I've been a member for several years but--since my clusters come about every 18 months (occasionally every two years)---I don't frequent the boards when I'm not afflicted.  Unfortunately, I got struck with my first of a new cycle last night at 2 a.m., and now I'm girding myself for battle for the next 5-6 weeks.  To add to that, I am between health insurances, and thus have to pay out of pocket for Imitrex...ugh.  But, as we all know, I would take out a second mortgage before going without Imitrex.  Anyhow, just wondering if there are any new remedies/advice out there, since my last cycle was spring of 2008.  I usually do Imitrex nasal spray and Maxalt dissolvable during an attack...occasionally i'll add 2 Vicodin to that if the Kip scale is high for a particular headache.  I don't suppose there are any magic charms out there that have come along in the last few years?  I tried Topomax as a prophylactic, and I've also done oxygen several times, but find the results with both marginal.  Has anyone done the Imitrex through-the-skin thing?  Not the injectable, but some sort of "gun" type device that puts the med through the skin?  Does it work much faster than nasal spray?  Or about the same?  Any advice would be appreciated...

Hi Heather,

Sorry the beast found your address again.  I'll 2nd what Jerry said about Oxygen and Vicodin. 

High flow oxygen therapy (25-60lpm) works for me faster than Imitrex.  That's right, I said faster.

If you are without insurance this is even more important.  You can go the welding oxygen route (same as medical) and get a high flow regulator.  I picked up a welding regulator off E-bay for ~$40. 

That combined with energy drinks can be a good abortive combination.  Oxygen to kill them and an energy drink to keep him at bay for a while.

Another new thing is having your testosterone level tested.  It's a cheap blood test.  If you have low levels then hormone replacement therapy has been shown to work for some.  This is currently my magic bullet

Good luck and let us know how things go.

-Dennis-

[quote Has anyone done the Imitrex through-the-skin thing?  Not the injectable, but some sort of "gun" type device that puts the med through the skin?] [/quote]

Are you referring to the auto-inject or statdose pen??

   Jerry is correct in that oxygen delivery systems have changed since 08.  I went from a regulator with 15 lpm to one with 25lpm and the differeence was astounding.  If I get on it fast enough I can abort in under 10 mins.  I also stay on the 02 for at least 5 mins. afterwards which seems to prevent re-occurances.