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Topic: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE (Read 979 times) |
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BB
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CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
« on: Sep 19th, 2006, 4:37pm » |
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Hello everyone,
Is it a common thing people experience that their personality changes prior and during a cycle? That one becomes more moody, more depressed, have more mood swing. How bad can it get? Can someone who is normally placid become aggressive or even violent ? Does it seem to stop automatically once the cycle is over?
I understand that chronic pain, or acute but terrible pain, lack of sleep, side effects from medication etc can all take a toll on a person. Also the abnormal amounts of neurotransmitter such as serotonins and endorphines and dopamines must play a part. Does that mean that people who dont medicate gets less of depressed and less change in their personality ?
DH is normally a very caring, loving, funny person but in cycle, his moods can change so much that I sometimes almost dont recognise him.
Thank you for your reply. Painfree wishes to us all.
Annette
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BigCoffinHunter
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Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
« Reply #1 on: Sep 19th, 2006, 4:57pm » |
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Absolutely. I become a lot more moody and depressed at times. It's hard not to with the threat of crippling pain that could come at any time. That becomes better with good meds that can control the CHs to some extent. The pain and lack of sleep just take a toll on a person.
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Melissa
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Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
« Reply #2 on: Sep 19th, 2006, 5:09pm » |
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Is it a common thing people experience that their personality changes prior and during a cycle? YES
How bad can it get? Depends on how bad the cycle is, and the persons temprament outside of cycle.
Can someone who is normally placid become aggressive or even violent ? Well, I am normally placid, and in cycle I get really bitchy, but never violent or aggressive. Very direct and impatient tho, and I don't like to be bothered with things, and I mean ANYthing. Don't tell me to do the dishes, laundry, supper or anything else because that'll get me pissed.
Does it seem to stop automatically once the cycle is over? After I get a good week of PF time, where I am sleeping through the night, then I become myself again.
Does that mean that people who dont medicate gets less of depressed and less change in their personality ? What do you mean by "medicate"? I myself, took no prescription medication last cycle, instead it was only O2 and Kudzu. Was my cycle less personality changing? Yes, but only because I found something that was working for me. If a sufferer is not getting any relief, meds or not, they are going to be more depressed, edgy, sleep deprived, etc.
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kcopelin
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Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
« Reply #3 on: Sep 19th, 2006, 5:48pm » |
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Definitely. I get almost rage-filled. I hate it. Annoyed at small stuff that usually doesn't even bother me, impatient, critical. I am downright ashamed of how I've acted when a cycle is starting, and during a cycle. I'm totally agast that I would say some of the things I've said. Have actually prayed that if God thinks I can handle these things He needs to take away my ability to speak.
kathy
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George_J
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Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
« Reply #4 on: Sep 19th, 2006, 6:02pm » |
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Personality change--you'd probably have to ask the people I live with. I don't think I become aggressive or short-tempered, particularly, but the one thing I do know is that I withdraw--sharply. There may be some depression involved.
I'm usually a very sociable person who does a lot of different things. When I'm in cycle, though, I "circle the wagons", withdraw, stay at home as much as possible, and don't want to see anyone but my family.
All I want during a cycle, really, is to be left alone. I crave sleep, can't get very much, and pretty much feel totally "dumbed down" and worn out.
So as far as extreme reactions, the answer would be "I don't think so." As far as personality change in general, I'd have to say yes--to the extent that I'm not the same as usual.
Best,
George
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Ah! The foreigners put on such airs
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(Ellen)
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BB
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Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
« Reply #5 on: Sep 19th, 2006, 8:25pm » |
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Thank you everybody for your reply. 
Melissa,
Thanks for being so frank about your feelings while you are in cycle. I was just wondering how much of the mood change and depression can be attenuated by the side effects of some medication. But from what you have said, as long as they work and the pain is gone then the side effects if not too severe can be tolerated more easily.
Annette
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unsolved1
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Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
« Reply #6 on: Sep 19th, 2006, 9:47pm » |
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CH and personality change  Maybe that explains why today I was wishing it were legal to push people out of your way while driving  I drive a truck and several people ( morons  ) T'd me off while driving ... wish I could've pushed them out of the way and went on with it !!
UNsolved 
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Kevin_M
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Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
« Reply #7 on: Sep 19th, 2006, 9:49pm » |
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on Sep 19th, 2006, 4:37pm, BB wrote:| Does that mean that people who dont medicate gets less of depressed and less change in their personality ? |
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Without prevents and abortives isn't what I want to feel or see. That'll alter my personality not good.
Verapamil isn't a disturbing change of personality as a trade off for me. Oxygen and trex, not at all.
