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rickyshot
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Episodic vs Chronic
« on: Feb 16th, 2005, 8:34am » |
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I read in another thread how one of you is glad she is chronic as opposed to episodic as she can predict her CH. I am episodic and my last bout lasted six weeks. If I were chronic the gun would definitely go to my head. That is no life. AT least I get a break if you don't count the migraines. With CH even when the pain subsides, I feel very off, swollen, congested and generally very shitty. And waking up in your sleep with one of those buggers is the WORST....... Any other chronics feel the same way?
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vig
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Re: Episodic vs Chronic
« Reply #1 on: Feb 16th, 2005, 8:54am » |
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I always thought we were just being polite.
I've been both, episodic is better;
you get SOME recovery time.
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| « Last Edit: Feb 16th, 2005, 9:32am by vig » |
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Langa
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Re: Episodic vs Chronic
« Reply #2 on: Feb 16th, 2005, 8:57am » |
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I was episodic for 25 years, every June for 2 months. That is until June 04 when the cycle never ended...It stopped at 2 months then 3 weeks later, I started getting hit again and just kept going. To be honest, the thought of getting hit every day, non-stop for god knows how long was starting to get to me. It was different when I knew the pain would stop at 2 months.
My worst fear being that I am becoming chronic, I took a chance with the mushrooms and that's the only thing that finally gave me some PF time...17 days PF so far.
But in my case, I have to agree with you that after 8 months of constant pain, I was almost missing the episodic cycles.... 
Langa
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Jeepgun
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Re: Episodic vs Chronic
« Reply #3 on: Feb 16th, 2005, 8:59am » |
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Ditto: If I were chronic, I wouldn't even bother fighting anymore. I'd eat the barrel of a shotgun.
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thomas
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Re: Episodic vs Chronic
« Reply #4 on: Feb 16th, 2005, 9:01am » |
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Episodic/chronic, doesn't really matter to me. Ch hurts it sucks and you either decide to fight it and have as normal a life as you can and deal. Or you can choose to let it take over your life and rule you. The choice is always yours. I know chronics who go to work everyday and I know episodics who have to miss work (me too). If I had a choice I would select "none of the above."
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Killroy 2.0
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Re: Episodic vs Chronic
« Reply #5 on: Feb 16th, 2005, 9:11am » |
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Episodic/chronic - I started my cycle last march and other then a few quite weeks here and there, it has been non-stop. Last year the thought of going chronic scared the shit out of me. I too thought death would be better then that. But with the right meds and a great support system, it is what it is and I carry on. I am with Thomas can I pick none of the above!!!! 
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Langa
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Re: Episodic vs Chronic
« Reply #6 on: Feb 16th, 2005, 9:14am » |
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Quote:| can I pick none of the above!!!! |
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None of the above would be nice... 
Langa
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cat14
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Good Morning everyone,
Can't play today but had to reply to this post before I go take a shower
At first I FREAKEd when I became chronic but.......... It is what it is and nothing much I can do but keep finding ways to keep the pain away. Now having said that when you people say things like getting out your gun, you make me feel like a superhero!!! So thanks, cause I am not (just alittle crazy)
Have a PF day 
PAIN IS PAIN, IT SUCKS!!!!!
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rickyshot
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Re: Episodic vs Chronic
« Reply #8 on: Feb 16th, 2005, 10:56am » |
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Cat you are my hero 
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nani
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Re: Episodic vs Chronic
« Reply #9 on: Feb 16th, 2005, 11:08am » |
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Mine, too.
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Langa
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Re: Episodic vs Chronic
« Reply #10 on: Feb 16th, 2005, 11:11am » |
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Mine first...
But she's also a pain in my ass...she has the best of both worlds I guess...
Langa
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sandie99
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Re: Episodic vs Chronic
« Reply #11 on: Feb 16th, 2005, 11:19am » |
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Well, I have been both. I am chronic now. I can't predict when CH comes, I just know that I'll have couple every day. Honestly, I don't know which is worse... CH is part of my life anyway.
Sure, when I was episodic, I did have lots of more PF moments, but since I turned chronic I have made changes in my life which have made the quality of my life in general a lot better.
Coudn't we just agree that CH itself is bad enough and not wonder which form of it is worse...?
PFdays to everyone,
Sandie
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Tiannia
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Re: Episodic vs Chronic
« Reply #12 on: Feb 16th, 2005, 11:29am » |
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Ricky - It was me that you are talking about. Now you have to take a couple of things in mind. My CH started almost 21 months ago and have been non stop since then (save a few days here and there.) Now I have to say that this last time that I got a whole 4 days off. When I got slammed again, I really freaked. Part of me was really really hoping that something would change. So much in my life changed. New job less stressful. Worked out at least a few issues with my husband and I was really hoping that I might actually get a real break.
