Here we go, sorry but nobody else gets it, so I'm going to indulge myself in a little rant....

I feel like shit!!  It's like this cycle is never friggin ending... just when I think it's finished it's back within weeks with a vengence and this time it has changed. 

I've been a night hitter for the past probably 10yrs with the occassional early morning wam... and now I'm getting hit in the morning (take son to school time) and again around 3.30pm (pick son up from school time).  It is soooo frustrating. (No night time hits for a while?)

This is going to sound ridiculous but when given the opportunity I get on this board and post to the newbies to try melatonin and the energy drinks etc etc etc and I don't use them myself!!  Because my cycles have been changing so much (I've stopped using verap for this reason) I've not wanted to use anything that might change them again - especially not melatonin because I thought it might eliminate my night hits and bring on day time ones.  Well here I am.

And I kinda thought the night ones weren't so bad  because my son didn't have to deal with it, and I could handle the after effects and all (shadowing the next day).  But this day time shit is just relentless.  The knowing that it's going to happen at a certain time and the slow build up shadows - that more often than not turn into a full blown hit are just awful - think I'd rather wake in the night and jump on the 02.  Now its like I don't know whether to get on the 02 or wait (its kind of expensive for me so don't want to run out too quick - getting another bottle filled tomorrow).

Mmmmm.... sorry but it does feel better to go blah    I wish this cycle would f#ck off.  It feels like it's been going on all year!   

And finally,  didums on me.  I had a really special thing on last week (the philosophy symposium at uni) and so organised for my partner to pick my son up from school. (this has never happened before!) I was so excited, I very rarely get out and do my own thing.... sat through 9 of the lectures (clutching my head) and then had to give in and drag myself home and get on the 02    I was so pissed!  I missed it last year because I couldn't afford to go, this year I was all hyped up for it and missed half the day/night because of my head.

Oh well, it could be worse.  It's just starting to get me down a bit.    That said, it is so good to have a place to come  and vent     I will survive, this cycle will end (eventually) and life goes on....

Thanks for reading,

Kate

P.S.  sorry to anyone who is easily offended - I did a couple of swears 

My last cycle went 8 months, longest by far. I was on the verge of busting, a big step for em an ex cop. I'm now a member of the clusterbusters board, educating myself as I really think that's the direction I'm heading next round.

Hugs and love, long cycles suck.

Joe

Kate when faced with a never ending cycle like that I would think you're entitled to at least a couple of swears. 

And I wholeheartedly join you in hoping this cycle of yours will just f##k off! 

We all need a good rant now and then Kate.  Hang in there!

maryo wrote on Dec 5^th, 2010 at 7:40am:


Thanks Mary,  I have to admit I'm pretty stubborn and VERY over seeing the neuro etc.  The last couple of years I've just been battling it out with 02 and the nasal spray when I need it.  I really don't cope well with the numerous side effects of drugs.... but if this continues I might have to have a bit of a rethink!!

Re my son (8yrs), he really is pretty good.  In the past when I've had them in the morning upon waking he's been very good at getting himself organised... and if I'm puffing away on the 02 sometimes he will lie down next to me quietly or just leave me be.  I just feel so bad when it is the weekend or straight after school and I'm tucked up in bed on the 02 when really I should be spending quality time with him. 

Such is life, for now.  I just wish I had some idea of when all this is going to end!! 

Hey Kate, sorry this is going so badly for you. You mentioned in your original post you recommend energy drinks and melatonin, but don't use them yourself. You also said (I think) you've dropped the verapamil and are exercising caution on using O2 cuz it's expensive. I was just wondering if you've reversed your decision here and begun to use energy drinks and melatonin? In my experience, the energy drinks actually cut back on abort time with my O2 which actually serves to conserve O2 thus extending a tank's life. So does a demand flow valve since I'm only draining O2 on breath intake. And maybe it's different down under, but verapamil is pretty cheap here. I know the beast morphs and what worked before may not work now, but when you're in pain, it seems to me the best place to start is with what has worked, try it, rule it in or out and then go to new stuff. I guess I'm just rambling because I feel so badly for you. I know you'll get through this, even if it feels right now as if you won't. Praying for you darlin'. God bless. lance

Kate,very sorry to hear about this cycle for you. Being a newbie theres not much I can add here except support and prayers. Good Luck!!

Kate,

That is frustrating that your cycle is dragging on and I totally understand how maddening it can be to be greeted with a headache in the morning upon awakening.  Such a nice way to start the day! NOT!
My advice with the melatonin is I don't think it can move night hits to the day.  I stay on 6 mg every night even out of cycle b/c I think it helps me regulate my sleep (which can only help CH).
I seem to be getting rebound headaches from O2 this time around never noticed that before.  Especially in the AM after I get rid of one it will just come right back 10-15 minutes later. 
BUT verapamil is helping the past couple of nights in a row (240 mg at night which I know is not as high as many need) that along with 12 mg of melatonin and 3 benadryl at night. 
I hope you get some relief.  So frustrating especially that you got one in public--that is a disturbing experience.  My worst public CH was at a Stevie Nicks concert--but it was my fault I had some wine (I didn't realize it would trigger a CH).
I think it would really be a good idea to see a headache specialist.  Especially if your cycle is lengthening.  I hope you get painfree soon.

Kate,night hitter here too,10mg Melatonin every night while in cycle. 5mg every night out of cycle.Dont know but doesn't seem like Melatonin would move the hits to the day??? A guy I know takes Melatonin at night and Seratonin when he wakes up.??? Works for him.

Again Good Luck,prayers your way.

Best of luck, Kate!  Just reading your post is helpful because I feel like I'm going through such a parallel situation. 
I was getting slammed with day hits & night hits hard for a few days in a row... the Melatonin as suggested by some users seems to help and now I'm in the shadow / fatigue / somewhat depressing spiral.
That in between is pretty rough.  You just don't know if it's breaking or if it's a sick joke and you're about to get slammed again.  sheer misery.

It can be so confusing and can make one feel so lost.
I feel your pain and just by reading it, it makes me feel better. less alone. less confused. and venting is so so helpful.

Hope your cycle breaks very soon!

Kate--

I am totally phobic about taking medicine.  Plus I am pretty old school b/c I went so long with these HAs with either nothing or just O2 due to mistreatment by the medical profession.  With the verapamil, if I take it in the morning I too cannot stand the fatigue, dizziness, etc.  But I stopped taking it in the morning and just take 250 mg at night (with melatonin and benadryl) and I am not having fatigue during the day at all.  Anyway, since you seem to be getting them in the AM which I was too (and night) just wanted to lend you some confidence that if you do decide to try it, I found that if I take it at night I am not noticing daytime side effects.  Do whatever works for you though.  I've fought these HAs with just O2 before.  Either way, it's all about what makes you feel the best about the whole thing--it's a tough game.

Don't want to jinx myself here but maybe, just maybe the cycle is over.  Haven't had any shadowing or hits for the past 5 days!!  Not ready to have a drink to celebrate just yet, but Christmas day is looking good!

Thanks again everyone for your kind wishes and support!!

Kate

BTW went to my local chemist to get some melatonin and they didn't have any other than with a script.  They did say I could get some in town... so next time I will most definately give it a try!

I am so happy you seem to be getting a break!  Especially with Christmas coming--who wants to get a CH the night before Christmas!