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Charlotte
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Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
« Reply #8 on: Sep 19th, 2006, 9:49pm » |
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Annette, my mood change is not triggered by medications. When I'm about to get hit, I get angry for no reason. When I'm getting hit, colors look like I imagine a catarac must look like, sound sounds bad, food tastes bad, and people are ugly and irritating.
But I try to keep that to myself, and if I keep my mouth shut & don't look anybody in the eye, it goes better.
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| « Last Edit: Sep 19th, 2006, 9:50pm by Charlotte » |
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starlight
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Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
« Reply #9 on: Sep 19th, 2006, 10:27pm » |
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The pain and sleep dep. is what does it. And again it just depends on how much pain and how much sleep dep. It is usually not very pretty if the person is not getting any or much relief. Even now that I get relief I have felt depressed, weird, and withdrawn but now am swinging out of that for some reason--HAs are not too bad this week maybe that is why. When untreated when younger I was an absolute mess--crying, angry, very irritated. Also when I was younger and untreated I would feel almost manic at times after sleeping after head pain had gone away and would sometimes go out and party when evening came--alcohol did not trigger me back then at least not whatever I was drinking--probably quite a few different things LOL. Almost like I wanted to celebrate HA free time--it definitely created mood swings. Now wine does trigger and I don't drink anyway anymore. These mood changes will leave when the cycle ends. Although if your husband has really been having a rough time of it maybe some lingering depression/anxiety but that should clear up. I am sure that your support is helping him immeasurably even if he can't show it right now. Star
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| « Last Edit: Sep 19th, 2006, 10:30pm by starlight » |
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starlight
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Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
« Reply #10 on: Sep 19th, 2006, 10:32pm » |
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Ps. If your husband is on steroids, I think that can create anger and mood swings as well as irritation. Star
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Karla
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Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
« Reply #11 on: Sep 19th, 2006, 10:39pm » |
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Mel's description almost fits me to a T. Stay out of my way!
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Karla
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Theresa
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Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
« Reply #12 on: Sep 19th, 2006, 10:50pm » |
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Annette,
When I am in cycle my personality definitely changes. I get very moody and intolerant of just about everything. For me, lack of sleep and the constant anxiety of when the next attack will hit plays a serious role in my mood swings. Currently the only meds I take while in cycles is imitrex to abort my attacks so I don't think that is a major cause.
T
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ti_beach
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Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
« Reply #13 on: Sep 19th, 2006, 11:18pm » |
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I haven't really figured my husband out yet!! He was raised with a "screaming, controlling Dad"!! It does seem he is angrier, and more short tempered, when he is in "headache" mode! We are wondering if the topamax, that worked wonders for him last year, is the "cause" of his behavior this year. He is usually a well mannered man! Who knows................?
Best wishes to you!
Hugs, and prayers,
Robin (ti_beach)
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chewy
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Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
« Reply #14 on: Sep 19th, 2006, 11:25pm » |
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Out of cycle I shop eBay for cool cell phones.
In cycle I shop eBay for grenade launchers.
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MJ
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Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
« Reply #15 on: Sep 20th, 2006, 1:24am » |
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Lack of sleep and massive pain alone are enough to make one a little edgy.
Throw in a med like prednisone and watch out.
I have gone many years unmedicated BB but the changes are still there. Its very difficult to be amiable when your on total alert for another hit. Unmedicated the battle is much easier for me as with a clear head I fight better. We become very self centered I am allways first and foremost looking for that escape when not being hit and escaping while being hit, and I get hit a lot.
I never get depressed however, frustrated for sure.
It does not just stop automatically when a cycle is over, sometimes it may take months just to accept the war is over.
For the reasons you ask - any treatments I did do over the last many years was for the time between hits to keep up a strong and alert attitude as that is by far the beasts worst enemy.
Hang in there he's fighting an epic battle inside of himself with a foe more formidable than any other we know. The glory comes in winning each battle and it is then you should find the best in him. Untill again we prepare our minds to fight.
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MJ
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Skyhawk5
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Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
« Reply #16 on: Sep 20th, 2006, 1:53am » |
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Yes I change. I become touchy and easily angered. Don
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chopmyheadoff
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Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
« Reply #17 on: Sep 20th, 2006, 2:20am » |
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i dont think its the meds or even the pain.
I think this is due to some other underlying effect that the hypothalamus(?) is having on us.
i feel a definate shift in my mood BEFORE the pain comes - i go al withdrawn and sullen like georgej. i feel like this before i realise a ch is coming so it seems like its to do with some chemical imbalance or other ..
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BarbaraD
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Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
« Reply #18 on: Sep 20th, 2006, 7:18am » |
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on Sep 19th, 2006, 11:25pm, chewy wrote:Out of cycle I shop eBay for cool cell phones.
