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(Message started by: catlind on Jan 30th, 2004, 8:45am)

Title: Bad News
Post by catlind on Jan 30th, 2004, 8:45am
Ok I am going to ask for everyone's patience over the next few days please.

On our trip yesterday (Thurs. Jan. 29) Tracey had done a 1/3 of a shot of imitrex at about 8:00 a.m. at around 10:30 after still having a bad time with her head she decided to take a Zomig so that we could finish up some work on the road back to the center.  She began to feel poorly while we were driving, she wasn't sure what, but said that it just felt wrong.

Over the course of the next 2 hours she progressively worsened to include the all too familiar (to me) chest pressure, nausea, light headedness, chills etc. and I became deeply concerned.  She was displaying all the signs of a heart issue, but at her insistence she began to feel better and I agreed that I would wait til we got to the clinic to determine if she needed to get to the ER.

We never made it to the ER.  On I-95 I was forced to exit and call for an ambulance.  Tracey went from better to severe in a matter of min. with no place known to me to get her to a hospital.  

She is in the hospital still today and will have more tests done, but as of midnight last night, she had 3 ekg's that were getting worse, and her cardiac enzymes were off (first set).  I don't know yet what the results of the 2nd set were so it's too early to tell if she had a heart attack, if it was the half life of the triptans coming down, or if there was underlying coronary disease that was unknown.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE....let this be a warning sign, and straight from our medical affiliates with the New England Center of Headaches...DO NOT MIX TRIPTANS

Listen I know the situations for you all are bad, we are working hard to fix that, but even through my own cardiac issues, I never dreamed it was that dangerous (I can't mix triptans) but when I sat with Tracey in that truck, scared to death because she might actually be having (and may have had) a heart attack right beside me - all because she wanted a bit of relief for her head.

Dead is not an option folks.  Not at all.  Trust me, it was that scarey.  I will get back as soon as I can to update on her status.  She is in Stamford Hospital, but on a cardiac unit so calls will likely be very limited.  Please, don't call her until I tell you that you can.

I will get back here to update as soon as I can.  I am staying with Lori from the center today and as soon as we know from further testing what is going on with Tracey I will try to get back and update you.  Don't worry about what was accomplished, the very person who helped us accomplish it all is now helping to make sure that Tracey is very well taken care of.  

Her hubby is here, we had him fly in last night, as is her eldest son who drove down from Upstate NY where he was working.

I'll update as soon as I can, for those that need to get ahold of me (there's a list of you I know) call me on Tracey's cell phone, mine has died.

Cat

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by thomas on Jan 30th, 2004, 8:50am
Thanks Cat.......  :'(  Tracey, I'm pullin' for ya hon...... Hang in there........ We all love ya and are hopin' you get outta there real soon.........

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by ave on Jan 30th, 2004, 8:57am
Cat, thanks for taking the trouble to come and tell us.

Hope you are all right at the moment? Give all my love to Tracey and tell her from me that we expect her back here soon!

Lost of vibes crossing the Atlantic right now (boring straight  through low pressure areas  and snow storms) to give you and Trace a "bit of heart".


Title: Re: Bad News
Post by aprilbee on Jan 30th, 2004, 9:11am
Gosh, thanks for the warning!  All my love and Prayers to Tracey and her family!

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by AlienSpaceBabe on Jan 30th, 2004, 9:14am
Love and prayers/vibes to Tracey and her heart... and to Cat to help her through this....

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by KingOfPain on Jan 30th, 2004, 9:27am

on 01/30/04 at 08:45:50, catlind wrote:
DO NOT MIX TRIPTANS



I never do.

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by Mastifflvr28 on Jan 30th, 2004, 9:30am
dunno what to say...a wee bit in shock right here.

Of course let her know I'm thinking of her, and Cat, thinking of you too.  What a horrible experience.

I gotta go to work and try to "deal" today, hope I hear some good news when I get home.

Prayers and vibes and tears going up.

Cat, take care, and thanks for taking the time to be able to update us.
:'(
Mast

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by BruceD on Jan 30th, 2004, 9:32am
Cat, thank you so much for posting & letting us know what's up. What a scary situation to be in ... for both of you!

Tracey will certainly be in my prayers, as well as Greg & the rest of her family.

Take care
BruceD




Title: Re: Bad News
Post by Prense on Jan 30th, 2004, 9:36am
Get better soon now Tracey!

