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Topic: Just A Bit Peeved (Read 391 times) |
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Carl_D
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First off, I'd like to say one thing: VERAPAMIL GOOOOD!
The CH's have slowed way down since my doc has been upping the dosage the last couple of month, and as of now I haven't been hit since last tuesday morning at 3:30am (pretty good for what I am used to).
However, Since things have been starting to get somewhat better, I took a job as a Hab Tech a month ago. It has been going good, until last week...
I started getting hit with Migraines (Yes I said it, sue me) starting with a massive one New Years Eve, and have had six since. That is more than I have had in probably 5 years total. The cool thing about my job is, if I get hit with a CH, I can run off, do a shot and ride it out for 20 mins. to an hour or whatnot. But, with Migraines (for those of you not blessed enough to experience the lightness and weakness of it) - note, that was sarcasm - they last all fucking day and can be a motherfu... yeah. Personally (I'll be shot for this, and don't care) I'd rather have a slammer level 10 CH and get it over with, than riding out a migraine for 2-3 days with light and mega heavy periods. Last Thursday, my client fell and I had to pick him up. Mind you, he is 6' 4" and I am 5' 7". It was the day after a brutal migraine and it had started ramping up again earlier in the day (seems my migraines are digging the aspect of picking up for a couple of days at a time). I thought my head would explode helping him up.
That isn't what is pissing me off though.
The insomnia has been somewhat better the last couple of months, but not alot. In the past week, it too is starting to get bad again. In fact, it is 2:10am, and I cannot sleep for the life of me; and I have to be up for work at 5am! I am exhausted, but just toss and turn. After being awake 2 1/2 days, I bagged 7 hours sleep Friday night - no CH. Then, Saturday night slept about 4 hours. Tonight, it looks like none. I am wide awake. I will be dragging ass tomorrow, get mega exhausted, come home, try to sleep and be wide awake again. It is a viscious cycle, just like CH.
I have alot going good right now. I don't want it to get screwed up like it so often does. Been walking better and ditched the cane 2 months ago, getting out more, and FINALLY starting to get back on my feet after having the rug pulled out from under me time after time the last few years. What is MEGA PISSING ME OFF is knowing good and well the effect that sleep deprivation has on me, and WTF is up with the migraines ramping up on me? The CH"s have slowed down. Am I Trading evil for evil? In any case, worried about things going to shit again and the possibility of losing this job, which would really really really suck. I've always had low self esteem, but if things go to shit again, I don't think I will have any left. Been humbled more than a few hundred times.... ah, I'm rambling aren't I? Just had to vent a bit, as I know there are a few here who know what I am talking about with the 'meegraines' (whoever came up with that term needs a oil & sand mixed enema), and some know what I mean about the insomnia (one I definitely know deals with the same thing but seems to be MIA at the moment). So, just worried and pissed. Pissed and worried. I just know my luck, and am afraid history will be repeating itself real soon. But I promise if it does, I won't 'whine' here. I'll do the venting in my blogs like I have been doing.
BOTH MIGRAINES AND CLUSTERS SUCK JUST AS MUCH!!!
Peace,
Carl D
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Jasmyn
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Re: Just A Bit Peeved
« Reply #1 on: Feb 20th, 2006, 3:40am » |
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Hey Carl. I'm an insomniac and sit here most nights to the early morning hours, you know about Melatonin. I use that but I also use Normison, a sleeping tablet that works great as it doesn't give you that hangover in the morning.
Just to sleep a constant 5 hours help and it also helps a person to cope with pain and emotions during the day.
Hang onto this job, it gives you some of your life back. You hang in there and I hope the Migraines pass soon but I am glad that you've got the CH somewhat under control.
When life sucks treat it like a sucker and lick it 
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Jazz
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Carl_D
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Trust me, I am not about to give up this job. Just afraid I'll hear those fateful words I've heard so many times before "We have to find someone else." or "We have to let you go."
