Hi,

I have been suffering from Cluster Headaches for about 12-15 years.  I usually get an "atack"  every 2-3 years and they last about 3-4 months usually.  This "attack", which started in July, is differnt though.  Everything that used to help isnt anymore.  Im taking Verapramil, Vitamin D, Melatonin, and prednisone.  Last time I had an attack the prednisone taper stopped it in its tracks. This time, not so much.  My clusters are happening more and more frequently with shadows on and off through out the day, when I was almost pain free for a week or two.  I recently for the first time tried Zomig yesterday, and it did help.  My doctor is going to be getting me oxygen, I should get it within the week.  Im just so sick of it, I cant even type this without being in tears.  I just need relief.  I just want someone to tell me that they will be gone soon since im at the 3 month mark...  Thanks for listening and im sorry you all have to deal with this terrible crap too.

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Your list of meds didn't include a preventive, such as Verapamil, which is used long term. Pred. is for short term use only until the preventive gets up and running.
See the PDF file, below.

I wonder if you are seeing a doc who has knowledge/expeience treating Cluster.... Your course of treatment raises some questions.

If you have the option:

LOCATING HEADACHE SPECIALIST

1. Yellow Pages phone book: look for "Headache Clinics" in the M.D. section and look under "neurologist" where some docs will list speciality areas of practice.

2.  Call your hospital/medical center. They often have an office to assist in finding a physician. You may have to ask for the social worker/patient advocate.

3. Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or ; On-line screen to find a physician.

4. Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or Look for "Physician Finder" search box. They will send a list of M.D.s for your state.I suggest using this source for several reasons: first, we have read several messages from people who, even seeing neurologists, are unhappy with the quality of care and ATTITUDES they have encountered; second, the clinical director of the Jefferson (Philadelphia) Headache Clinic said, in late 1999, that upwards of 40%+ of U.S. doctors have poor training in treating headache and/or hold attitudes about headache ("hysterical female disorder") which block them from sympathetic and effective work with the patient; third, it's necessary to find a doctor who has experience, skill, and a set of attitudes which give hope of success. This is the best method I know of to find such a physician.

5. Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or NEW certification program for "Headache Medicine" by the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties, an independent, non-profit, professional medical organization.
        Since this is a new program, the initial listing is limited and so it should be checked each time you have an interest in locating a headache doctor.
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The least likely problem, although a potentially important one, is that you have a disorder which mimics Cluster but which is not a headache disorder. One sign is when the usual standard meds either don't work or work beiefly and then stop being effective.

But this is where a headache specialist is most needed.

See:
Look under: Medications,  Treatments,  Therapies › Important Topics >Cluster-LIKE headache

Hi Alynn,
With the vitamin D you need to take the other co-factors
to get the best outcome.

Hoppy.

your muscles... hurt more than a cluster attack..?

Sorry that you too may be suffering from Cluster headaches. IMO, Bob Johnson has given you the best advice anyone could give you right now ... ie... FIND A GOOD DOCTOR as soon as possible, preferably a neurologist or headache specialist or clinic. He's also given you some valuable links to help you get started too.

Good Luck Alynn !

Great post Bob! It's so good, I couldn't even ask you to spell check it (that would make me sound like a jerk!) Keep up the great work. Respectfully, I4B