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by Giovanni on Jan 30th, 2004, 9:37am
Hi Cat,

Please let Tracey know that we're all thinking of her and wishing her a speedy recovery.  Keep us advised on her progress.

:-/

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by pubgirl on Jan 30th, 2004, 9:37am
Good wishes winging their way over the pond for Tracey.
And also for you, that must have been horrible to witness and be responsible for.

Wendy

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by Flounder on Jan 30th, 2004, 9:47am
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((TRACEY)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Thanks for letting us know Cat,
Prayers and Vibes your way Rox!

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by JDH on Jan 30th, 2004, 9:58am
Thanks Cat.
Thoughts and prayers going out.

Jim

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by Tim_w on Jan 30th, 2004, 10:03am
Sending love and prayers your way Tracey,Remember you are a Clusterhead you can do any thing!!
Thank God she had a Cluster angel like you there with her Cat :-*
Timw

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by ozzman on Jan 30th, 2004, 10:07am
Thnak you Cat for the update. Thi is really something to consider in future treatment, mixing or doing too much Triptan.
I guess we are sometimes a little to permissive in our use of triptans. We are very educated patients and most of the time know more about CH than our own Docs, but at the same time, we are NOT doctors. This is one scary warning. I'm having my heart checked on Tue. just in case.


Get well Tracy, sorry I couldn't meet you this time. But next time, you will be well and will have the pleasure to meet you in person.

Thank you both for your work.

Tracy, Cat, you are in my prayers.

Ozzy

Title: Quick update
Post by Mr.Happy on Jan 30th, 2004, 10:11am
Heard from Rox about 9 AM this morning. Doing good, but hospital breakfast is the pits. Greg's living in the chair next to her bed. Nobody's hovering over her with charged paddles at this point........stress test due this morning before anything else is decided. They'll be making a bee-line for Virginia the minute she's released. Let's hope that will be this afternoon. Cat and Gregory should be there in a few minutes. A big thanks to Lori Choice thru all this.
Drop Rox an email - twasinger@msn.com -  this is one time she could use it.

Don't mix Triptans,
RJ

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by Margi on Jan 30th, 2004, 10:25am
Prayers going up for Roxy.  We're here for you, too, Cat - you did a great job, kiddo!

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by Elaine on Jan 30th, 2004, 11:48am
You know I am going to see you two in TX and when I do After I get done hugging you both and crying. I am going to give Roxy a big talking to. Now Cat your just as bad, nither one of you ever slow down, so your going to get it to from me :-)!!!
Now both of you take care and know I am praying big time!
Love you two

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by BlueMeanie on Jan 30th, 2004, 11:56am
Vibes and Prayers going out to Tracey. Sure hope everything is o.k.

My doctor specifically told me to never mix triptins. He would not even prescribe both of them at the same time. He warned me that it was VERY dangerous. When you take one and it deosen't work, it's hard to not take another when the Beast is still knocking on your head. Please no one else do it. It sucks, but a CH is not as bad as a heart attack.

PFDAN to ALL

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by kissmyglass on Jan 30th, 2004, 12:15pm
holy shit....

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by Woobie on Jan 30th, 2004, 12:18pm
WTF???      :'(



on 01/30/04 at 11:48:01, Elaine wrote:
You know I am going to see you two in TX and when I do After I get done hugging you both and crying. I am going to give Roxy a big talking to. Now Cat your just as bad, nither one of you ever slow down, so your going to get it to from me :-)!!!
Now both of you take care and know I am praying big time!
Love you two



YEah!!    Get 'em E!    

Tracey - sending vibes to ya!!  Big Huge vibes....

and a kiss and a hug!   :-* [smiley=hug.gif]


Prayin for you BOTH!
Tina  

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by Jayne on Jan 30th, 2004, 12:23pm
All I can say is OMG

(((((((((((((((((((((((((ROXY)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
(((((((((((((((((((((((((CAT))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

What a very scary experience that must have been..I for one will never do that now beacause of this story.
I have done it before never again.
PLEASE give her my love and Cat you are the best!!

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by TxBasslady on Jan 30th, 2004, 12:38pm
Tracey......

Guess I don't know what to say.......shit!       :'(

I left voice mail on your cell.

You are in my thoughts and prayers, sweetie!

Cat....Greg & Gregory.........hang in there!  If you need anything at all..........you have the number.

