Last November (Nov 8th 2010/Cluster Headache specific) I posted a fairly long post about my methadone treatment. For me it was successful.
5-6 months ago my Clusters started to slow down a fair amount (I hadn't changed anything with my treatment) With far less clusters my body had no use for the methadone and I couldn't stand using it. The Dr. told me to use vitamins and a few other supplements (Fish oil and Minerals) and started me on Effexor to try and help cope with a quicker then normal methadone reduction. Especially since I was in such a hurry to get off it. Going off the methadone was not a huge issue. With far less clusters my body had no use for the methadone and I couldn't stand using it. I went off as quick as the Dr. would let me. Ive been off for 6 months.
A week after getting to the dosage of Effexor my Dr wanted me to be on, my Clusters just quit coming at all. That was a very very happy time for me and my Wife. Epecially after 15+ years being chronic.
I have gotten a few attacks in the last 2 month(about 14 total. The first time I missed my Effexor which I took at 5am, I would get a Cluster attack in the late afternoon. Not a horrible attack but bad enough. I started getting some attacks in the morning about 6am. Each one lasting 3 hours like before and about a KIP 9.
The only thing that previously guaranteed me no morning Ch, previously was Adderall. It was the last med I went off of for my Ch's. The last time I took it was about 14 weeks ago. The morning attacks started about a week after I was off of it. I started a low dose of Adderall again. I take it at 5am and so far no Clusters. I did use 10 mg of liquid morphine for 8 of my attacks, which like before, gave me a huge amount of relief in 25-30 minutes. I haven't needed it for the last couple weeks.
So I guess I'm not in total remission. If I keep a fairly strict sleep schedule and take my Effexor, testosterone, and now again Effexor, I seem to have almost complete control of my Clusters. I'm way happy, work full time at my Business (Auto Repair) and like the song says "Loving every minute of it"
My methadone and narcotic use being successful is rare
If anyone feels the need to chastise my use of Narcotics, Please read my post on Nov 8th 2010 (Cluster Headache Specific)
I don't suggest anyone use it without trying the other meds and O2 first.I used for them for many years with a fair amount of success. I became resistant to their effects after a while. Always find a good Neuro and follow their advise especially if they are as methodical and persistent as mine was. After 10 years He connected me with a great Dr., who he trusted, to give me other options for pain management. They worked closely together. I was very fortunate to find something that has worked, long term. I will always be grateful for the huge effort they put into my care and the results from their effort and dedication.
MikeS
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Chronic, Narcotics, Remission (well almost) (Read 785 times)
