Author |
Topic: Hi, I'm Ross (Read 1109 times) |
|
EcStAsY
New Board Newbie
I love YaBB 1G - SP1!
Posts: 2
|
 |
Hi, I'm Ross
« on: Apr 17th, 2008, 5:30pm » |
 Quote  Modify
|
Hello all. My name is Ross/ Ecstasy.
I'm 18 years old and have never had a headache in my life.
For the past month, I have had 3 or more CH attacks every single day.
I typically wake up every morning around 3 or 4 am, crying in pain. As that subsides, one usually starts to come on around noon-late afternoon, and then one around dinner time.
I went to the ER about 3 weeks ago, and have been seeing a Neurologist since then. I've been on multiple medications and not much has really worked.
The most relief I have got is from Frova.
Since I know when they typically come on, I know to turn out the lights, grab a cup of ice water, take some BC powder, a Frova, and grab a cold towel; the fun is just about to begin.
I'm also taking Depacote, I don't know how much that is working.
Anyways, just wanted to introduce myself and my case, as I am sure I am now joining a long road of CH. Awesome.
edit: I forgot to mention, for the attacks that make me feel suicidal/ ER, I have the Imitrex injectables, and they usually work in 5 minutes and are amazing.
|
| « Last Edit: Apr 17th, 2008, 5:35pm by EcStAsY » |
 IP Logged |
|
|
|
Guiseppi
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Gender: 
Posts: 2703
|
|
Re: Hi, I'm Ross
« Reply #1 on: Apr 17th, 2008, 6:34pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Welcome to the board, glad to hear you're seeing the neuro, that'll open a lot more treatment options. I'm 48 now, mine started at about 18 too. Scares the shit outta you at first don't it? 
That being said, start reading EVERYTHING on this board. No knock on doctors but your typical neuro won't see a single case of CH his whole career so they rarely know much about them. Read the oxygen link on the left hand side of this board. Pure oxygen, at a high flow rate, at least 15 LPM, using a non re breather mask, should be your first line of defense. I can be completely pain free in as little as 10 minutes using just the oxygen.
The oxygen thing will start to sound like a broken record around here, so many people have had great success with it. For now, try slamming an energy drink as soon as you feel one coming on. Monster, Rock Star, any containing the combination of caffeine and taurine. Many can abort or at least really reduce an attack that way. Frozen peas held against the affected side of your head will bring some relief also.
Welcome to your new second home, we'll help you any way we can.
Guiseppi
|
|
IP Logged |
Why are all sensors, seeking intelligent life, pointed AWAY from earth?
|
|
|
Superdave
New Board Veteran
Gender:
Posts: 128
|
|
Re: Hi, I'm Ross
« Reply #2 on: Apr 17th, 2008, 6:50pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Welcome Ross
What Guiseppi said the redbull and o2 are a gift from God and so is this website
Read Read Read ......... You'll get control of your ch soon
and live happily ever after 
Superdave
|
|
IP Logged |
Wow! you mean it's just in my head?
|
|
|
mezza
New Board Junior
I love YaBB 1G - SP1!
Gender: 
Posts: 95
|
|
Re: Hi, I'm Ross
« Reply #3 on: Apr 17th, 2008, 7:52pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Hi Ross- welcome ! glad you found the site- you'll get a lot of validation and support here- Sorry to hear you are having such a hard time
I have used frova too- good long lasting abortive! I too have used imitrex injectables- they are pretty darn quick in terms of relief ( pretty tough the first time though to jab yourself-) i can't tell the anxiety i went thru the first time i needed to inject myself- I am quite a pro now -
definitely read all you can on this site- there is great information from those that have suffered from CH and lots of good info about what has worked well for folks. Glad to hear you have a neuro and that he/she at least seems to have a clue-
feel free to ask questions and vent too-
kelly
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
EcStAsY
New Board Newbie
I love YaBB 1G - SP1!
Posts: 2
|
|
Re: Hi, I'm Ross
« Reply #4 on: Apr 17th, 2008, 9:25pm » |
Quote Modify
|
on Apr 17th, 2008, 7:52pm, mezza wrote:Hi Ross- welcome ! glad you found the site- you'll get a lot of validation and support here- Sorry to hear you are having such a hard time
I have used frova too- good long lasting abortive! I too have used imitrex injectables- they are pretty darn quick in terms of relief ( pretty tough the first time though to jab yourself-) i can't tell the anxiety i went thru the first time i needed to inject myself- I am quite a pro now -
definitely read all you can on this site- there is great information from those that have suffered from CH and lots of good info about what has worked well for folks. Glad to hear you have a neuro and that he/she at least seems to have a clue-
feel free to ask questions and vent too-
kelly |
|
Haha yea I can't even explain what its like to stick yourself, moreover, to hold a needle in for 10 seconds!
