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.

Hi Alynn   [smiley=wave.gif]

By the sound of it you have already tried most of the usual meds, but you don't mention sumatriptan (could be called imitrex or imigran depending on where you live in the world). It comes in various forms. The tablets take longest to work but they are ok for milder attacks. There is a nasal spray too, but by far the most effective is the auto injections. They will usually abort a headache in 5-7 mins. I wouldn't be without it.

For a quick fix in an emergency try chugging a red bull really fast at the first sign of pain. It's the combination of caffeine and taurine in a sudden hit that does the trick. It doesn't work for every one, nothing does, but many swear by it so it's worth a try.

When you get your oxygen it's vital that you have the correct mask and the correct flow rate. On the left of your screen there is a tab titled "oxygen info" highlighted in yellow. All the info you need is right there.

In the meantime, know that you are not alone. We all understand exactly what you go through and feel free to ask any questions, or just rant if it helps.

It may take a while but it WILL go away eventually. Just keep praying that today is the day............and one day it will be.

Hope you get some relief soon
Maz.

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Your list of meds didn't include a preventive, such as Verapamil, which is used long term. Pred. is for short term use only until the preventive gets up and running.
See the PDF file, below.

I wonder if you are seeing a doc who has knowledge/expeience treating Cluster.... Your course of treatment raises some questions.

If you have the option:

LOCATING HEADACHE SPECIALIST

1. 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.

2.  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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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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The least likely problem, although a potentially important one, is that you have a disorder which mimics Cluster but which is not a headache disorder. One sign is when the usual standard meds either don't work or work beiefly and then stop being effective.

But this is where a headache specialist is most needed.

See:
Look under: Medications,  Treatments,  Therapies › Important Topics >Cluster-LIKE headache

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Thank you all very much.  I'm located in Milwaukee, WI.  And I am currently on Verapramil. I take 80 in the morning at 240 at night

Hi Alynn,
With the vitamin D you need to take the other co-factors
to get the best outcome.

Hoppy.

maz wrote on Oct 5^th, 2013 at 11:50am:

Hi Alynn   [smiley=wave.gif] For a quick fix in an emergency try chugging a red bull really fast at the first sign of pain. It's the combination of caffeine and taurine in a sudden hit that does the trick. It doesn't work for every one, nothing does, but many swear by it so it's worth a try. When you get your oxygen it's vital that you have the correct mask and the correct flow rate. On the left of your screen there is a tab titled "oxygen info" highlighted in yellow. All the info you need is right there. Hope you get some relief soon Maz.

Hello,

I have also used "fast drinking of red bull" as quick relief BUT combined with EXTREME physical exercise (= so much that will make your mussels to hurt so much that this pain can overcome headache).  This worked for me most of the cases (if you do it just before the headache hits).

brg. Isto

ps. I very much sympathize with you...

your muscles... hurt more than a cluster attack..?

idorko wrote on Oct 14^th, 2013 at 9:34pm:

your muscles... hurt more than a cluster attack..?

To get my blood oxygen level high enough to have an effect, I exercise so that pain is close to intolerable.

Sorry that you too may be suffering from Cluster headaches. IMO, Bob Johnson has given you the best advice anyone could give you right now ... ie... FIND A GOOD DOCTOR as soon as possible, preferably a neurologist or headache specialist or clinic. He's also given you some valuable links to help you get started too.

Good Luck Alynn !

Great post Bob! It's so good, I couldn't even ask you to spell check it (that would make me sound like a jerk!) Keep up the great work. Respectfully, I4B

Yes, physical exercise has been mentioned here before.
It does help some knock the  [smiley=evil.gif] on the head.

Hoppy.