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Topic: One Helluva CH attack last night (Read 641 times) |
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Bond007
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One Helluva CH attack last night
« on: Sep 6th, 2006, 1:54pm » |
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Just when I think these damn things couldn't get any worse, the Beast throws another f'ing curve ball. For the last few months, I've noticed an ever increasing sensitivity to sound when my CH hits, even just low grade attacks. But, last night was simply unbearable. I left work early because I was in pain. I went home and dosed myself with Stadol and just coasted the rest of the night, going to bed very early. My wife came to bed early as well, turning on the TV and brought a snack with her. Every "CRUNCH" of her snack, every "CHOMP" of her jaw, every "CLINK" of her nail as she hit the bowl sent serious shock waves through my entire body. I was so doped up that I barely felt the CH pain, but I did feel it as well, so I knew I in the midst of one SERIOUS attack. I literally ran through the house trying to find a quiet spot to hide and I couldn't. I damn near panicked, until I ran into the garage, got in the car, and just rocked myself to sleep. Thank God Toyota builds rather sound-proof cars!!! I must have been there for a good 30-45 minutes before I could think about going back into the house. I thought I was going to lose my mind.
I don't know how much more of this I can handle. I'm still close to my wit's end today. Indeed, I'm feeling another CH trying to gain momentum inside my skull and my tolerance for sound is rapidly declining.
WHY CAN'T THIS EVER FU(>ING STOP?!?!?!?!?! 
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| « Last Edit: Sep 6th, 2006, 1:56pm by Bond007 » |
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Margi
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Re: One Helluva CH attack last night
« Reply #1 on: Sep 6th, 2006, 2:44pm » |
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hugs to you, Bond007. I'm so sorry that you're getting nailed so bad.  We've all had nights like that. My hubby is the sufferer in our house and I've done some things without realizing that have sent him for a spin while in cycle, too. (Like taking off nail polish, the smell of the remover triggered an attack for him. I felt SO bad once I realized and have never done that again.)
Do your wife a favour though? Calmly let her know that the noise of her eating was really hard for you ok? Sometimes we supporters just don't realize and, trust me, we DON'T EVER want to be the reason that you hurt.
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Chonas
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Re: One Helluva CH attack last night
« Reply #2 on: Sep 6th, 2006, 3:28pm » |
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Mr. Bond, you say that you don't know how much more of this you can handle...
This was a question that I used to ask to myself in my early CH years, as time went by, and of course I accumulated lots of CH cycles with their many attacks, this question/dude was sucessfully replaced by: I don't care anymore, I swallow my pain till it's gone, but I also know that each new attack gets me closer to the end of the cycle.
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Bond007
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Re: One Helluva CH attack last night
« Reply #3 on: Sep 6th, 2006, 4:07pm » |
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Thanks Margi & Chonas! I do appreciate the support.
I know Mrs. Bond didn't do anything intentionally and she would have stopped immediately if I could have calmly and rationally expressed myself to her last night.
I just wonder sometimes if her or her mom realize the intensity of the pain or how quickly it escalates. They've both started telling me that I should just try to "mind over matter" the pain. Her mom has actually suggested that I seek help from a clinical psychologist who can teach me how to induce self-hypnosis to get through the pain. How the hell am I even supposed to concentrate enough to even begin to try that shit? I'm starting to feel like I'm all alone out here.
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| « Last Edit: Sep 6th, 2006, 4:08pm by Bond007 » |
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Margi
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Re: One Helluva CH attack last night
« Reply #4 on: Sep 6th, 2006, 4:12pm » |
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It might be a good start to get your wife and her mom to sit down and read some stuff here. Education is power and, with that, comes understanding and compassion.
Supporters corner is always open and populated by spouses and parents of clusterheads. We know what it's like on this side of the fence and can help a "new" supporter find a path.
You're not alone with this, Bond007 (why do I want to call you James?  ) and neither is your support system. We're here for all of you.
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Chonas
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Re: One Helluva CH attack last night
« Reply #5 on: Sep 6th, 2006, 4:48pm » |
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Bond, James Bond... your wife as well as mine are both made of the same stuff.
You were suggested to do (as well as I was also suggested to do) according to your note:
"... telling me that I should just try to "mind over matter" the pain. Her mom has actually suggested that I seek help from a clinical psychologist who can teach me how to induce self-hypnosis to get through the pain."
Let me tell you that the story may not be over yet..., so take it easy. After that I was also asked: what about if you go to see a 'Tarot' cards specialist...?. Can you believe that??? 