Thanks for the advice guys. I'm actually an avid energy drink "drinker" but since I've been so "out of it" recently, I've slipped out of my craze. I'll try a Red Bull next time a CH comes on.
Time to start reading up about Oxygen!
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
Guiseppi
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Gender:
Posts: 2703
|
|
Re: Hi, I'm Ross
« Reply #5 on: Apr 17th, 2008, 10:28pm » |
Quote Modify
|
It's that broken record I warned you about...oxygen!!!!!
Guiseppi
|
|
IP Logged |
Why are all sensors, seeking intelligent life, pointed AWAY from earth?
|
|
|
Redd
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Gender:
Posts: 6661
|
|
Re: Hi, I'm Ross
« Reply #6 on: Apr 17th, 2008, 10:43pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Check out the trex tip on the left hand link list. Rather than a full 6 ML stat dose shot ask about getting vials and insulin needles to break down the dose to 1/2 or 1/3.
That way you don't have to get to the suicidal stage before you inject.
Also...O2...first sign of an attack for abortive action. Safe, 70% effectve (give or take) and not as hard on the heart as trex.
|
|
IP Logged |
I saw an act of faith today. A man was on his knees, not in a pew in a Church, but in a garden planting seeds. ~~Unknown
|
|
|
RichardN
New Board Hall of Famer
  
Gender:
Posts: 690
|
|
Re: Hi, I'm Ross
« Reply #7 on: Apr 18th, 2008, 12:41am » |
Quote Modify
|
Welcome to Clusterville Ross
And yes . . . another vote for 02. I can't use Imitrex . . . so 02 is my only abortive, and if used early-on can abort in minutes.
Have you identified any triggers? For most of us (including me), alcohol is a major trigger. Exhaust fumes, chemical odors, . . . there was a recent post from someone who identified cedar as a trigger for him.
If you're not already, start a headache journal. Note the time, duration, pain level (read "the kip scale" . . . link on left), and take this with you (and a copy of the Kip scale) when next you see your doc.
Make sure you copy the 02 info here and take to your doc. You need a prescription that specifies 12-15 lpm through a non-rebreather mask as needed. Most here use the 02 first and, for the hits the 02 doesn't reach . . . use the injectible Imitrex.
Read, read read . . . and ask any questions you might have.
Be Safe, PFDANs
Richard
|
|
IP Logged |
I can live with the beast as long as I don't have to "dance" with the bastard.
|
|
|
Callico
New Board Hall of Famer
Proud Dad of a US Marine!
Gender:
Posts: 1395
|
|
Re: Hi, I'm Ross
« Reply #8 on: Apr 19th, 2008, 5:39pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Welcome aboard! I'll second Guiseppi's advice, with the addition to please lay off the BC powder. It will do nothing for the CH other than let you feel you are doing something. All it will do is give an ulcer and cause liver/kidney damage.
Read, read, read, then ask questions of anything you don't understand. You will find more, and more up to date, info here than in 99% of the Drs offices around this country.
Jerry
|
|
IP Logged |
"When He acts on the left, I cannot behold Him; He turns on the right I cannot see Him. But He knows the way that I take; when He has tried me I shall come forth as gold." Job23:9,10
|
|
|
darknight
New Board Veteran
Ever danced with the devil by the pale moonlight?
Gender:
Posts: 105
|
|
Re: Hi, I'm Ross
« Reply #9 on: Apr 22nd, 2008, 9:02am » |
Quote Modify
|
Welcome Ross,
I see you've already had the warm introduction 02 02 02!!
Well not wanting to dissapoint people i started 02 in Feb and since then ive not had an attack worth making note, the min i feel it im on the 02 and within 10-20mins on the rate advised ive aborted, i also have imigran injectors but ive never had to use them as yet. Before 02 i was taking tablets that didnt even touch the sides and for 2 years (im episodic) every 6 months id have the attacks and had to put up with them but not now!!!!
I hope you find something for relief and that 02 does it for you if not dont worry the experts on here have many a option for you to try and are happy to help!!!
PFD to you all !!!!
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
DennisM1045
New Board Hall of Famer
One wave at a time!
Gender:
Posts: 1639
|
|
Re: Hi, I'm Ross
« Reply #10 on: Apr 22nd, 2008, 2:23pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Hi Ross and welcome!
The one thing I'll add to what has already been suggested is that Frova is the slowest acting triptan there is. It can take three hours to become effective. By that time the beast will have already taken root and it may not be that effective.
Sumatriptan injections/nasal spray, Zomig nasal spray are much more effective triptans.
Having said that, O2 works best for me.
Good luck...
