Posted by Gary (205.188.197.178) on October 06, 1999 at 08:54:30:
Hello,
My name is Gary and I have been having ch for 30 years or since I was 18. They came about every 18 months and last about a month or so, starting as a little tinge that last for less than an hour for a week or two, then they intensify to nasty pain in back of my left eye that hurts so bad I can't do any thing. I may get two ot three a day. Then they slowly subside over a couple of weeks. I am in the final stages of an episod now, about the 5th week. I was in remission for about the last 4 years, the longest remission period I have ever had, so long I thought I was over them.
So far the best treatment is Imitrex, it takes about 10 min to work. For a less severe headache, Zomig 5mg tablets work well, they seem to work in 20 min or so. The last episod, about 4 years ago I treated with pure oxygen with very good results, I had to catch the headache as soon as it started and it would stop it evey time. The episode befor that I took Prednisone in a high dose and gradually tapered off, 80mg, 80mg, 60mg, 60mg,50mg, etc every day for about a week or so. That totally stopped the episode..This episode has been different howerever, Prednisone was not effective, and the onygen worked until the headaches got real bad. One nite at 2am my room mate had to take me to the emergency room the pain was so bad and I was given a shot of Imitrex. Imitrex has been working very well, the problen is they,
Over the years in my personal experiences with ch I can say that no over the counter meds work at all. I have tried several stronger prescribed meds like those with codene,
I hope my post has been helpful, please feel free to reply. Good luck to all with this problem.
Regards: Gary