So, as you can see, you're not alone with your CH and also some of its consecuences.
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seasonalboomer
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Re: One Helluva CH attack last night
« Reply #6 on: Sep 6th, 2006, 4:54pm » |
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i love my supporter and she is really good at giving me my space and understands that what I'm going through is awful, when I'm getting hit. i couldn't ask for better in that regard.
but even the best supporter has something. my story is mostly funny....
we're trying to sell our house and I keep my O2 rig in a big walk in closet and go there for relief. We're about to havea showing and she says "you're not going to leave THAT in there are you. you have to take it with us."
I'm like, "Huh, WTF are you talking about?"
She's says, "it looks so, well, ummmm, MEDICAL..... people will be turned off."
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I chose to love her anyway and I slid it into the back of my old Landcruiser.
Scott
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mrs mac
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Re: One Helluva CH attack last night
« Reply #7 on: Sep 6th, 2006, 4:54pm » |
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hi bond, am so sorry you are having a horrific time just now!!
i am also a supporter, and as Margi says, education is the key, try and persuade your wife to read the board and the information on the site, it will really help her to understand what you guys go through, i know that Margi has an excellent post for supporters to look at, and hopefully she will post the link for it, if not, i will find it and post it myself, it really explains to a "T" what you guys are going through whilst in attack
i hope the beast leaves you alone soon, and you get some well deserved respite
sandra xxx
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mrs mac
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Re: One Helluva CH attack last night
« Reply #9 on: Sep 6th, 2006, 5:21pm » |
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yep that one will do, it's got the links for the other supporter stuff on it, too!!
Bond please try and get your wife to read them, i promise you it will help her to understand a bit better what is going on when you are having an attack
thank you Margi 
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BB
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Re: One Helluva CH attack last night
« Reply #10 on: Sep 6th, 2006, 6:33pm » |
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Hi James,
I am sorry you had a bad night. It has been hailing and storming here in Sydney so my DH didnt have a good night either!
You have a Landcruiser? So do I ! Arent they cool ? My DH calls it a truck and he hates it as it guzzles up so much petrol but its my baby
Apart from getting your supporters "educated" , if the noise is getting to you, would a pair of earmuffs or earphones or something similar helps in the mean time?
As a supporter myself, I know sometimes I have said stupid things too, partly out of ignorance but sometimes out of pure desperation. But I am learning ...
Hang in there, things will get better, they always do.
Sending good vibes and painfree wishes and noise reduction messages to you and your surrounding universe.
Take care, God bless.
Annette
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MJ
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Re: One Helluva CH attack last night
« Reply #11 on: Sep 6th, 2006, 8:42pm » |
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on Sep 6th, 2006, 6:33pm, BB wrote:
would a pair of earmuffs or earphones or something similar helps in the mean time?
As a supporter myself, I know sometimes I have said stupid things too, partly out of ignorance but sometimes out of pure desperation. But I am learning ...
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Sorry BB but that statement qualifies 
I personally couldnt imagine anything on or even near my head except my own hard hand.
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MJ
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Chonas
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Re: One Helluva CH attack last night
« Reply #12 on: Sep 6th, 2006, 9:11pm » |
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What I expect from my loving supporter at home, who happens to be my wife, while I'm dancing or about to dance with the beast is very simple, I've always asked her to continue sleeping and leave me alone, then when I'm back from hell if she's not sleeping yet, I want her to treat me nice, and this consist of only one question: are you feeling any better now old guy?.
She has also accepted that there are not such things that apply to CH like 'Mental Control', etc.
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BB
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Re: One Helluva CH attack last night
« Reply #13 on: Sep 6th, 2006, 10:38pm » |
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on Sep 6th, 2006, 8:42pm, MJ wrote:
Sorry BB but that statement qualifies
I personally couldnt imagine anything on or even near my head except my own hard hand. |
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OOPS! 
See, something new for me to learn !
Annette
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Katherinecm
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Re: One Helluva CH attack last night
« Reply #14 on: Sep 6th, 2006, 10:47pm » |
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on Sep 6th, 2006, 4:07pm, Bond007 wrote:| They've both started telling me that I should just try to "mind over matter" the pain. |
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I have an ex-boyfriend who said that stuff to me. I can't remember who posted it, but someone said "ask them to see how well that works the next time they have diarrhea. Mind over matter."