From what I read most chronics cycle as well. I think that this is one of the issues that I have with doctors because they say that having "cluster Headaches" means that they come in groups then stop because mine have not stopped then it must be something else. (But that is amother issue all together  ) They go through times where they get hit mildly. (I usually get a few days off and then will only get hit 1-2 times K7+ a day for about 3 weeks) Then it ramps up some. (Mine go to about 4-5 a day K7+ and this lasts for 6 weeks or so) Then I hit my worse time. (up to 9+ k8+ and I live with this for about 3-4 weeks) This is the hardest for me and I really try hard not to stop functioning. Then it goes back down to the 4 a day then I get a few days off again. Each Chronic is different but this is the cycle that I am used to. I fight with it and make adjustments with my family and work and go from there.
I don't know what it is like to be Episodic. I don't know what it is like to have CH for 2 months then have a break. The longest break I had was 12 days and that was 2 months after I started, Oct 2003. The longest breaks since have been 4 days. I use what PF days I get to the best I can. But I also use my PF time during the day the best I can as well. I have learned to take that little bit of extra time to sit and play a card game with my daughter or read a book to my son because I know that I will get hit again and those moments are what get me through that fight.
I cant imagine waiting for the Beast to come. Especially if your cycles are not regular or if your cycle does not come at the normal time (like Frank right now). I think it would drive me crazy waiting. Afraid to go to sleep because it might come tonight. I know that it will come tonight, so I get what sleep I can and fight it as it comes.
Does that mean that I would not be happy for a longer period of PF time? Hell no. But looking at it from my side of the fence (the only side that I have known) it just seems harder. Now those of you that are Episodic, look at me and see it differently. It is the way we have all come to learn to cope with CH. Does it mean that you are stronger then me or vice versa, no. It is us and how we function on a daily basis.
I know that I am not the only chronic who feels this way because I have talked to a couple, because I felt like I was crazy feeling this way. I mean why wouldn't I want to have 2 years, 1 year, hell 4 months off. But we deal with what we are given to deal with.
The "gun" as many put it is not an option for me. I would never do that to my kids. This is my fight, my curse whatever and I will not have them suffer more because I was not strong enough to get through it.
I hope that this all makes since.
-Tia
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Tiannia
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Re: Episodic vs Chronic
« Reply #13 on: Feb 16th, 2005, 11:42am » |
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One last note. This site and the people that I have come to know because of it. Many who have dealt with CH for so many years, Chronic and Episodic both, are probably the biggest strength that I use. The 4 months that I was first faced with CH and I was alone, prior to finding this site. Yes I felt that i could not take this. Each Dr visit they told me that they should stop. But they did not. After coming here and seeing the strength that is inside so many of us, it has given me the strength to KNOW that i can handle this. That no amtter how bad it gets that there are people who 1 - have been there and I can talk to them when I need to. and 2- Have lives through it so I can to. It does not matter which you are, chronic or Episodic. CH changed all of our lives. Some for good and some for bad. But the biggest thing is that we found this place and we all have aplace to come to that there is always someone who can listen and truely understand.
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rickyshot
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Re: Episodic vs Chronic
« Reply #14 on: Feb 16th, 2005, 11:47am » |
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Tia. It makes perfect sense. I just can't imagine being chronic that is all. When I get these things about 3 times a year usually lasting for 4 weeks, that is enough for me. Just the migraines which for me are very complicated and even one leading to a TIA in the past is enough but then to top it with bouts of CH drives me over the edge. My last episode as I said before lasted 6 weeks. I said to myself. If this does not stop I will end up on disability. I am missing too much work and going to ER etc. Anyways you people are my heros.
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E-Double
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Re: Episodic vs Chronic
« Reply #15 on: Feb 16th, 2005, 12:09pm » |
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on Feb 16th, 2005, 9:01am, guesst wrote:| Episodic/chronic, doesn't really matter to me. Ch hurts it sucks and you either decide to fight it and have as normal a life as you can and deal. Or you can choose to let it take over your life and rule you. The choice is always yours. I know chronics who go to work everyday and I know episodics who have to miss work (me too). If I had a choice I would select "none of the above." |
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Well put brother!!!
The only thing I know is that the longer this cycle goes the less anxiety I have because if it ends it ends and if it continues well OUCH but....it is what it is.....
What alternative do we have....hmmmm?
E.
