I just started a new cycle and my CH are lasting much longer than normal (2-7 hours) and I need some ideas on how to stop them.. They are waking me at 4:30 am and lasting well into the morning so that I cannot work. I am constantly between a 9 and 10 on the Kip scale and when then CH finally ends, I feel like I have run a marathon and pass out at 11:30 only to wake up at 2:30 pm and start again. I can't get any rest, I'm exhausted and can't do my job.
Normally I am on 100mg Topamax 2x a day as a preventative and have Zomig Zmt as an abortive along with O2 25 lpm non-rebreather. However, I currently work at a special needs camp and can't have my O2 tank around because it would have to be locked up for safety reasons, so by the time I needed it, it would be too late to abort the attack.
Because of my busy schedule I don't really have time to go see my Neuro, and need some ideas of how to stop this cycle before it keeps me out of more days of work. Thanks!!

What Bob said!

Then, go to the meds section and read the post, "127 pain free days and I think I know why." It outlines a daily supplement regimen, D-3, Calcium Citrate, zinc, magnesium, that's providing a lot of relief for many on the board.

Have you tried the energy drink abort yet? Rock Star, Monster, Red Bull, any containing the combo of caffiene and taurine. I prefer sugar free Red Bull. Chugged at the first sign of a hit it's possible for many to abort or at least scale down an attack.

For the wake up hits.....try melatonin, an OTC sleep aid, about 30 minutes before bedtime. Start with 9 mg, some go as high as 18 mg, takes some trial and error. Some combine the slow release with the standard release, 5 mg each for example, to get them thru the night. Many can avoid the night time terors this way. There are several versions of melatonin, read the label carefully, this is the one we've seen the best results with:

n-Acetyl-5-Methoxytryptamine

If the doc will prescribe you the imitrex injecatbles, read this link:

Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or

You can get up to 3 aborts per shot this way.

Finally, for long term consideration, read our sister board. Alternatives to mainstream that are kicking out some impressive results:

Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or

Hang in there.

Joe

Sometimes your own body knows whats best for you no matter what the Health Care Pro says

A lot of truth to that one Keno, a LOT of truth.

Joe

Thanks for all the replies guys. I have a feeling my meds are going to change soon. I have been at the ER overnight for a CH that just won't stop (same quality of pain, location, intensity, etc). This was after visiting an urgent care and another ER.

he urgent care tried  toradol, nubaine (x2), zofran, benadryl, and a steroid in an IV to no effect. They gave me a prescription for staydol nose spray and said if it didn't work in an hour to go
to an ER.
At the ER I was given 4lpm O2 (way too low I know) adavan and reglan in an IV, which knocked me out. When I was woken up the next day, the beast was still there full force. So we went to another ER where they have given me compazine and some other drug I can't remember any more. In a few hours I start on IV DH3 I think. I just want this to be over... 48+ hours with the beast is far too long.

Quote:


I was just given depacon and decadron in my IV to hold me over until the imtrex injection they gave me (the one I couldn't remember cuz of all the other crap in my system) washes out. Then they are gonna give me DHE (not DH3, pardon my typo) this afternoon. If that doesn't work, I don't know what's next....

Thanks for all of your support, it helps to know that others out there understand what I'm going through.

Last year I had bouts everyday at work with the Beast in Sept./Oct. In the Morning I'd eat 2 aspirin and 2 cups of coffee. That'd quell the shadows. Next I'd take a  Sumitripan so as to postpone his arrival. I also get the 2-4am wake up Kip 9-10 and pop a pill then also. I totally understand. It sucks for sure.
I'm a camera op on major sporting events. I can't afford an attack during work. It's impossible to wear a headset with lots of voices in it while being attacked. Also hard to focus and see with my left eye shut. So I pre-pop before we go live. It's 6-8 weeks of feeling totally out of it. But the only way to make it thru. I also become a hermit since I cannot take any noise at all during a Hit. So I'm opting to try the Busters method before my next cycle. Legal/Illegal I don't care, I'd chew on glass if I thought it stop a cycle. As would many others I'm sure.
Lucky for me I can make my own schedule and also I'm taking a bit of time off during Sept.. Hope I can stop the cycle because October I'm working everyday of the month. And It's usually "On" then too.
But my position is being a Zombie at work is better than No Work at all. But I feel for you. Peace