In cycle I shop eBay for grenade launchers. |
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I'm with Don on this one.
I'm usually a nice person who hugs everyone, but when I'm getting hit - TOUCH ME AND YOU COULD GET HURT!!!
Hugs BD
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Chonas
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Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
« Reply #19 on: Sep 20th, 2006, 10:04am » |
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on Sep 19th, 2006, 4:37pm, BB wrote:
How bad can it get?
Can someone who is normally placid become aggressive or even violent ?
Does it seem to stop automatically once the cycle is over?
Does that mean that people who dont medicate gets less of depressed and less change in their personality ?
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In my case it becomes pretty bad.
I always become more aggressive.
It automatically stops once the cycle is over.
I only take a few Zomig pills to be able to sleep, specially and always when the cycle is at its peak, this usually means 1 of 2.5 mg during 5 or 6 nights.
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Mattrf
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Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
« Reply #20 on: Sep 20th, 2006, 12:43pm » |
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I tell my wife that I hate the person I become, I am normally a very nice and helpful person and love doing things around the house and it takes a lot to get me mad but when I am in pain it is all I can do to get through the day. I find it very tiring to have to work all day and not get mad at people and keep it under control so by the time I get home everyone stays a good distance from me since I am prone to have a bit of a hair trigger.
I don’t do anything around the house and just want to crash most days but the wife understands and doesn’t nag me about it.
Thank god my wife understands and puts up with me, I don’t know what I would do with out her in my life.
Matt
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There is no stronger a person then one who can deal with brain pain and still function.
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seasonalboomer
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Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
« Reply #21 on: Sep 20th, 2006, 1:10pm » |
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It does appear that there are many variables when it comes to personality change with CH. I fall into the camp that kind of withdraws and gets quiet. My patience for stuff is a little short, but rather than react I will simply find a place further away.
I do find that I am little more emotional, inasmuch going to a tearjerker of a movie can make this 43 year old man cry like a little girl.
No aggression or considerable irritability. My mother in law's presence can sometimes trigger me so I try to avoid her and when I can't avoid my wife watches me close as she can sometimes see when the limits have been reached.
scott
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Richr8
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Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
« Reply #22 on: Sep 20th, 2006, 1:18pm » |
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on Sep 19th, 2006, 4:37pm, BB wrote:Hello everyone,
Is it a common thing people experience that their personality changes prior and during a cycle? Guilty.
That one becomes more moody, more depressed, have more mood swing. Guilty
How bad can it get? Bad, and after Prednisone, downright scary.
Can someone who is normally placid become aggressive or even violent ? I'm not normally placid, btu can get agressive in cycle and on pred.
Does it seem to stop automatically once the cycle is over? Slowly improves
I understand that chronic pain, or acute but terrible pain, lack of sleep, side effects from medication etc can all take a toll on a person. Also the abnormal amounts of neurotransmitter such as serotonins and endorphines and dopamines must play a part. Does that mean that people who dont medicate gets less of depressed and less change in their personality ? That's my guess. That's why I am going to try and skip the pred this year. Wish me luck.
DH is normally a very caring, loving, funny person but in cycle, his moods can change so much that I sometimes almost dont recognise him.
Thank you for your reply. Painfree wishes to us all.
Annette
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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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BlueMeanie
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Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
« Reply #23 on: Sep 20th, 2006, 1:41pm » |
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Prior to a cycle KIP 0, life is beautyful. During a cycle you go into a torture chamber (closet/bathroom stall/vehicle) and get tortured for 90 minutes 3x a day. Yes, I'd say your mood/personality changes.
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jon019
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Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
« Reply #24 on: Sep 20th, 2006, 1:43pm » |
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on Sep 20th, 2006, 1:10pm, seasonalboomer wrote:It does appear that there are many variables when it comes to personality change with CH. I fall into the camp that kind of withdraws and gets quiet. My patience for stuff is a little short, but rather than react I will simply find a place further away.
I do find that I am little more emotional, inasmuch going to a tearjerker of a movie can make this 43 year old man cry like a little girl.
No aggression or considerable irritability.
scott |
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The above sounds exactly like me with the following
strange exceptions.
When in cycle I am much more witty and funny than normal. Perhaps it's manic, perhaps it's an attempt to disguise the trauma I feel. Perhaps it is other aspects of brain chemistry. I tell people to watch for this if they want to know my "headache" condition.
Also am able to write much more creatively. While I would never, ever, EVER wish for a cycle, I DO wish for the writing assignments I get at work to be DURING a cycle. I can just kill 'em. I find this REALLY odd and do not even have a theory to explain.
Regards
Jon
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