The fact is, the kind of job I have (caring for a handicapped individual) isn't for everyone. You have to be able to look beyond the persons debilitated state and treat them like a normal human being rather than a child or a screwup. The guy I care for is a trip. He loves music, which is my life, so we never run out of conversation. Though he can be delusional. He keeps telling me he is Kurt Cobains brother, and we should start a Nirvana tribute band, lol. He told me also that he wrote the story for "Fight Club" and it was stolen from him. He is the byproduct of a severe auto accident that left him with brain damage. He is a good guy though, and it freaked me out the first week I was there he thanked me for hanging out with him so much.
What is funnier is... now he wants things the way I do them. He doesn't want tea made the way everyone else makes it. He wants it done the way I make it. Certain little silly things he doesn't want anyone else to do, like pack his cigarrettes. He'd rather wait for me to do it. Makes me feel very special.
Been trying everything to combat the insomnia and nothing works. Everyone else functions on a 24 hour day. I almost function on a 36-46 hour day, but am wiped out completely. I can be dog tired (like now) and just lie there wide awake. I know alot of people who are out before their head even hits the pillow. God I envy them so much. Sleep deprivation has major bad effects on me physically though, especially with Fibromyalgia.
Been begging the man upstairs to cut me some slack and give me sleep, but I think he is doing everything in his power right now to stop Paris Hilton from playing the part of Mother Theresa in a movie. 
Sense of humor still here as usual.
Carl D
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LeLimey
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Re: Just A Bit Peeved
« Reply #3 on: Feb 20th, 2006, 4:21am » |
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Carl have you thought about using some of your ch meds for migraine? Triptans etc were originally intended for them so they would work.. no need to suffer needlessly. I am under the impression that some of the alternatives help with migraines too so all is not lost 
Hope you get some PF time soon
love
Helen X
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Carl_D
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Been trying to avoid using Triptans for migraine, as I have been afraid it would just tempt the beast further to come *mosh with me. However I did succomb last week and gave myself a full shot of Trex, which brought it down quite a bit but not altogether. Saturday at my brothers I thought I was about to get hit with a CH, as my head started pressurizing and getting a plugged nose, but it never came to the boiling point.
Trying another alternative next weekend, provided I can stay away from Trex this week. It's a bitch to get hit with a CH or migraine and know you have the power to stop it with a shot, but will have to wait for another week to get it out of your system. Imitrex: The double-edged sword.
Peace,
Carl D
*had to amend one word.
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| « Last Edit: Feb 20th, 2006, 4:48am by Carl_D » |
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LeLimey
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Re: Just A Bit Peeved
« Reply #5 on: Feb 20th, 2006, 4:42am » |
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Good luck with the detox Carl. I'll be thinking of you. Trex isn't my drug of choice either but it DOES work so I won't knock it (much!)
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Jasmyn
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Re: Just A Bit Peeved
« Reply #6 on: Feb 20th, 2006, 5:28am » |
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Carl, I totally understand your frustration with the lack of sleep, ask your doc about Normison, it really works to give you a much needed break.
As for the work you do, it is great! I have lived my life with disabled people, got a few in my family. My sister is cerebralpalsic as well as my half brother and my sister in-laws' son, my one grandfather lost a leg and my other grandfather lost his fingers.
I always say what is normal? People stay people. I actually gained a lot of skills from my family. Firstly got my sense of humour from my sister and I became quite proficient with massage and physiotherapy, plus I'm excellent in wheelchair racing and marathons.
Like Helen said, good luck with the detox.
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Jazz
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Carl_D
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Thanks Helen & Jas.
I see my doc again Wednesday, so will definitely ask him about the Normison since I seem to be immune to Restoril, Ambien, Amitriptyline and everything else I've tried.
Peace,
Carl
Time to hit the showah like a jawa (minus the red robe)!
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Kate in Oz
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Re: Just A Bit Peeved
« Reply #8 on: Feb 20th, 2006, 6:36am » |
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Hi Carl,
Hang in there  .
Have you tried chelated magnesium? I take it for the fibro & I believe it's spose to help sleeping too cos it relaxes you. Well worth a shot.
Having said that I take it most days (when I remember  ) and am insomniac too! I find it so much easier to fall asleep if I have my partner in bed snoring away... or if he's not about (visits 3 times a week) and I'm wired and it's like 3am I'll jump in the end of my son's (single!) bed. Or if my cat, Maddy is on the end of the bed I tend to sleep better!?? Have you got a pet?