Prayers and much love to ya, Tracey

Jean

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by PatFan on Jan 30th, 2004, 12:43pm
My thoughts and prayers are with her.

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by cakelady on Jan 30th, 2004, 12:47pm
holy shit

lots of prayers going out to both of you

christine

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by Linda_Howell on Jan 30th, 2004, 12:47pm

  OMG...Cat.   What you two have been through lately is unbelievable.   I am in shock to hear this and I will e-mail her right away.  Give her a hug from me please.

I mix Triptans all the time in an effort to declaw the beast.  Guess, I've been lucky til now, cause I sure won't do it again.   Linda

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by ClusterChuck on Jan 30th, 2004, 1:00pm
OMG!!!!!

Paige and I are the only ones here right now, but we both are shocked and so saddened to hear of Tracey's problems!

Please know that the Raleigh get together is sending HUGH collective vibes and prayers her way!

Thank you Cat for being there for her, and letting us know.

Thanks, Randy for the update!  Keep us informed, as we will be checking this all day.

Chuck and Paige

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by kissmyglass on Jan 30th, 2004, 1:00pm
Fuck it...T, I'm bringing ya some Lithium....  Hope you are gone by the time I get there.....
Cat give me a quick call if you get a sec...

I know you guys want out of this state as fast as possible but you have a place to rest right down the road....anytime....

Kev

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by Edna on Jan 30th, 2004, 1:05pm
:'( :'( :'( :'( :'(

CAT, you're an angel. Thank you EVER so much for getting those of us alienated here from you guys the message.

TRACEY.........you know I love you honey!!!  Be tough, and TAKE CARE OF YOURELF.

I'm so glad the two of you were together, and I know you had angels watching over you.

OMG, I'm still in disbelief here.

Greg..........knock that hard head of hers out and make sure she listend to what they tell her to do.

Tracey...........hugs, hugs, tears, tears, hugs, hugs and more love for you than you can imagine.

EDNA


Title: Re: Bad News
Post by Karla on Jan 30th, 2004, 1:32pm
I can't believe this has happened to our very own.  Wow I am so glad the two of you are together.  Get well soon Roxy!

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by Jackie on Jan 30th, 2004, 1:56pm
Another of lifes injustices!!!
We have two fine ladies out doing wonderful work for all of us.  Then something like this happens.....Rox is in the hospital and Cat is probably a wreck.  One thing for sure though....Rox is in good hands and I'm not talking about the medical staff.  Cat will see to it that Rox is taken care of.  CAT, take care of yourself too.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you....Rox, Cat and the family.

You gals know where I am....call me if I can do anything for you.

Love to you all....
Jacks 8)

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by Jayne on Jan 30th, 2004, 2:03pm
ROXY PLEASE PLEASE  ....try Lithium sweetheart....it has changed my life. I have gone from jabbing myself all the time to having NO Ha's in over a month, not even a twinge....and I can  have a "drink" now. I can even get "hammered" and not even get a twinge....Please try it Roxy....it might really give you a well deserved break from the beast and you wouldn't be jabbing yourself constantly!
With all my Love
Jayne

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by 9erfan on Jan 30th, 2004, 2:27pm
OH MAN!  I just read this thread.  I can't believe it!  Thanks Cat for keeping us updated and for taking care of Tracey.   I'm in tears reading this thread.

Tracey- know that I am praying for you & I love you!

Virginia

Title: CatDate
Post by Mr.Happy on Jan 30th, 2004, 2:29pm
Got a call from Cat, 2:15 PM. Stress test done, waiting to see if a nuclear test is necessary to determine if it was simply "Triptan Tricks" or a more serious underlying heart problem. If, given a clean bill, they'll be on the road 10 minutes later, non-stop to Virginia.

Hoping for the best,
RJ

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by ClusterChuck on Jan 30th, 2004, 4:43pm
All of our fingers, toes, hair, and anything else we can think of crossing are crossed!

Prayers and vibes from The Raleigh gang!


Title: Re: Bad News
Post by River_Rat on Jan 30th, 2004, 5:15pm

on 01/30/04 at 10:03:32, Tim_w wrote:
Sending love and prayers your way Tracey,Remember you are a Clusterhead you can do any thing!!
Thank God she had a Cluster angel like you there with her Cat :-*


Well said Tim,    DITTO!!

Norm Thats just shocked!

