I'm 25, female. Just had our first child 2 weeks ago. Now... I am faced with these god awful headaches instead of enjoying my little baby. I had some issues breastfeeding so I took Domperidone, it increases prolactin by blocking dopamine and I'm almost sure that's what triggered this cycle. What makes it worse - i haven't had an attack since May 2011. I've moved two hours away from the HA specialist I was seeing and the earliest I can get in to see a reputable specialist in Nashville is July. I'm willing to drive back to him but they're closed today. My primary care gave me prednisone - 30mg 5 days, 20 mg 5 days, 10mg 5 days. Has anyone has any luck with this dosage? I don't remember what I took 4 years ago. The only thing that really works for me is imitrex injections, but PCP just gave me the nasal spray. In earlier years I've tried verapamil, topamax, depakote, lithium and oxygen and none of that really worked for me. Do you think it's worth a try to try any of those again? I'm desperate. I want to enjoy and love my baby, not become depressed because of these HAs. Please help.

Key Kim,

I've sent an email and PM that provide some information that should help.

Take care,

V/R, Batch

Congratulations on your first child!

But sorry about the CH returning.


Kim D wrote on Apr 24^th, 2015 at 12:26pm:

My primary care gave me prednisone - 30mg 5 days, 20 mg 5 days, 10mg 5 days. Has anyone has any luck with this dosage

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Prednisone - 50 to 80 mg orally daily tapered over 10 to 12 days

So it looks like the dose your GP has given is pretty low, however a possible reason for this could be related to breastfeeding - START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE


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Summary of Use during Lactation Limited information indicates that maternal doses of prednisone up to 20 mg produce low levels in milk and would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. With high maternal doses, the use of prednisolone instead of prednisone and avoiding breastfeeding for 3 to 4 hours after a dose should decrease the dose received by the infant. However, these maneuvers are probably not necessary in most cases. High doses might occasionally cause temporary loss of milk supply.

Mike's cautionary note makes it clear that you should be working with a skilled doc. This is a situation in which I'd recommend against taking any treatment advice from us.

Might consider a phone consultation with your favorite headache doc, if he will consider it until such time that you can travel to see him.

Try the O2 again.

     Potter

As potter said, try the 02 again. Most people who say it doesn't work are not using it properly. Not saying you are one of them, but just in case - You must have a flow rate of at least 15 litres per minute (more is better) and a non-rebreather mask. This is vital for success.

If you can get it to work properly it will be by far the safest option for you and more importantly, your new baby. Congratulations by the way.
Maz.

I wish I could help more.  Congratulations on your baby, what a wonderful thing!  But, I can't imagine suffering through CH with a tiny little being depending on me.  You are very brave.  If you ever need any support, I'm almost just right over the mountain, lol! 

I just got put on Prednisone, but they started me on 80 mg for five days.  I've read it has to be high.  The only reason mine isn't higher is that I am sensitive to steroids.  But, I think oxygen is a great help.  I just know I had the wrong mask (it has to be the big one that covers half your face, not the little dinky string in the nose).  I also find that an ice pack helps dull the pain just a bit. 

I hope any of this helps, and will be saying prayers for you and your family.  ;D

I am so sorry. I agree to try to get in to your preferred doctor as soon as you can. It may or may not have been the dom, I have never taken it but have gotten a cycle of CH that started between 2 days - 3 weeks after the birth of each of my 3 kids. I know they say they aren't hormonally triggered, so it could just be the change in sleep patterns that a newborn inevitably brings.
I have gotten very little help with my CH while breastfeeding. I wholeheartedly wish you different and better results. Congratulations on the new little one!

Stefanie,

Check your PM inbox.  Click on the bold print at the top left corner of this screen below the date...  It should say you have 1 new message in bold.

Take care,

V/R, Batch