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Topic: Imitrex sucks...... help? (Read 1177 times) |
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gravelgirl
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Imitrex sucks...... help?
« on: Apr 25th, 2005, 4:27pm » |
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So I tried the Imitrex nasal spray the other day. I would rather die than do that again! It hurt sniffing/snorting the stuff, then it went into my throat and into my mouth. As if the HA wasn't bad enough, the taste of that almost made me puke which I would have done had I not been in a movie theater....
Anyways… What are the Imitrex injections like? Could I really give myself a shot?
I need a way to get rid of the pain. Oh damnit... I'm getting one right now.................
~Bris~
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E-Double
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Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
« Reply #1 on: Apr 25th, 2005, 4:44pm » |
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Hi Bris,
I hear ya with the NS.....I didn't tolerate it very well.
The injections are cake!!!
Your a tough cookie and would find that they go in rather smoothely and do not hurt whatsoever.
I prefer them to sprays or pills.....
Go get yourself an O2 tank......We're gonna keep on nagging you about that one!!!!
If you can get the vials if you are unable to do so and use the autoinjector..may of us use the "imitrex tip" to use less meds and to get more shots than many of our insurances will pay for.....
Here when you need and hang in there!!
E
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| « Last Edit: Apr 25th, 2005, 4:45pm by E-Double » |
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Jonny
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Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
« Reply #2 on: Apr 25th, 2005, 4:48pm » |
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If its going into your throat you are snorting it to hard, it supposed to be absorbed in your sinuses and never make it to your throat.
Injects are easy when your heads in a vice and you can get it out with just a prick of a needle.
Good luck and dont suck so hard (did I just say that?  )
...................................jonny
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It is up to YOU to educate yourself and then help your doctor plan your treatment. If you just sit down in front of your doctor and say "make me better" you are setting yourself up for a great deal of pain.
- Guiseppi
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gravelgirl
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Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
« Reply #3 on: Apr 25th, 2005, 4:50pm » |
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whats an auto injector?
.....head throbbing......
these things put me in a bad mood. grr... grumble....
btw... took my first verapamil today. prescription is verapamil hcl tab 80mg. Take 1 tablet daily for 3 days then take 1 tablet 2 times a day thereafter for headache prevention.
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| « Last Edit: Apr 25th, 2005, 4:51pm by gravelgirl » |
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SteCo
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Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
« Reply #4 on: Apr 25th, 2005, 4:52pm » |
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Another push for the o2 here too.....great abort for most. You may be amazed. You can get smaller tanks to have in your car too.
The trex may cause rebounds in some...
SteCo
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gravelgirl
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Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
« Reply #5 on: Apr 25th, 2005, 4:53pm » |
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anyone wanna see my headache chart? looky:
4/5 Mon/Tues 3:00am (with vomiting)
4/12 Mon/Tues 3:30am (with vomiting)
4/12 Tues 10:00am (trip to ER) (with vomiting)
4/12 Tues At ER - Cat scan & Spinal Tap
4/16 Sat 5:00pm (right before/at my race)
4/19 Mon/Tues 2:00am (awoke from sleep)
4/19 Tues 10:00am (slept in woke up with)
4/20 Wed 7:00pm
4/21 Wed/Thurs 3:45am (awoke from sleep)
4/21 Thurs 3:45pm (at work)
4/22 Friday 10:00am (at work)
4/22 11:30am met with Neuro was prescribed Imitrex and Verapamil
4/24 Sat/Sun 12:00am (at movies) (Imitrex DID NOT work… hurt worse!)
4/24 Sunday 5:00pm (after nap at home)
4/25 Monday Started Verapamil (1 pill) at 11:30am
2/25 Monday 1:45pm (at work)
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gravelgirl
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Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
« Reply #6 on: Apr 25th, 2005, 4:55pm » |
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on Apr 25th, 2005, 4:52pm, SteCo wrote:Another push for the o2 here too.....great abort for most. You may be amazed. You can get smaller tanks to have in your car too.
The trex may cause rebounds in some...