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by Kevin_M on Jan 30th, 2004, 5:19pm
This seems to have been one bad trip.  A fire, and a hospital emergency stay.  Whew.  Get better and please come home safe and sound.  Sorry to hear of this happening to you.  CHers got to stick together because of things like this.  Glad you's were together during these times.  Best wishes.

Kevin M

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by jonny on Jan 30th, 2004, 5:22pm
DAMN!!!!....What a clusterfuck!

Trace, check your cell text msgs if you need a laugh.

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

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by Tiannia on Jan 30th, 2004, 5:25pm
All the vibes that I have are yours.  Please Tracey take care. Be strong. I know that you have a strong heart to do so much for so many.  

Tiannia

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by Mark C on Jan 30th, 2004, 5:41pm
Dammit!  I hate this shit.....CH just plain SUCKS! Get well soon Tracey and good job Cathy. Yall be careful up there.

Mark

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by Mikey on Jan 30th, 2004, 8:08pm
WOW!!!!!!!! Tracey!!!!  What a horrible time you've had!!  You get better really soon or else girl!!!

Also thanks for the warning Cat!!!

[smiley=hug.gif]  Mikey....

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by stevegeebe on Jan 30th, 2004, 8:24pm
Please take care of yourself Tracey.

You too Greg.

Steve G

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by tsayswhy on Jan 30th, 2004, 8:42pm
Prayers go out to you tracy! get well soon

sending you a hug [smiley=hug.gif] cat i think you would need it after that scary situation

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by Cerberus on Jan 30th, 2004, 8:54pm
And of course, I would be the lLAST to hear about it. Story of my life.....

 Tracey, Cat, Greg, and G-Double.......... I am...well, shocked and bewhildered to hear this news. I'm not generally a church going type, but if there is a God let him hear my prayers for you all now, even if he listens to no more from me ever.

Cat, thanks for the "heads up" and I'm glad it was you there and not someone Tracey didn't know. My thanks, and best wishes. :-*

Tracey............ :-*( normally this is where I'd be chewin' your ass abou this) but since you are recovering (I hope) I'll let it slide. Yer in fer it come convention time tho.  >:( :-* :-*

Guys, take care of our beloved Tracey keep her healthy and sane so I can kick her ass this summer :D

Thats all I got............Vibin'
Ramon

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by Mastifflvr28 on Jan 30th, 2004, 10:15pm
I just got off the phone with Cat and Roxy, they are in the truck and Greg is driving them back to Virginia Beach right now!!

Stress test came out ok...Rox slid out of this mess by the skin of her teeth.  From what Cat described, it's a DAMN good thing she called 911 when she did, cause if it had been any later, Cat thinks Rox would have had a wopper of a heart attack.

Thanks so much for the call you guys...I can now breathe again...whew.

NOW Roxy must take it easy!!  Seriously.

Take care, the 3 of you!
Love to you,
Mast

Title: Wait.........there's more....
Post by Mr.Happy on Jan 30th, 2004, 11:29pm
Thelma and Louise Update

11:20 PM Baltimore Washington Metro  Area

Greg jumped out to fill the truck up with diesel. He landed in a puddle of diesel fuel on the ground. Got back in the truck, and the fumes set off both girls with a good old Kipper from hell. Said shoes are now in the back of the truck, and he's driving in his socks the rest of the way.

There was a slight mis-hap with the large O2 tank. While shifting it between two hard surfaces, Cat's finger kinda got caught in the middle. Care to guess which surface gave first? It's field splinted, and swelling quite nicely. Her ring should come off about the middle of next July.

The O2 level is dropping in the tank. A little over 3 hours to go.

Favorite quote overheard in the background: I thought you turned that god damned fone off!!!

And they lived happily ever after,
RJ

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by TxBasslady on Jan 30th, 2004, 11:36pm
Good grief.........this has GOT to be the trip from hell!!

I am sure that there will come a day when one will find a bit of humor in this saga.    [smiley=huh.gif]

But for now.....I am still keeping these girls (and Greg) uppermost in my thoughts and prayers.

Life goes on..................

Love to you, Cat, Tracey & Greg            :-*

Jean

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by BruceD on Jan 30th, 2004, 11:47pm
Oh my!!  :o I sure hope nothing else happens to those guys. And, right now I'm certainly planning on keeping my distance from both of them in Nashville ... no trigger/chest-pain/diesel-sniffin'/finger-smashin' cooties needed by me.

