Posted by Patrick Leer (209.150.110.244) on November 08, 1999 at 00:39:27:
It's been a year since I visited with last episode. It's great to know this is still here 24 hrs a day when up wrestling with the demon.
I've never noticed so many 'shadow' observations before. That's so true! I just figured after so many years the body had some kind of early warning system to get me up and moving while I could still think clearly. Then just wait for it to hit to pop a Zomig (like Imitrex but leaves me feeling less rough.)
Last year's 14-week episode, 2-3 attacks overnight, 4-5 nights per week ended when I tried a combo of Verapamil and Prednisone (240 Verapamil and 20 Prednisone) with Zomig for attacks.
Using same combo recent episode stopped short; however I stopped taking after a week figuring all clear. Wrong! "Shadows" were back to ruin dreamland followed by attacks. Restarted and episode stopped in its tracks. Just stopped the Prednisone again today, so I'm nervous but "no" shadows so far. I hate the Prednisone so I'm motivated to stop when not needed.
Historically (15 years) episodes would just keep building and building! V & P combo seems to be able to disrupt the pattern. With Zomig as a fail-safe in case the beast gets through. Zomig is usually able to tame the beast in 15 - 20 minutes. It's still 15 minutes in hell, but hell with time limits!
I also take Feverfew (something I learned on this board.) Not sure what if anything it does for CH. However, episodes have been further apart and peak pain has been down a small notch since taking. Major reason I keep taking is it has basically eliminated life's minor aches and pains. I have not even bought a bottle of Nuprin or anything in a year since adding FeverFew to the daily diet.
Best of all this board is the best treatment anywhere for 'Cluster Headaches'. Just knowing you are not alone helps the sanity.