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ckelly181
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Re: Episodic vs Chronic
« Reply #16 on: Feb 16th, 2005, 12:42pm » |
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An interesting conversation to follow.
I hate to admit it, but I don't know if I'd have the strength to deal with chronic C/H. I know that when I'm going through a cycle (mine usually last about 8 weeks) I get progressively more depressed, I isolate, I panic easily, but I do persist. Maybe that's the key.
It could also be the symptoms of impatience because I know it will end...why not now?
It's intriguing (and frustrating) because I'm fully aware of my thinking, but I generally just let myself think the negative thoughts. Maybe it's a coping mechanism?
So, who knows? You steel yourself for what you need to deal with, I suppose.
Chris
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purpleydog
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Re: Episodic vs Chronic
« Reply #17 on: Feb 16th, 2005, 12:50pm » |
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In 6 weeks I will have been in cycle for a year. I had about a 2 week break over the summer, but otherwise I get two days every now and then. It won't make a bit of difference to me if the doc tells me I'm chronic, because there's nothing I can do about it anyway. It won't change the way I live my life. It won't change the way I deal with it. I enjoy the PF days I have, and sure, it gets rough. Especially on the days I'm getting hit hard, 8 times a day. Or more. But not every day is like that. I just continue on with living my life the best way I can. Some days are better than others. I can't live my life running from this, so I deal with it the best way I can. Some days are easier than others. I just do what I need to to get throught it.
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| « Last Edit: Feb 16th, 2005, 12:51pm by purpleydog » |
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thomas
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Re: Episodic vs Chronic
« Reply #18 on: Feb 16th, 2005, 12:51pm » |
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on Feb 16th, 2005, 12:50pm, purpleydog wrote:| In 6 weeks I will have been in cycle for a year. I had about a 2 week break over the summer, but otherwise I get two days every now and then. It won't make a bit of difference to me if the doc tells me I'm chronic, because there's nothing I can do about it anyway. It won't change the way I live my life. It won't change the way I deal with it. I enjoy the PF days I have, and sure, it gets rough. Especially on the days I'm getting hit hard, 8 times a day. Or more. But not every day is like that. I just continue on with living my life the best way I can. Some days are better than others. I can't live my life running from this, so I deal with it the best way I can. Some days are easier than others. |
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That's what I'm talking about Chris. Well said indeed, there is nothing we can do about it anyway, so we just deal.
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Religion and sex are powerplays. Manipulate the people for the money they pay. Selling skin, selling God, the numbers look the same on their credit cards. Triptans cause rebounds. Learn it, believe it, live it. I use triptans as the absolute LAST RESORT when treating my CH.
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Jeepgun
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Re: Episodic vs Chronic
« Reply #19 on: Feb 16th, 2005, 12:55pm » |
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There IS one way in which being episodic might be worse: If your cycles end up being sporadic.
Prior to the autumn before last, I would get hit every September, like clockwork. Then, the autumn before last, I skipped and thought, "Great!!" only to get nailed last February. So far, this year, I haven't been hit yet, so I don't know WHAT to think. It's like living with an anvil hanging over my head...
 For now, I'm just grateful for the pain-free time, and trying not to analyze it too much.
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thomas
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Re: Episodic vs Chronic
« Reply #21 on: Feb 16th, 2005, 1:14pm » |
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on Feb 16th, 2005, 1:10pm, nani wrote:Going to interrupt this thread with a plug for kudzu...
so far it's doing wonders for me...and I don't sell it.
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Move to Mississippi and you wont have to buy it either, you can just pick it from anywhere, it is all OVER the place down there.
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Religion and sex are powerplays. Manipulate the people for the money they pay. Selling skin, selling God, the numbers look the same on their credit cards. Triptans cause rebounds. Learn it, believe it, live it. I use triptans as the absolute LAST RESORT when treating my CH.
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Jeepgun
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Re: Episodic vs Chronic
« Reply #22 on: Feb 16th, 2005, 1:33pm » |
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Tennessee, too. Damn... We have TONS of that crap!!
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Re: Episodic vs Chronic
« Reply #23 on: Feb 16th, 2005, 1:36pm » |
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Won't it be ironic, if what turns out to work best to stop this grows in shit and like an unstoppable weed?
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thomas
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Re: Episodic vs Chronic
« Reply #24 on: Feb 16th, 2005, 1:36pm » |
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You can literally "watch the shit grow", it will take over a piece of land post haste.
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Religion and sex are powerplays. Manipulate the people for the money they pay. Selling skin, selling God, the numbers look the same on their credit cards. Triptans cause rebounds. Learn it, believe it, live it. I use triptans as the absolute LAST RESORT when treating my CH.
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