BruceD

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by Mastifflvr28 on Jan 31st, 2004, 12:35am
Hey Bruce,
You and me both!  Plan on staying on the OTHER SIDE of the Nashville hotel!!

3 more hours...I hope they make it!!!!

Mast

Title: Re: Wait.........there's more....
Post by Woobie on Jan 31st, 2004, 8:42am

on 01/30/04 at 23:29:18, Mr.Happy wrote:
Thelma and Louise Update

11:20 PM Baltimore Washington Metro  Area

Greg jumped out to fill the truck up with diesel. He landed in a puddle of diesel fuel on the ground. Got back in the truck, and the fumes set off both girls with a good old Kipper from hell. Said shoes are now in the back of the truck, and he's driving in his socks the rest of the way.

There was a slight mis-hap with the large O2 tank. While shifting it between two hard surfaces, Cat's finger kinda got caught in the middle. Care to guess which surface gave first? It's field splinted, and swelling quite nicely. Her ring should come off about the middle of next July.

The O2 level is dropping in the tank. A little over 3 hours to go.

Favorite quote overheard in the background: I thought you turned that god damned fone off!!!

And they lived happily ever after,
RJ



Jones - are you JOKING??   Is this a joke?  I cant tell!

Tracey and Cat and Gregg... good Gawd!   Are you home yet??  Are you ok??/   I've been at work all night wondering if you all are ok!

You KNOW how I am...  ;;D

Glad to hear you're out of the hospital, Rox....

[smiley=heart.gif]yous guys...
Tina

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by Little Deb on Jan 31st, 2004, 9:06am
Morning all.......did Larry, Curly and Mo make it home yet??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????




The Raleigh Gang wants to know......little deb [smiley=huh.gif]

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by helpless23 on Jan 31st, 2004, 9:10am
Love and prayers to you Tracey.

Toni

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by ShariRae on Jan 31st, 2004, 9:37am
Holy shyttttttttttttttt...
What a trip :(   But I do hafta agree what earlier posts that if Tracy was going to be "sick" she was indeed blessed to have cat with her...Great job recognizing that she needed help & taking action!
"Safely home huggs to all of you"
Shari

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by t_h_b on Jan 31st, 2004, 10:03am
Wow.  What a nightmare.

Did you all got home (relatively) safely?  Is Tracey okay?  Is Cat's finger  okay?

I'll be sending you positive thoughts.  Bet you'll be glad to get home.

Please take care--

Thomas




Title: Re: Bad News
Post by catlind on Jan 31st, 2004, 10:14am
Thelma and Louise reporting here (T says she is the one who slept with Brad Pitt..can anyone set us straight as to which one of us is which?) ;)

We are back in Virginia Beach, arrived at 4:00 a.m.  Tracey is sleeping and doing well.  No heart attack and no heart damage, however was told with no uncertain terms how damn close she came.

When they got her in ER her ECG's were not good, bad and worse instead of getting better.  Here cardiac enzymes on the first test were off, indicating that she may have been having a heart attack.  I have no doubt that without immediate medical attention she would have suffered a full heart attack.  It was 100% triptan related...that whole mixing of triptans.  

If there was anything to be gained from this, it's that hopefully others will learn and be very careful not to mix any triptans, to include experimental ones!  More on that later.

I'm just glad that if it had to happen, it happened when it did.  She had been feeling better, and I shudder to think what would have happened if she continued to feel better until her next headache and next triptan...I can say with the tears in my eyes still that it wouldn't have been as fortunate an ending.

She came as close as you come and walk away to talk about it.

My finger is fine, broken fingers are no biggie, it's now crooked to match the middle finger on my other hand :)

Crash and burn today...don't expect much from Thelma and Louise, we are under strict orders to sit back and do nothing.  

What a trip...of course, I actually have to get on an airplane tomorrow and fly through winter weather...my share of the adventure isn't over yet.

RJ..just remember, forget the blackbox get the damn laptop! ;)

Luv to all
Cat

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by Mastifflvr28 on Jan 31st, 2004, 10:20am
SO glad to hear you guys made it home.
Now GO TO BED!!

Cat, hope the rest of your trip is better, and I hope all 3 of ya's gets some rest.

