Hi I am new to the forum but not new to clusters. I have been suffering from chronic migraines since my early twenties and am now in my mid fifties. I get 2-3 migraines per week and once or twice a year these develop into a cluster migraine cycle where they go on for days up to a couple of weeks without a break. I have a theory that my migraines are hormonally related as they began with a miscarraige and have gotten worse since I am now in menopause. Both my mother and maternal grandmother suffered from them but never as frequently as I have. I am in the chronic category as not one week goes by without them. I have over the years tried various prophylactics without any joy. As with most migraine sufferers I am extremely sensitive to medications and always get horrible side effects. I have been taking Naramig for the past 25 years, which is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor , similar to Imigran. They always relieve the pain of a migraine but are also subject to rebound syndrome if you take too much. When in a cluster I take imigran injections which immediately abort the pain, however it returns within 24 hrs. The injections are expensive approx $125 for 2 injections and are not available on the PBS. I have been to hospital on numerous occasions when in a cluster, however I find that I can give myself the same meds at home. They just give you the injections and put you on a drip for rehydration. I have tried cortisone , which made me extremely aggressive and periactin , which made me ravenously hungry and gain weight without much relief from the cluster. Other meds that have been recommended to ease the pain are endone, however I have not gone there yet. If anyone has any experiences to relate or any suggestions for easing the pain of a cluster I would appreciate any advice. Has anyone in Sydney come across a knowlegeable GP?
I remain hopeful that one day they will discover a cure for clusters and migraines. In the meantime we must suffer the excruciating pain of them. It is good to chat to people who you know understand and it makes me feel better knowing I can reach out to a community that is dealing with a similar issue. Hope someone out there wants to chat. x Pixie