SteCo
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whats a rebound? as soon as my neuro calls me back i'm getting shots and o2.... i need a travel size one.....
:thinking about snorting the horid trex for this headache:
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E-Double
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Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
« Reply #7 on: Apr 25th, 2005, 4:56pm » |
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It'll get easier!!!!
an autoinjector is the device that shoots it into you rapidly!!! the thing is that many of us find that the full dosage is too much med and that we can abort with less.......and we get mor HA than we are allowed to trerat so we learn to extend the amount of meds we use by not using the autoinjector and using the tip.
Hang in there!!
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I can't believe that I have to bang my
Head against this wall again
But the blows they have just a little more
Space in-between them
Gonna take a breath and try again.
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E-Double
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Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
« Reply #8 on: Apr 25th, 2005, 4:59pm » |
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Rebound HA is a HA that typically comes when an analgesic wears off........
We refer to trex rebounds as additional hits that may come following the trex...some get them some don't.....
Get several E & D tanks....can fit in your trunk!
A "D" tank can fit in large backpack...once you become a pro at using them you will see what gold they can be
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I can't believe that I have to bang my
Head against this wall again
But the blows they have just a little more
Space in-between them
Gonna take a breath and try again.
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gravelgirl
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Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
« Reply #9 on: Apr 25th, 2005, 5:03pm » |
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How often do these rebounds occur and how bad are they?
I’m only getting 1-2 HA’s a day; so I shouldn't have a problem with the amount of meds they give me.
I have Kaiser and my parents pay for all medical related stuff so fortunately I don't have to worry about that.
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gravelgirl
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Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
« Reply #10 on: Apr 25th, 2005, 5:05pm » |
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on Apr 25th, 2005, 4:56pm, E-Double wrote:It'll get easier!!!!
an autoinjector is the device that shoots it into you rapidly!!! the thing is that many of us find that the full dosage is too much med and that we can abort with less.......and we get mor HA than we are allowed to trerat so we learn to extend the amount of meds we use by not using the autoinjector and using the tip.
Hang in there!! |
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where do you shoot yourself at? (body part)
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E-Double
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Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
« Reply #11 on: Apr 25th, 2005, 5:12pm » |
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First things First.....BREATHE!!!! 
The quicker you learn to cope a little the easier things will get.....try not to get anxious because that will perpetuate things.....
Look Bris,
The fact is this it's either an attack or something to kill the attack.....They're gonna happen so you have to make the choice......
As far as the injections go it is directly under the skin...it does not hurt...could be arm, thigh, belly
If you get yourself a tank.....that could be your first line prior to injection if you like.
Not everyone gets rebounds so don't worry about anything until the time comes to worry and remember these things won't kill you!
You can do it!!!
E
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| « Last Edit: Apr 25th, 2005, 5:13pm by E-Double » |
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I can't believe that I have to bang my
Head against this wall again
But the blows they have just a little more
Space in-between them
Gonna take a breath and try again.
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SteCo
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Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
« Reply #12 on: Apr 25th, 2005, 5:22pm » |
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What E-Double said.
Look at the bars at the left for the oxygen info. pay particular attention to the equipment needs. (high flow regulator and mask - very important)
After you get the o2.....you may find that is all you need to abort these. It will become your best friend.
At FIRST sign of CH hit the o2.....the sooner the better.
That is why you want to carry smaller bottle around.
I have one in truck, one in office and the balance at home. Total of six tanks during cycle...about knee high ones.
IMHO..Try to use the trex as very last resort...possibility of rebounds. But if you hit the o2 quickly, you may never need the trex again.
The worse ones are the night ones....already full blown and screaming....o2 may take longer to work.....but keep trying....it is a b@tch to try and breath the o2 when rockin'....but keep at it, usually the o2 will bring things around to the sanity level. And get everything set up prior to going to sleep.....ain't fun when you realize you forgot to set it up. And cut off strap for the mask...just in case you fall asleep after the o2...it kinda relaxes you.