I told him that, and then went on to explain that what he needed to do was to have his next dental proceedure done without anesthesia, multiply the pain times 10, and then tell me he knows how to control pain. I then asked him if he could imagine getting kicked in the groin without warning many times a day, and if he could handle that with mind control rather than by rocking in fetal position on the floor. He's been a pretty good supporter ever since. The groin analogy probably won't work as well on women, but I've found it helpful.
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"We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings that have a human experience." Teilhard de Chardin
"It is not death or pain that is to be dreaded, but the fear of pain or death." Epictetus
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George_J
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Re: One Helluva CH attack last night
« Reply #15 on: Sep 7th, 2006, 3:23am » |
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Okay, Bond. Perhaps you're ready for this, or perhaps not. You haven't been doing this for very long.
While I agree that the "mind over matter" thing doesn't eliminate a H/A, you can use the fact that you're a human being and not a helpless animal to cope with an attack. It's possible to learn to deal with them to some extent.
I don't medicate--a personal decision that I don't advocate for anyone who does not choose that path.
I'll repost this:
------------------------------------------------------------------------ --
No matter what medications or alternative treatments you use, sooner or later you're going to face a hit with nothing but your naked brain. It's common for a CH'r to panic at times like these, and to act in ways that--while not increasing pain, increase the effects and the perception of pain.
Like anything else in life, experience counts. Most of us who've had these for a long time have had to learn how to cope with a hit on our own. I'm hopeful that what follows may be of use to someone new to cluster headache, and may quicken your ability to take a hit with some measure of aplomb. Try these things--if they work for you, good. If they don't work--well, what have you lost?
First a couple of caveats: This will most likely not shorten a hit, nor will it decrease the actual pain--only the perceived pain. It probably won't work with anything higher than a Kip 8--the intensity is just too high to concentrate on what you're doing.
There is nothing mystical or spiritual about this--it's simply a way to calm yourself and to decrease your perception of pain.
First, accept that you're getting a hit. Denial won't help, and struggling won't help. Go to a quiet, dark place so you can concentrate. You want everything in your visual field to be fuzzy and diffuse. Sharply defined objects, especially red or green LED lights can serve as a metaphor for the focus of pain. Although many CH'rs are not light-phobic, darkness helps.
Sit upright. As you know, it's not possible to lie down. Don't pace. Extremely difficult to do, I know, but it's worth it. Sit quietly.
Begin to breathe slowly, rhythmically, and deeply, whether or not you're using oxygen. This will serve to calm you, and will increase the oxygen content in your blood.
Consciously relax the individual muscles in your face, scalp and neck, one by one. Continue to breathe slowly and deeply.
Inside the pain, there is a focal point--a knifepoint--most likely behind your eye. Focus your attention on it, and locate it.
Got it? Now gradually shift the focus of your attention to an adjacent area on the headache side where the pain is less intense. My personal favorite is just under the skin on the forehead. Your attention will shift back to the knifepoint again and again, but don't let that upset you or discourage you. Focus your conscious attention away from the knifepoint.
Next and last, begin to move in some rhythmic manner. I turn my neck slightly to "click" over the knot that forms at the base of the neck, over and over. Others rock back and forth. One person I know of on this board hits his leg with his fist.
Be calm. Don't think about much of anything, and above all, don't worry.
The result is a trance-like state where the pain still exists, but your attention is less focused on it. Sooner or later, the hit will end. You know this. Remember. There is life between the hits.
Again, this won't end a hit, nor is it a cure--simply a coping technique. I think of CH hits as if they were storms. There's nothing I can do about them, so I've learned to get through them as best I can. Coping by distraction allows me to build a crude little shelter out of burlap and sticks where "I" can hide from the worst of the weather.
I think highly of Charlie's "Dr. Wright's Circulatory Technique" as well. It can work by itself, or in conjunction with coping by distraction.
Let me know if this works for you.
------------------------------------------------------------------------ -----
Bear in mind that this is not easy, and can't be learned overnight. It takes a lot of practice. I've gotten episodic CH for forty years. It took me ten years to get something of a grip on them. All I can offer is my experience.
Even now at a 9 or above, I pace and whine with the best of them.
Best wishes,
George
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Ah! The foreigners put on such airs
Wearing the tangerine suits
And their harlequin eyes.
The pain they inspire
Draws in harmonica melodies
And the feathers of birds
Which flame up at their touch.
It all comes to light in the sheer
Debonair.
