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        New Message Board Archives >> 2002 Posts >> The demon has returned
        
(Message started by: JDH on Nov 2^nd, 2002, 10:26pm)

Title: The demon has returned
Post by JDH on Nov 2^nd, 2002, 10:26pm

It's been almost six years since my last cycle but about a month ago it started again...how depressing.
I always get scared this time of year because for whatever reason this is when I usually get paid a visit by Mr. CH.
After fighting the demon for about 17 years I have settled on Imitrex nasal spray as my weapon of choice...that is until yesterday when I signed up for a study being conducted by the Ryan H/A Ctr here in St Louis. I was told that because the drug (civamide) that I am being asked to use is also a nasal spray that I would have to discontinue using the spray and start using the injection form of Imitrex.
Never tried this form before but have always read good things about it. Can anyone tell me if it is fast acting and are the side effects the same as other forms?
I was actuallly h/a free last night but I've been feeling him lurking close by all day long so tonight may be my first shot.
Also, does anyone know anything about civamide?
Dr. said it burns quite bad but hey, what's a little burning sensation compared to having the side of your head crushed, eh?
Anyway, it's good to see that there are actually some studies going on now as opposed to when these things first started w* back in 1985 when they used to tell me "We just don't know much about them, here's some Prednisone...learn to live with it."
I hope you all who are in a cycle right now make it through OK and may it pass quickly...believe me, I feel your pain.

Title: Re: The demon has returned
Post by Mark C on Nov 2^nd, 2002, 11:12pm

Welcome to the board JD,
Sorry you are getting your head kicked in.
Imitrex injection is my abortive of choice, miracle drug. I went for years and nothing worked for me until the Triptans came around. I see relief in as little as 5 minutes after an injection and almost certainly after 10 minutes. Side effects are quite mild. I have some oral meds in my cabinet also, Zomig, Maxalt etc, but I am looking at around 20 minutes with the pills, forever during an attack. Currently searching for an effective preventive.
Check the links here and at the OUCH site for lots of info about CH and treatment.
Good luck,
Mark

Title: Re: The demon has returned
Post by Charlie on Nov 2^nd, 2002, 11:27pm

Welcome to bedlam.

Glad you found us but sorry it was necessary. Others have good drug information but I just wanted to say hello. There are a lot of good ideas here and stick around. Eventually you'll get some good replies. Look around and read all you can.

Keep in touch too.

Charlie

Title: Re: The demon has returned
Post by Drk^Angel on Nov 3^rd, 2002, 1:23am

Welcome to the board! Sorry that the beast is usin' a customized broiler from Burger King to flame broil your cranium into a Whopper Cluster with hot sauce. Good luck!

PFDAN..................... Drk^Angel

Title: Re: The demon has returned
Post by OneEyeBlind on Nov 3^rd, 2002, 4:28am

Welcome to the board. I tried the Imitrex nasal spray first, then decided to try the injections because I had heard they work so much faster. No one better ever try and take my injections away !!! They are way better than the spray !!! With the nose spray it kind of burned my nose and made me nausious. (it probably wasn't the med that made me sick but the dripping in my nose) ... oh well, anyway ... bottom line ... If the spray works you will love the injections !!!! Good luck !!!

Title: Re: The demon has returned
Post by David Shea on Nov 3^rd, 2002, 10:06am

JDH-- Welcome to the board! I know how you fell.
Like you I was PF for 6yrs. untill this october.
I have found this cycle to be A lot different from the
past cycles. as far as intensity and duration ofr the HA
I'm just wondering if you have found the same.
I cannot help you with the Meds. question I do not take any. However I will be trying prevenators in the near
future.
Sorry its back after six yrs. I cannot belive it in my case.
PFDAN to you!
David

Title: Re: The demon has returned
Post by domm on Nov 3^rd, 2002, 10:06am

JD - welcome to the board. I use Imitrex and oxygen as an abortive. 10 - 15 lpm through a non rebreather mask usually killed the beast within 5 - 10 minutes with no side effects.
I found Verapamil to be very effective as a preventative.
Read, read, and read. There is tons of great info available here and on the OUCH site. Join OUCH (button on the left). Membership is free and your voice will help as we push for a cure.
good luck
domm