-Dennis-
|
|
IP Logged |
Dancing the dance since 1995 ... Family member since 2007 ... No longer alone
|
|
|
LeLimey
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
OUCH-US - Less "ME" and more "WE"
Gender:
Posts: 11720
|
|
Re: Hi, I'm Ross
« Reply #11 on: Apr 22nd, 2008, 5:48pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Ross I use Frova and I've found a really good tip from other users is to either take it with a hot drink like coffee (or tea 'cos I'm a Brit!) or with a fizzy drink like Coke. Both help it act faster. I've heard others who have said they chew them but I've never been able to bring myself to do that!
I love Frova because of the very long half life, it's the longest of all triptans and can last up to 26 hours. 17 hours was my longest on it but who would knock that?! You can still take 2 doses in 24 hours as with other triptans too.
I realise you probably know this but I thought I'd mention it anyway for the benefit of other's reading.
Welcome to the site!!
|
|
IP Logged |
The arsehole I'm divorcing needs to get a life and stop stalking mine
|
|
|
LeLimey
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
OUCH-US - Less "ME" and more "WE"
Gender:
Posts: 11720
|
|
Re: Hi, I'm Ross
« Reply #12 on: Apr 22nd, 2008, 5:52pm » |
Quote Modify
|
I should explain how I use Frova. Knowing it CAN take up to two hours to kick in I take it BEFORE an attack is due. IE if I'm going to bed at 10pm I would take one at 8pm to ensure a whole nights sleep. I do not use it as an abortive, I use it as a preventative and stop the piggin' rotten things coming in the first place!
I too can't recommend O2 enough. I can abort an attack in 5-7 minutes if I jump to the O2 fast enough which is even better than Imitrex.
Also with red bull, the trick is to chug it as fast as you can as soon as you can. I find it helpful to keep it cold and this is one time you do not want to be graceful! You chug that like you've been in the sahara for a week!! I never buy "Red Bull" itself either as it's so expensive. Generic brands work every bit as well, just check they contain caffeine AND taurine as it's the taurine that turbo boosts the caffeine!
Hope it helps!!
|
|
IP Logged |
The arsehole I'm divorcing needs to get a life and stop stalking mine
|
|
|
CostaRicaKris
New Board Veteran
Currently training for AFC half Marathon
Gender:
Posts: 179
|
|
Re: Hi, I'm Ross
« Reply #13 on: Apr 22nd, 2008, 11:23pm » |
Quote Modify
|
on Apr 22nd, 2008, 5:48pm, LeLimey wrote:| or with a fizzy drink like Coke. |
|
God I miss when Coke tasted fizzy (pre Topomax)
I'll beat the dead horse. O2 and energy drinks. Two most effective weapons I have against the beast. Imitrex is third.
Welcome Ross.
|
|
IP Logged |
Visit my website: http://www.active.com/donate/amnhealthcare/KristinaMorris to learn more about Girls on the Run, a non-profit prevention program that encourages preteen girls to develop self-respect and healthy lifestyles through running
|
|
|
darknight
New Board Veteran
Ever danced with the devil by the pale moonlight?
Gender:
Posts: 105
|
|
Re: Hi, I'm Ross
« Reply #14 on: Apr 23rd, 2008, 8:15am » |
Quote Modify
|
Hi Costa,
God I miss when Coke tasted fizzy (pre Topomax) ?
I dont understand what you mean.
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
CostaRicaKris
New Board Veteran
Currently training for AFC half Marathon
Gender:
Posts: 179
|
|
Re: Hi, I'm Ross
« Reply #15 on: Apr 23rd, 2008, 8:50am » |
Quote Modify
|
Do you take Topomax?
A common side effect is carbonated beverages taste flat.
It's the wierdest thing.
|
|
IP Logged |
Visit my website: http://www.active.com/donate/amnhealthcare/KristinaMorris to learn more about Girls on the Run, a non-profit prevention program that encourages preteen girls to develop self-respect and healthy lifestyles through running
|
|
|
darknight
New Board Veteran
Ever danced with the devil by the pale moonlight?
Gender:
Posts: 105
|
|
Re: Hi, I'm Ross
« Reply #16 on: Apr 23rd, 2008, 10:07am » |
Quote Modify
|
Very strange, thanks for clearing that up!
I dont take topomax, i have 02 that so far aborts every attack and i have the injectors (imigran) as back up that thankfully i havent used as yet! Before that i was taking maxalt ibuprofen paracetamol.
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
deltadarlin
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
I love YaBB 1G - SP1!
Gender:
Posts: 1485
|
|
Re: Hi, I'm Ross
« Reply #17 on: Apr 27th, 2008, 10:03am » |
Quote Modify
|
Be careful with the BC powders. They are an analgesic and can cause rebound headaches, not to mention eating holes in your stomach.
'darlin
|
|
IP Logged |
If it weren't for the gutter, y mind would be homeless.
http://photobucket.com/albums/v123/tribander_3/
You pretend to pay me, I pretend to work.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Home
Help
Search
Members
Member Map
Login
Register
Reply
Notify of replies
Send Topic
Print
test rss