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http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Getting to Know Ya >> HI and Help! http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1435863056 Message started by ctaylor on Jul 2^nd, 2015 at 2:50pm

Title: HI and Help!
Post by ctaylor on Jul 2^nd, 2015 at 2:50pm

Hi there,
I started getting clusters about ten years ago (my mid 20's). It was pretty obvious immediately to my Dr and me since I mostly got them right after falling asleep, behind left eye, 30-45min in duration. They mostly occurred in the Spring, but I was hard-headed and simply fought through them. Trying everything to raise my heartrate and oxygen in flow.
I was pain free for four years until two weeks ago. They don't come every night, usually every other. I suppose I'm one of the lucky ones since they don't occur in the day though I can feel the pressure and sporadic spazing.
I'm meeting with my dr next week, but I was curious what I can do in the meantime to stave off the evening bouts. There is so MUCH material on here that I'm not sure where to start. I've been told magnesium, vitamin D, melatonin, nasal spray...I won't have the option of O2 or any prescribed pain meds for at least a week.
Many thanks for any advice!

Title: Re: HI and Help!
Post by Batch on Jul 2^nd, 2015 at 3:08pm

Check your PM In Box... I've sent you some info that will come in handy until you're able to get to your doctor.

Take care,

V/R, Batch

Title: Re: HI and Help!
Post by Mike NZ on Jul 2^nd, 2015 at 9:00pm

Hi and welcome

Are you working with a headache specialist?

Pain medication does not help with CH. Even the strongest narcotic pain killers won't touch a CH but result in issues like dependency, rebounds, etc. If your doctor is suggesting them then it indicates issues with their CH knowledge.

With CH we use a preventive (verapamil, lithium, topamax) to cut down how many CHs we get, then an abortive (oxygen, imitrex injections / nasal spray) to kill off any CHs that we get.

I expect Batch's PM will have given you a lot of info about vitamin D3. It has helped a lot of people here and I've been CH pain free for 3.5 years with it.

Melatonin is what some people have used to prevent CHs overnight.

There is a lot of info here, so take your time reading through things, ask questions and remember that everyone here either gets CH or supports someone with it, so we understand just what it is like.

Title: Re: HI and Help!
Post by BarbaraD on Jul 3^rd, 2015 at 9:12am

Listen to Batch about the D3... I'm going on 2 years PF and swear by it.

Also I take Melatonin (20mg) at night to prevent nighttime hits (have been taking it for years and still do - just in case).

Keep us up on your progress.. :-*