SteCo
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gravelgirl
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Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
« Reply #13 on: Apr 25th, 2005, 5:26pm » |
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It just hurts so badly and no one understands. Here I am at my desk crying because of the pain and one co-worker says to me, "just tell your self you don't have one" and another offers me Advil. My boss thinks I’m slacking. My pseudo-bf hasn't answered my calls at all today and my mom couldn't talk to me because they were in the middle of lunch.
I've only been dealing with this for a few weeks and I’m already at my wits end.
My fucking head hurts. All I can do is cry. Crying seems to help.
I was bitching about the fact that I still wouldn’t be legal to drink for another 2 months, and now I’ll never be able to enjoy a glass of wine I with my pasta because if I do I’ll get a horrific headache.
I’m sorry to bitch. I’m sorry to rant. But no one else seems to understand………..
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E-Double
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Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
« Reply #14 on: Apr 25th, 2005, 6:01pm » |
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on Apr 25th, 2005, 5:26pm, gravelgirl wrote:It just hurts so badly and no one understands. Here I am at my desk crying because of the pain and one co-worker says to me, "just tell your self you don't have one" and another offers me Advil. My boss thinks I’m slacking. My pseudo-bf hasn't answered my calls at all today and my mom couldn't talk to me because they were in the middle of lunch.
I've only been dealing with this for a few weeks and I’m already at my wits end.
My fucking head hurts. All I can do is cry. Crying seems to help.
I was bitching about the fact that I still wouldn’t be legal to drink for another 2 months, and now I’ll never be able to enjoy a glass of wine I with my pasta because if I do I’ll get a horrific headache.
I’m sorry to bitch. I’m sorry to rant. But no one else seems to understand………..
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Bris,
There is no need to apologize...especially here!!!
You are brand new to this "nightmare" and can learn from us as we can learn from you.
Print this out.......
http://www.clusterheadaches.org/Cluster%20Headache%20Syndrome.doc
It is a letter you can give to your employers and colleagues if you like...It will explain what it is you are going through in very lay terminolgy...keeping it simple and may help people realize that headache is really a misnomer for these things!!!
You will be fine!
If you really need to talk and don't want to post drop me a PM I will be glad to help or listen or whatever!!
Hang in there, breathe and try to smile.....All will work out!!
Eric
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I can't believe that I have to bang my
Head against this wall again
But the blows they have just a little more
Space in-between them
Gonna take a breath and try again.
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SteCo
New Board Veteran
I love YaBB 1G - SP1!
Posts: 109
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Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
« Reply #15 on: Apr 25th, 2005, 6:13pm » |
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Quote:It just hurts so badly and no one understands.
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Can someone provide a link to that page that is the "handout for CH's" to give to co-workers and family for this young lady? I can not find it now. E-Double got it already!
This community understands what you are going thru. This is the place to vent. AND everyone here understands....some have it worse.....much worse....Many, Many Ch's per day.....That is the way I try to think of it. What you are hearing from everyone is a very common response..they just do not understand.. ...how could they?
Here is part of the Kaiser website....specifically for cluster headaches....I have Kaiser too. They mention AND recommend o2 for an effective abort treatment and some good reading for you. Watch for personal triggers- keep a record of what you eat, drink, you may notice a trend, .....alchohol during cycle is a big one for most
http://tinyurl.com/45kr7
Until you get the o2......make THIS a priority!!! you can get it in a few hours...particularly if Kaiser has you on record for CH AND they will deliver it to your house. This WILL sound crazy....but try it...vigorous exercise. at the onset of one....same theory as o2.....I have been able to abort a few doing this. Not easy.....but worth a try.
And stress IMHO will bring them on.....so ease up....not easy I know.....but try.
Read, read, read the pages on this site (sidebars on the left)......so you understand what is happening and how you can better deal with it. It WILL be okay....trust me.
SteCo
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| « Last Edit: Apr 25th, 2005, 6:15pm by SteCo » |
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Bob P
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Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
« Reply #16 on: Apr 25th, 2005, 6:22pm » |
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Quote:| How often do these rebounds occur and how bad are they? |
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I switched from cafergot to trex week before last. In 2 days I went from 2-3 hits a day to 7 a day. Every one of them a full blown ch. I got the heck off the trex fast!
