Hello fellow CH sufferers. Eric here. I have lurked this board every time I go thru a cluster cycle but this is the first I have posted.
   Im going thru an especially hard time this time because I just got out of the hospital with my second hip replacement.
   The problem here is the narcotic "Oxycodone." It is common to use this drug during recovery. For me this drug begins the cycle of CHs. I know this for sure now because the same thing happened 4 years ago after my 1st hip replacement and had my first cycle of CHs. Needless to say I have stopped using it and I am attempting to recover without the use of narcotics and at the same time having two CH a day.
   Oxygen had been working for me even though my regulator only goes to 10 litres. But lately O2 has stopped being effective at this low level... I can only get Medicaid to approve 9 Imitrex "pills" per month. The pills do help cut the CH short after about 20 minutes of pain. I will be out of Imitrex tomorrow so I am going to have to go through the full headaches after that. :(
   Wow, thats alot of info. for an introduction so I'll stop here. Does anyone else her have this reaction to Oxycodone?? Thanks,Eric

How ironic. Oxycodone is generally considered useless for CH and here it is starting a cycle for you! That's luck beyond rotten.

As to the oxygen at 10lpm, glad you're getting some relief though much higher flow rates are recommended along with a non-rebreather mask. The O2 Info button on the left is worth a look.

A trick that might help is to guzzle down a Red Bull type of drink at the first hint of a hit and then get immediately onto the O2. It works well for many.

Good luck with the hips, too. Horrible operation but at least it's in a good cause.

Cheers and beers,

Brian down under.

Have you discussed this with the surgeon? Phehaps a different class of pain meds would be a working compromise.

The surgeon could consult with a headache specialist re. the link you see to coinfirm this is a possibility and to find an abortive for the headches.

Even though you are convinced this link is fo real it needs to be confirmed by a good headache doc. Self-diagnosis is not the best route to solution.

Even though I can't be certain that Oxycodone initiates the CH cycle I am certain that it triggers the headaches. Anyone else have this reaction?

I have started the Verapamil regimen as it has helped me before.

My hip seems to be healing remarkably well. I can actually walk a short distance without a walker or cane! The referal pain down my leg is still signifcant without narcotic. I am  looking forward to starting water therapy.

Thanks for your comments! Eric

I hope you are using Verap at the appropiate dose along with an abortive.

Print the PDF file, below and use it to discuss options with your doc.

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