(Ellen)
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Bond007
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Re: One Helluva CH attack last night
« Reply #16 on: Sep 7th, 2006, 4:17pm » |
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Thanks for everything, gang! I did talk to Mrs. Bond last night and she said that she didn't realize that the noise was bothering me that much and I should have told her so and she would have stopped. The problem apparently was with me. I was afraid to say something because I knew it would come out wrong and abrasive and I really didn't want to sound like a pain in the ass.
Anyway, now she knows that I'm becoming hyper-sensitive to noise when I'm getting hit so she'll take more precaution to be quiet and I've got a backup plan. I bought some wax-like moldable earplugs. Growing up we called them Swimmer's Wax. You just stick them in your ear and it literally forms a water & sound tight seal around your ear canal. They're a life saver!
George, thanks for the advice regarding pain control. I'll definitely try it. I do understand the concept very well. I've employed similar types of "meditation" or "bio-feedback" (for lack of better words) while prepping for a role (I'm a professionally trained actor) or to help me diffuse my migraines. What you described sounds similar, but with a few nuances and of course one hell a different obstacle. 
Just one more week till I see my neuro again. I can't wait!
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| « Last Edit: Sep 7th, 2006, 4:18pm by Bond007 » |
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Sandy_C
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Re: One Helluva CH attack last night
« Reply #17 on: Sep 7th, 2006, 5:38pm » |
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I'm glad you and Mrs. Bond talked it out a little bit. Seriously, bring her on board here. When I found this board, I started out on it alone. Then, I showed it to my husband, my only supporter (my kids are grown and gone). He has never signed on for himself, but he has full permission from me to come on and read anything he wants to - including my posts.
Well, he did, and he got a great education on CH and what I go through with hits. Now, he's a much better supporter, giving me the space I need during a hit, and then giving me his loving support afterward. Your supporters are your life blood. The more they know about CH, the more they can support you.
Sandy
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Lean on me when you're not strong
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BB
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Re: One Helluva CH attack last night
« Reply #18 on: Sep 7th, 2006, 6:02pm » |
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on Sep 7th, 2006, 4:17pm, Bond007 wrote:
I've got a backup plan. I bought some wax-like moldable earplugs. Growing up we called them Swimmer's Wax. You just stick them in your ear and it literally forms a water & sound tight seal around your ear canal. They're a life saver!
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See? The idea worked, just need to modify it a bit to suit !
I am glad you have found relief and that Mrs Bond understand a bit more.
Painfree nights and days to you.
Annette
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BigCoffinHunter
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Re: One Helluva CH attack last night
« Reply #19 on: Sep 7th, 2006, 6:11pm » |
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I found that you definitely need to have a good sit down if you have a supporter. They want to help, but may just hurt you more unintentionally. The worst for me is that I HATE people asking me questions. I don't care how simple, I cannot answer or communicate. It's soooo hard to not be nasty when all you want them to do is stop talking. "Need Coffee, need meds" is about all I will manage. My old supporter got really good, once the initial shock wore off.
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Sandy_C
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Re: One Helluva CH attack last night
« Reply #20 on: Sep 7th, 2006, 7:33pm » |
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Do not even attempt to communicate with your supporter while in the midst of a CH hit.
You wait until the hit is over, then sit down and thoroughly, completely explain what just happened to you, what you want your supporter to do during the hit, and what you want your supporter NOT to do during a hit. All of this conversation is done while you are not in pain, and is done with loving, kind words.
Sandy
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Lean on me when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
Till I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on
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Bond007
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Re: One Helluva CH attack last night
« Reply #21 on: Sep 11th, 2006, 10:03am » |
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Yes, we are both learning that. And, we're both getting through it pretty well.
Everyone thanks sooooooo much for the help so far! Y'all have been wonderful!
Jamie
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kcopelin
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Re: One Helluva CH attack last night
« Reply #22 on: Sep 11th, 2006, 12:11pm » |
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I have a story....walked into the house one day and there was this obnoxious chemical odor...immediate hit...and I was totally not nice about it. My husband knew that I have a great sense of smell (always able to detect poopy diapers and can diagnose several engine problems by smell) but he DIDN'T know that chemical smells were a trigger. He had been dipping metal thingies in some rubber cement stuff -inside-because it was too cold outside-I went/ off-label clearly states to use in well-ventilated area.
Long story shortened-he knows now-does his smelly stuff outside (that sounds rude ) and all is groovy.
Communicate....
Now if I could just get him to check out the supporters corner......
kathy
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