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        New Message Board Archives >> 2003 Posts >> Thank you all
        
(Message started by: islandtimefl on Apr 6^th, 2003, 6:29pm)

Title: Thank you all
Post by islandtimefl on Apr 6^th, 2003, 6:29pm

I'm mostly pain free for the moment so I wanted to take a minute to thank you all while I'm still coherent. To answer some of the questions:
I use a non rebreather mask at max flow (about 9.5 LPM). Not sure how well the mask works but haven't found others. I'm supposed to get a higher flow regulator from my oxygen dealer tomorrow.
O2 works for me about 80% of the time but never when it gets severe.
Not sure on the other triptans. Being disabled and retired with no medical insurance since I was 30 makes finding a doctor difficult. I owe them all lots of money. I'm a vet (of two wars so don't tell me to suck it up I'm kind of a hard ass to begin with) so I can use the VA hospital but it is a two hour drive. I'm lucky to walk to my kitchen and feed my dog during the pain.
I've had 5 major strokes and can't use my left side nor right eye which is what limits my list of drugs I can use. Narcotics are okay but don't work other than making me more comfortable in withstanding the pain. I've never had any after effect headache the few times I've used them. I'm not sure on the dosage but just know they inject me with one of each (demerol and valium). I was given a morphine prescription once but it didn't work so I threw it out.
I take 240mg of verapamil every day. I was doing that twice daily but cut back last summer because of the sexual side affects. Just yesterday I thought about that and started back from once to twice a day on 240mg of the verapamil.
I think that covers it all. Thanks again everyone. I sincerely appreciate the help and support. I'm heading back to my easy chair next to the 02 bottle now. I feel the beast returning.

Title: Re: Thank you all
Post by Ree on Apr 6^th, 2003, 10:50pm

Thank you for who you are... ((veteran status))) so sorry you are feeling the way that you are. No one deserves the condition you have been saddled with and you are way too young to have sustained 5 strokes. You must be tough... Hang in there you came to the right place. We have a great group of TOUGH guys and gals that know the pain and suffering you speak so candidly about... Welcome and I hope its over for you soon Ree

Title: Re: Thank you all
Post by don on Apr 7^th, 2003, 12:13am

http://www.geocities.com/carierobertlanier/CARIENWP.JPG

She'll help ya through the tough times.

Good medicine!

Title: Re: Thank you all
Post by Frank on Apr 7^th, 2003, 12:42am

Hi Robert,
The most effective abortives (far as I know) are O2 and triptans. Because of your history of strokes, triptans might not be an option for you. You need to check with your doctor. If triptans would be an option even with your history... there are ways to pay for them ( or not). Most doctor give free samples.... friends have extras... and the drug companies that manufacture them have programs for those who can not affor to pay. One way or another, you get what you need. If triptans turn out not to be an option, and O2 doesn't work either... then you need to work on prevention.
Well you need to work on prevention anyway. As mentioned in another thread... try to get started on a six or seven day predisolone program. Many times that works to knock out the cycle. You also might want to consider upping the verapamil dose to 480mg per day (or higher). Many people have results using Topomax or lithium. Just need to find the right meds and the right doctor.
You mentioned that you don't have insurance and the VA hospital is a two hour drive. Do you have a free clinic nearby? Or since you have had strokes, contact a local stroke support group and ask them for doctor ideas.
Have you applied for Social Security Disability (SSDI)? Assuming you would be eligible... you are if you paid enough into Social Security, Medicare automatically kicks in two years after SSDI starts. Most people think you have to be over 65 (not true, my wife has been on SSDI since 30 and Medicare since 32).
Good luck.