I have had cluster headaches since I was in eighth grade.  I just thought they were really really really bad eye aches, but as the years went by, I noticed a familiarity with them, how long they lasted, and how they caused me not to function.  I get them for about a month every 1-2 years.  I am currently having a cluster period, and trying to find a job at the same time.  

I am 24, and just recently graduated with my master's degree.  My doctor currently has me on 50mg of Indomethacin twice a day, and maxalt.  Unfortunately my insurance only covers 6 doses of maxalt for every 30 days.  Thats fantastic seeing as I get 2-3 headaches a day!  I am running out of options, and am finding a hard time getting relief.  My insurance is going to end soon since I am no longer a student.

I have heard good things via forums about Stadol, nasal spray, but my doctor doesn't want to prescribe it to me because it is partially narcotic.  Any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated.  Good luck everyone, and my heart goes out to those who have to deal with these year round.  I get a month's worth every couple years, and I can't stand them.  They easily rank a 15 on the 1 - 10 pain scale.  :-/

Adam

Adam, Indocin is not appropriate for Cluster (but is effective for a small sub-group of related headache.)

Stadol is an extreme last resort only. Pain meds are not used for Cluster because they are not especially effective, have tolerance problems, and the newer abortives are much more effective.

Your doc can intervene with the insurance to get more meds. See OUCH site (left) and you will find some information on this issue.

Explore these two links (even print them for your doc). They list the most current thinking on treating Cluster and the Michigan site has some useful articles. IF your doc can't get the ins. co. to increase the Maxalt, talk to him about a trial of Zyprexa (olanzapine) listed in these lists of meds. It's very effective as an abortive and the cost per dose is less than the triptans.
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Here is a link to read and print and take to your doctor.  It describes preventive, transitional, abortive and surgical treatments for CH. Written by one of the better headache docs in the U.S.  (2002)
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Michigan Headache & Neurological Institute for another list of treatments and other articles:

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Welcome to the board, glad you found us. Stick witht his board and you will never be alone with these things again. Bob has given you some awesome reading, get busy with it! We have a saying on the board that the effectiveness of your treatment is up to you. Educate yourself and assist your doctor in managing your care. Plopping yourself down in front of your doc and saying "save me" is just setting yourself up for a lot of pain. Wishing you a short cycle!

Guiseppi

Thank you so much Bob.  You definitely know a lot more about these than my doctor, and I never would of thought of Zyprexa.  I used to be on it when my old doctor thought I was bipolar (turned out to be generalized anxiety disorder, and am now on xanax as needed).  

Now that I think about it, I went through the longest period of time without the clusters when I was taking Zyprexa regularly.  Ironically enough, I threw out my 120 pills that I had kept for years about 2 weeks ago when I moved out of my old house.

Thanks again to everyone.  You guys are intelligent, resourceful, and very supportive.  I may have pain, but atleast now I have piece of mind.   ;D

Adam