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        New Message Board Archives >> 2002 Posts >> Chronic vs. Episodic
        
(Message started by: Mark C on Nov 10^th, 2002, 7:53pm)

Title: Chronic vs. Episodic
Post by Mark C on Nov 10^th, 2002, 7:53pm

I am episodic. Even though I can get blasted for a couple of months at a time I get some breaks between cycles. At most maybe a year but usually 8-9 months between cycles.
I have two questions about you chronics.
First, how do your HA run, do you get some periods of PF time or is it a constant battle. Maybe I am still not clear on the exact definition of Chronic. Do you guys just get a few days sometimes or what. I have been wondering about it for a little while and I just want to understand this disease a little better.
And understand you people a little better also. :)
I am having a hard time imagining never getting a break, but I think there are some who hardley ever get a reprieve from the beast. Poor bastards.......
Thanks for your time,
Mark

http://animatedgif.net/devilish/jalskellwalk_e0.gif

Title: Re: Chronic vs. Episodic
Post by Marc on Nov 10^th, 2002, 10:52pm

Mark,

I cannot speak for others, but in my case:

I have good weeks and bad weeks. Sometimes it can be decent months, bad months. When I get break-throughs they seem to come in bunches - but it's NOTHING like it was pre-Varapamil. I won't even try to explain those dark days in Hell.

The only pattern I can see is that I seem to get hit more when I'm relaxed. (Stress is good!) I don't think about the Kip scale much because I still have two stage CH's:

1) Uh Oh.......
2) Oh Fuck!

Life is good since I found Verapamil about 2-1/2 years ago, unless I try to back it down below 360-450mg. Try and take away my Verapamil and I'll kill you! ;D

One of the main things I've learned here is not to feel sorry for myself. (otherwise Jonny will give me a big "Whaaaaa!")

Marc

By the way, I've got it good compared to some other folks I know on this board.

Title: Re: Chronic vs. Episodic
Post by bart on Nov 10^th, 2002, 11:08pm

marc is exactly right. i was feeling very desperate last week and decided to kick myself in the ass and quit feeling sorry for myself, it really doesn't do a damn bit of good.

Title: Re: Chronic vs. Episodic
Post by SteveY on Nov 11^th, 2002, 3:41am

Hi Mark,

As Marc said pre verapamil, 3 HA's a day every day for a year :'(

After a visit to Goadsby, put on instant release verapamil, virtually none ;D

Although any more than a couple of beers and I get one, even then not as bad as it was pre verap.

Just wish the verap worked as well for everyone ???

Steve

Title: Re: Chronic vs. Episodic
Post by don on Nov 11^th, 2002, 7:16am

It all comes down to meds.

If you can not survive 2 weeks running PF in the course of one year with out any meds then welcome to Chronic World.

Title: Re: Chronic vs. Episodic
Post by ChristineL on Nov 11^th, 2002, 7:46am

Back in the old days before today's meds I was chronic - at least one CH a day for a number of years.

Verapamil has worked wonders!!!

Chris L

Title: Re: Chronic vs. Episodic
Post by Lenny on Nov 11^th, 2002, 9:27am

Are all you guys on verapamil by itself ( and it works for you, PREVENTATIVE wise)?? As for myself verapamil does not do it by itself or with any other med., unless it is LITHIUM and that keeps it under control.Good Luck and PFDAN to all. Lenny

Title: Re: Chronic vs. Episodic
Post by Linda T on Nov 11^th, 2002, 6:34pm

I don't know whether I'm chronic or episodic nor do I think that at this point it makes any difference to me.

I started my last cycle around this time last year. I have been taking meds since then up to last Tuesday (which was my last day on Inderal). Since April I have had maybe 3 headbangers. However, I shadow several times a day (nothing past a kip 3). I notice that for 1 week each month I am completely PF. The other three weeks I have shadows. I also notice that when taking Inderal at 120mg down to 60 mgs down to nothing, I have noticed no change in the frequency or intensity of the shadows so I now question whether or not the Inderal did anything at all.

Is this considered chronic? Anyone want to take a guess. Like I said, at this point life is good and I'm not complaining. Just wanted some feedback.

Thanks. Wishing you all PFDAN always, Linda T

Title: Re: Chronic vs. Episodic
Post by Elaine on Nov 11^th, 2002, 7:07pm

I with Marc..his post best tells how it is with me. I don't think I can add to it!

Title: Re: Chronic vs. Episodic
Post by jonny on Nov 11^th, 2002, 7:18pm

Im with Marc also......dead on!!!

.............................jonny