I remember as a young kid I had a labrador, Barney, and it got so I could only fall asleep if he was snoring away happily on the end of my bed.
I'm rambling too  , I do hope you find a way to get some zzzz's - if you're not on the magnesium I suggest you at least ask your doctor about it. If nothing else it may help with aches and pains associated with the fibro.
Kate
edited to add: sometime if I listen to a guided meditation - like those ones where you focus on each area of the body and relax it - can send me off too. Worth a try maybe, at least its natural.
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| « Last Edit: Feb 20th, 2006, 6:43am by Kate in Oz » |
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Lizzie2
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Re: Just A Bit Peeved
« Reply #9 on: Feb 20th, 2006, 8:18am » |
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If you don't want to use trex for the migraines (and I can't say I blame you...I wouldn't!), you could always try a longer acting triptan if your doc will prescribe it/insurance will pay. I use Frova or Amerge for my migraine and clusters and it actually reduces my migraine level to functional (about a 5/10) for 8+ hours, which is great for me. Much better than the short relief from the trex for migraines that are tough to knock out.
Good luck with the detox and hope you get some sleep!
Carrie 
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sandie99
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Re: Just A Bit Peeved
« Reply #10 on: Feb 20th, 2006, 11:29am » |
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Carl,
I'm so glad to hear that your ch is in control right now! Verapamil sent my beast into remission, too.
I know migraines, too. I do hope that there's something which would help you with them and insomnia. My migraines were treated with the same meds as ch, as migraines appear to bother me irregularly.
One of my friends in insomniac, and I promise to ask her if she has tried something you might not have yet. But if I recall right, she usually just stays up or gets some sleep with sleeping pills.
I keep my thumbs up for your appoinment with the doc. And that you can keep the job of yours.
Best wishes & PF time,
Sanna
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cootie
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Re: Just A Bit Peeved
« Reply #11 on: Feb 20th, 2006, 4:09pm » |
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Yup I know all bout insomnia. I still take ambien nitely and it will work for a while then it doesn't much so I started to expirment with takein a half one (10 mg) most of the time but switch to a full tab when they'd stop workin as well or when stressed bout stuff. Finally startin to work again better
9better then nothin I mean).....even tho I'm not gettin alot of sleep I am at least fallin asleep rite now off and on gettin sum ! I get tension ha's that turn into migraines cuz of damage to my neck....I tense up when out or gettin shit ready around here and then it goes from there and also turnin my head alot really brings em on. I even get blood shot eyes and LARGE lumps makein it worse. Trex doesn't work for mine.....tried it once....doc said it won't help mine. Do ya have any damage to the neck....cuz ya mite get it agitated with certain kinds of work and need to modify a few things. But ya wanna hang onto that job......that's a biggie !! Painfully insomniac Pam
Seems the insomnia comes in cycles as with alot of things.....or gets worse in cycles I should say.........
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| « Last Edit: Feb 20th, 2006, 4:11pm by cootie » |
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Lizzie2
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Re: Just A Bit Peeved
« Reply #12 on: Feb 20th, 2006, 4:42pm » |
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Hey Pam,
Did you ever use a TENS machine for your neck? If so, did it help? Curious as it seems to have some help for people with tension/migraines triggered by neck pain. I'm digging the insomnia right now myself. I worked 7pm-7am last night and unfortunately this morning had 2 doc appts and didn't get home until around 11:30am. I tried to sleep, but I couldn't...so I've officially been awake for like 25 hours or so.
Gettin bleary eyed.... I sleep okay at night most of the time now - but daytime sleeping is still a big problem for me. I didn't take ativan when I got home from the appts because although I take it when I go to sleep (just 1mg), I'm off tonight and tomorrow night....I go back to work Wednesday and Thursday nights. So I sort of have to be on a daytime schedule the next day or so! The shift work really screws with ya if you already have trouble sleeping!!
