Posted by Vince S. on May 09, 1999 at 07:49:15:
In Reply to: Cycle much longer this time around posted by Ed on May 09, 1999 at 02:42:49:
Ed, I certainly know what you mean by your
"monster." I'm 38 and have been suffering from
clusters since age 25. Until recently, the
cluster would last 2 to 3 months. My remission
period was usually 14 to 18 months. I too have
had a certain amount of success with Verapamil.
I am currently 3 weeks into my most recent cluster.
The last time I had an episode, the headaches only
lasted 5 weeks. Between the Verapamil, and using
ice-cold washcloth compresses during the actual
headaches, I've been able to control them. This
time, however, I'm not getting any sleep. Even
with the Verapamil, the headaches I wake up with
are just intense enough to keep me up all night.
When the headache subsides, I'll lay back down
and fall asleep...exhausted.....only to be back
up in a hour with another headache. My old average
used to be "twice per night." This time, if I fall
asleep - I wake up with a headache,
no matter how many times I fall asleep. I'm not sure
if our "monsters" change as we get older, but I'm
beginning to believe it has something to do with
the time of year the cluster appears. I'm sorry
your episode is lasting longer than normal this
time, but I wouldn't worry. I suspect the longevity
is simply related to this unique cluster episode - NOT
to what you have to look forward to in the future.
Who knows, your next episode may only last 2 weeks.
Good luck, and God bless.