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Mrs. Barlow, I never, and I repeat never, ever pissed in your steam iron.
"SHUT UP HUB!"
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gravelgirl
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Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
« Reply #17 on: Apr 25th, 2005, 6:59pm » |
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Thanks guys.... the headache mellowed out and I can think again. I just got off the phone with my neuro who is giving me the shots and sending me O2. Thanks to you guys and this site I know what the hell I'm talking about and what to specifically ask for.
Q: Can anyone tell me what exactly Imitrex is and why it helps the headache and possibly brings on others? Is it a painkiller?
Thank You!
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E-Double
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Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
« Reply #18 on: Apr 25th, 2005, 7:09pm » |
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on Apr 25th, 2005, 6:59pm, gravelgirl wrote:Thanks guys.... the headache mellowed out and I can think again. I just got off the phone with my neuro who is giving me the shots and sending me O2. Thanks to you guys and this site I know what the hell I'm talking about and what to specifically ask for.
Q: Can anyone tell me what exactly Imitrex is and why it helps the headache and possibly brings on others? Is it a painkiller?
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It will kill the pain but not considered a painkiller
......it's in the triptan family, Sumatriptan to be percise....
Will constrict the vessels that are dilated and touching the trigeminal nerve.
I'm not sure why some people get additional HA from it and why some do not.....
You will learn what is right for you, like most it is trial and error.
Stay strong,
E
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I can't believe that I have to bang my
Head against this wall again
But the blows they have just a little more
Space in-between them
Gonna take a breath and try again.
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Jonny
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Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
« Reply #19 on: Apr 25th, 2005, 7:47pm » |
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on Apr 25th, 2005, 6:22pm, Bob P wrote:
I got the heck off the trex fast! |
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Me too, Zomig NS works for me in 6 mins or under (Even with a full blown attack) and with no addittional HA's cause of it....plus the half life is WAY, WAY longer than Trex.
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It is up to YOU to educate yourself and then help your doctor plan your treatment. If you just sit down in front of your doctor and say "make me better" you are setting yourself up for a great deal of pain.
- Guiseppi
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E-Double
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Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
« Reply #20 on: Apr 25th, 2005, 7:56pm » |
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on Apr 25th, 2005, 7:47pm, Jonny wrote:
Me too, Zomig NS works for me in 6 mins or under (Even with a full blown attack) and with no addittional HA's cause of it....plus the half life is WAY, WAY longer than Trex.
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We're all different.....
I participated in the Zomig NS trials from NECH......
The 5mg didn't touch an attack, The 10mg wiped one out in like 15 but left me with massive nastiness after......
I wish I knew why we all respond so differently....I bet the docs do to though..would make for easier treatment.
Feel good!
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I can't believe that I have to bang my
Head against this wall again
But the blows they have just a little more
Space in-between them
Gonna take a breath and try again.
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gravelgirl
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Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
« Reply #21 on: Apr 25th, 2005, 8:08pm » |
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Haha! Thank you for the link to the "Cluster Headache Syndrome for people you know" thingy. I printed this and gave it to a co-worker that I HAD considered a friend. I went to the bathroom and when I came back the papers were sitting on my desk and there was a note on it that says, "When you get an MRI and are diagnosed in writing then give this to me".
I called and read the whole thing to my pseudo-bf, whom at the end responded with, “Well, what can I do?”
I called and read it to my mom whom was (and has been) very sympathetic.
It's becoming obvious to me who my REAL friends are. Thank you guys for the continuous information!!!!!!!!!
~Bris~
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E-Double
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Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
« Reply #22 on: Apr 25th, 2005, 8:33pm » |
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You are going to have your ups and downs....just like everyone else in this world. It will just hurt more 
This shit will make you tough as nails and though it may wear on ya you will have to learn to move forward and to honestly say "Fuck em!!"
Seriously, the best advice I can offer you is not regarding medication.
Deal with this thing the best you can! Keep pushing forward and do not let it consume you!!!!
I've dealt with these things for a decade (many here have been way longer)....My last cycle never ended and I went chronic..Big deal.It's just a label.....