Carrie
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Ree
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Re: Just A Bit Peeved
« Reply #13 on: Feb 21st, 2006, 2:28pm » |
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Sorry Carl Ive been right there and I know how you feel. Problem with Migraines is you really have to sit them out or the pain gets fed. Is a med making the pain worse. What happens with me is sometimes a rebound from doses of Ibuprophen or Fioricett will cause a rebound and then work into a Migraine. Once it reaches its plato there is no turning back and no relief til its tallons grip just lets go....If you can be sure its a Migraine and catch it on time... small window there. Then you can kill it with Imatrex, Zomig or one of the triptans... I'm so sorry you have to endure that on top of the pain you already have. It does really suck.... Be well and know I pray for you every day and for the cure that will make US Cluster sufferers and Migrainers..... have the cure we intensely need..... love ree
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Carl_D
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I go to the doc today for test results and to see what can be done about the sleep (will ask about the Normison and also about chelated magnesium which, I think I have taken in the past but will try anything a few times).
Pretty happy camper though, since I came home from work last night and passed out for nearly 12 hours (thanks in part to Xanax which, never had this effect on me before. Gonna talk to the doc about that too).
No CH in over one week. I am paraphrasing and singing the Barenaked Ladies song:
"It's been one week since you fucked with me, I hope like hell you're history, but I know your demanding ass all too well."
Peace,
Carl D
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Re: Just A Bit Peeved
« Reply #15 on: Feb 22nd, 2006, 7:46am » |
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on Feb 22nd, 2006, 7:01am, Carl_D wrote:
No CH in over one week. I am paraphrasing and singing the Barenaked Ladies song:
"It's been one week since you fucked with me, I hope like hell you're history, but I know your demanding ass all too well." |
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Keeping my fingers crossed for ya Carl!
Jen
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Jasmyn
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Re: Just A Bit Peeved
« Reply #16 on: Feb 22nd, 2006, 9:47am » |
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Great stuff that you got some zzz's and are a bit PF. Carl may the beast be dead, keep on singing
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Jazz
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Richr8
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Re: Just A Bit Peeved
« Reply #17 on: Feb 22nd, 2006, 1:03pm » |
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on Feb 20th, 2006, 3:18am, Carl_D wrote:The insomnia has been somewhat better the last couple of months, but not alot. In the past week, it too is starting to get bad again. In fact, it is 2:10am, and I cannot sleep for the life of me; and I have to be up for work at 5am! I am exhausted, but just toss and turn. After being awake 2 1/2 days, I bagged 7 hours sleep Friday night - no CH. Then, Saturday night slept about 4 hours. Tonight, it looks like none. I am wide awake. I will be dragging ass tomorrow, get mega exhausted, come home, try to sleep and be wide awake again. It is a viscious cycle, just like CH.
-effect that sleep deprivation has on me...
-low self esteem,
-Been humbled more than a few hundred times.... |
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Ditto, ditto, ditto!
Carl- I have had very similar sleep issue in cycle and I agree, I'm mot sure which is worse, the K-10's or the devastating effects of prolonged sleep dep. I discoverd this site during my latest cycle and based on recommendation here, I began taking 6mg of Melatonin. Almost immediately I began getting 5+ hours sleep a night despite the HAs and pred taper I was on. Not a ton of sleep, but survivble and a bunch more that the 2-3 hours I was getting a day prior to taking the Melatonin. The Melatonin (6-9mg) was ok'd by my Neuro with my med regimen which included Prednisone, Verapamil, and Topamax at the peak.
If you haven't already, you may want to give the Melatonin a try.
Good luck and PFDAN!
Rich
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pf wishes,
Rich
...because yesterday is history and you never know what tomorrow will bring.
"Med free"- A few seeds and lots of O2-LG but not great.
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Re: Just A Bit Peeved
« Reply #18 on: Feb 22nd, 2006, 9:15pm » |
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Yea Verily my brotha...
Migraines doeth suck... however, CH blows and usually that aint the kinda blow job ya been tryin ta git.
Amen,
'Bus
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Jasmyn
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Re: Just A Bit Peeved
« Reply #19 on: Feb 23rd, 2006, 9:35am » |
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How did your doc appointment go Carl?
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Jazz
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