Hello all again,
Wanted to give everyone a update on my past week with heading to the Michigan Head Pain & Neurological Institute in Ann Arbor Michigan.
After a 3 and a half month cycle (I usually only last a month) with some heavy hits, odd time hits, no sleep,  I was at wits end and went to check out MHNI. (they had a link to clusterheadaches.com on their site so I thought what a great start.)
Docs there were very understanding of clusters and knew right away with what they were dealing with and what us clusterheads go through as well. It is a all day appointment. Blood work and Labs were drawn to see if you were abusing narcotics, and for other abnormalties, MRI ordered of the brain, mine all came back good since o2 was all I used currently. Got to meet with one of their therapist to make sure I was OK mentaly with everything and ask questions about suicide during cycles harming yourself/others etc. (I told them once I wanted to remove it with a handy dandy letter opener once but didnt because I know what that would of done lol but dont think I didnt think about it) They started me on a steroid pack right away, they wanted to admit me to their head pain unit at the hospital that afternoon but there were no beds available. I suffer from a heart condition (ARVD) and also type II diabetes so with the use of the steroids I had to have my heart monitored as well keep a good eye on my sugar levels. They got me in to the Hospital the next day and gave me the option of upping the steroids and starting depakote 500mg 3x daily and if that would not bust the cycle a nerve block was going in next. I have not had a headache since Wendsday and did not need the nerve block and returned home from the hospital yesterday (Friday).
They are having me check with my cardiologist about the use of DHE and injectable Imitex (they worry about me going into Vtach where those drugs cause more of Afib problems) as other options for abortives besides my o2.  Besides that sent me home with perscriptions for another pack of steroids to hit it again and then taper, the 500mg of Depakote 3x daily, Melatonin for nightime and a new script for o2 anytime I need it. Were hoping the preventatives work this time (ive been on others topomax, verapamil, etc) but if not we at least know where to start next time and maybe the DHE or Imitrex will also be available besides the o2.
And they told me if/when they return to call that day and they will get me in to see them the day of if not the next. Clusters are no joke to them. Great expericence with them and have to return to the clinic next week in Ann Arbor for my follow up and will keep you all posted on my status. 
Thanks again to all of you on here who keep us all sane  and wishing you all PFD&N
-Brian

brian trudeau wrote on Oct 24^th, 2009 at 8:54pm:


Great to have serious consideration for these Ch times.  Understandably, nothing's lightly felt about them.