It may end tomorrow. It may not. and here is the mantra...IT is What IT is.....Don't sweat it.
As quickly as you can learn not to question the nature but to deal with it ....you will learn to live life again.
PERIOD!!!!
Hang in there and kick ass!!!
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I can't believe that I have to bang my
Head against this wall again
But the blows they have just a little more
Space in-between them
Gonna take a breath and try again.
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mcf69
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Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
« Reply #23 on: Apr 25th, 2005, 11:50pm » |
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Quote:| then it went into my throat and into my mouth |
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I have the same problem with the trex, it tastes awful, without snorting it too hard and getting it into your throat. I always go for the O2 first and then the trex if it isn't working.
Quote:| The trex may cause rebounds in some... |
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It always gives me rebounds, if I take a dose when an attack wakes me up, I'm certain to have one a few hours later.
Quote:| It just hurts so badly and no one understands |
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Been there done that, no one truly understands what clusters are until you experience them, thats why this is such an awesome place, we all understand.
I was looking at your diary and see that you get hit at night and in the early morning sometimes. I may be standing on a soapbox here, but look into getting a sleep study done. I had one, and lo and behold I found that I had sleep apnea, I thought I was too young and in too good shape to have it, but turns out it can afflict anyone. My doc truly beleives that those who suffer from clusters are abnormally sensitive to changes in blood oxygen at night, trigering night attacks and aggravating daytime ones. Also try melatonin, commonly available in pharmacies, health food stores, and the big retailers, 3 mg before bedtime may help.
We all know what you're going through, just hang in there, ignore the ignorant ones and don't be afraid to holler for help here.
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ClusterChuck
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Re: Imitrex sucks...... help?
« Reply #24 on: Apr 26th, 2005, 4:53am » |
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Bris, I am almost in tears, reading your posts .... So SO sorry you have to be here! But, since you have to be, you could not be in a better place. Do NOT EVER appologize for crying, whining venting or what ever you need to do!!! This IS the place to do it! That is one of the MAIN reasons for this site! We all understand and feel for you. We KNOW what you are going thru ... We have ALL been where you are right now. The advantage you have is that you found us so early in your illness. I have had this for 27 years, the last 7, are chronic, and I only found this site 2 years ago.
Oxygen: I agree with the others. GET IT!!! You say your neuro is setting you up with it. Make SURE you are set up correctly. If you do not use it in a specific way, it most likely will not work. You need a regulator that will go to 15 lpm (liters per minute). You MUST have a non-rebreathing mask. NOT one of those nose thingies! The rebreather, is a mask that covers your nose and mouth, and then has a bag that collects the oxygen while you are exhaling, then empties when you inhale. Many of us suck that thing flat during our inhale. That surprises the bejeebers out of most medical professionals!
I find the O2 (oxygen) works best for me if I hold the mask to my face with my right hand, and my forefinger over the valve (a set of holes, with the round, flappy, rubber type thing on it, on the left side of the mask), and my thumb over the set of holes on the right side, without a valve on it. When I inhale, I put my finger and thumb over the two openings, to keep any outside air from entering the mask, and then when I exhale, I lift the fingers (while holding the mask to my face with the palm of my hand, and the rest of my fingers) to allow the air to escape. Using this method, you are making sure you get 100% oxygen, which is what works best.
If it does not work the first few times, continue trying. I get hit between 8 and 15 times a day, and I am a VERY hard case to control, yet without the O2, and the people here, I would have ended my life. The O2 may not work for every hit. But continue to use it.
Good luck, and hang in there. You ARE strong enough to deal with this. Don't let it take over your life. CH, by itself, will not kill you.
If you need someone to talk to, send me your phone number, in a pm, and I will call you. You need someone who understands what you are dealing with, to talk to. If not me, then pick some one who you have taken a liking to, and send them you phone number. Most of us will call you and help you deal with this horror.
Sorry for the length of this, but you really got to me with how this is trying to kick your ass. Don't let it. Take control and YOU do the ass kicking!
Good luck, and keep us informed.
Chuck
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