means you're not getting the best treatment. O2 (especially if you use it right) is the best abortive and triptans are usually very effective and the main problem with them is that you can't use them very often.

Combining the two does make life easier. You should also try using coffee, energy drinks and hot/cold pads. These are surprisingly helpful as well.

Steroids such as prednisone only serve as transitional therapy until the preventative (Verapamil in your case) kicks in. If it doesn't work, a higher dose or another kind of prophylactic might do the trick, and this has nothing to do with all the abortives.

The D3 works for many, so you should consider checking you do it right. Including upping the dose and taking loading doses. Batch will probably have some useful comments about that.

If Zomig has just been given to you for the first time, it suggests your doc may not be very skilled around headache.

The standard for treating Cluster is: prednisone at high dose and quickly tapering to zero; then, at the same time, starting a preventive med,such as Verapamil, which works to reduce/prevent attacks; finally, the drugs in the Zomig family which kills attacks which may occur.

You should have been on Zomig, or a related med, from the very start of your treatment.

I suggest that you print the PDF file, below, and give a copy to your doc and use it as a tool to discuss treatment options If he is not open to such a discussion, you may wish to consider finding a doctor with knowledge/experience treating Cluster. (Don't assume the degee or specialty automaticlly means skill. Most docs receive very poor/little training in this area of medicine.)

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Unfortunately CH is the ultimate Shapeshifter. Every year I'd find a remedy and ultimately that remedy would stop working. Now the verapamil which has worked so well for 4 years is losing its effectness. It makes you feel beaten down and scared.

As has been said above, your concentration should be on two paths: first, finding an effective preventative or combination preventative like verapamil (360mg or higher) or verapamil plus another preventative like lithium, tegretol, etc. At the same time, you need effective abortives, a whole lineup of them. That allows you to go from the least intrusive abortive which may work, up the ladder through more intrusive abortives. Mine go like this: at the first sign of a hit, O2. If that doesn't work, O2 plus double energy drink. If that doesn't work, O2 plus 2mg of Imitrex administered with an insulin syringe; or if 24 hours has passed since last using Imitrex, I might go with a snort or two of Migranal. It helps to have a full arsenal with some flexibility. God bless. lance

Thanks guys.  I just went up on my verapamil today and i will be having my o2 tank delivered tonight. I also just read up on the o2 on the o2 page.  I sure hope it works....  This cluster episode is giving so much anxiety, more than they have in the past because sometimes I just don't see an end in site, but I can't think that way.  I'm also going to start weaning myself off the prednisone, I just can't be on it anymore, it's been 3 months...  I just keep crossing my fingers that soon the cluster episode will be over. Thanks for listening.

It's great you're getting a foot-hold on things, Allyn, but when changing your medication we always suggest it be in consultation with a doctor.

Best wishes ever and let us know how you get on.

Hi Alynn,
I agree with Brian, always check in with your doctor before
cutting down on your meds. Also i was just wondering are
you taking the other co-factors with the vitamin D, to get
the best outcome from the vitamin D3 Regime.

Hoppy.