Love to you
Mast

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by TomM on Jan 31st, 2004, 11:13am
Thelma and Louise. That's them. Can anything else happen? Cat paged me Friday morning while I was waiting in the Vet's office. Bad connection but I got the jist.
I was very disappointed to miss them on the return trip but COMPLETELY understand.
Broken finger? Good thing it wasn't the one you use tell people they're #1.
I love the smell of diesel except when I'm clustering. Dam.
Rest, my ladies. Rest.  :)
Yawl are in my prayers.

TomM

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by JDH on Jan 31st, 2004, 11:46am
What a long strange trip it's been.
Sitting back and doing nothing sounds like a good idea after what you guys have been through the past few days. Glad all is well with Tracey and for christsakes Cat, good luck tomorrow.

Jim

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by firebrix on Jan 31st, 2004, 3:03pm
Let's hope that this will be a nice, boring week for Cat, Roxy and Greg! The last one was quite an adventure!!
All the best for your trip home Cat.
Get well soon Roxy; rest as long as you can, and thanx for being there for them SupermanGreg!
firebrix

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by Edna on Jan 31st, 2004, 6:22pm
WOW so glad you guys made it there safe.

And, actually, you had better NOT even be reading this yet, you better be resting. Hope Greg is seeing to that.

Cat, will be thinking of you and praying for you a safe trip, be careful.

Thankful all is good Tracey, now rest.

love,
EDNA

pst...........GREAT BIG THANK YOU Greg, take care of dem women!!  CLARK too...MAKE THEM REST!!!!!!!!!!!

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by fubar on Jan 31st, 2004, 6:47pm
This is what the US refers to as 'Shock and Awe"

I'm stunned and amazed.  I can't wait for the book.

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by Woobie on Jan 31st, 2004, 6:52pm
WOW

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by Donna H. on Jan 31st, 2004, 7:08pm
What an awful experience! I'm really glad that you, Cat, got her to the hospital on time to avert any damage.  I wonder what her 2nd cardiac enzyme test read....that's usually the highest one.

Tracey..we're sure glad that you got there on time and pray that you will be as good as new really soon.

This is another fact about our meds that should probably be highlighted here on ch.com.

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by Renee on Jan 31st, 2004, 9:54pm
Speechless here!

I disappear for a few days to the casinos and come back and read all of this!

WOW!!  What a week!  Cat..let us know when you are safely back home.

And, it wasn't thelma or louise that slept with brad pitt...it was me!!   ;;D

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by suzy617 on Feb 1st, 2004, 7:57am
Wow, this really did sound like a trip from Hell!
Glad you girls are safe and sound now.  Roxy you take care of yourself.  Cat, hope ya fingers are feeling better.  
I'm exhausted just reading this...

Hugs to both of you,
Suzy

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by catlind on Feb 1st, 2004, 8:16am
If you're exhausted after reading about this and the fire, just wait til we give the report on all that was accomplished.

It was an extremely productive trip for clusterheads everywhere, and very exhausting week.

We just need to impress on everyone the importance of mixing triptans, and should you end up in a cardiac situation the importance of no nitro if you are a clusterhead.  When they gave me nitro for my little cardiac adventure it sent all their monitors screaming and I wasn't near as dammit to heart attack.  The stress of a nitro induced cluster attack on Tracey scares the hell out of me...I think it would have killed her.

Good things to come, especially now that we know Thelma is ok :)

Cat

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by Roxy on Feb 1st, 2004, 9:16pm
Thelma reporting in here…..they finally let me back on the computer…..I was being denied access for some reason….LOL.

I can’t tell you enough how much everyone’s words here, in email and on the phone meant to me.  When I am feeling a little better, I’ll answer all the emails, but it’s going to have to wait till I’m back up to par.  Much as I hate to admit it…..I’m not quite there yet.

It was an exciting and eventful week, but the most exciting thing was what was accomplished at the New England Center for Headaches.  The timing couldn’t have been better….they were as ready for us as we were for them.  Cat will post everything as soon as she can catch her breath (and after the small breakdown she will have as soon as she is enveloped into Clark’s arms tonight….she is due).  What notes we were going to post….well, that got a little sidetracked by the hotel fire.  And, then what we were going to work on in the truck…..well, that got a little sidetracked by the ambulances, police and EMT’s.

I am glad that Cat posted about the mixing of triptans.  What scares me, is that this was not the first time I have done that.  I did it both nights at the Iowa get together…..so, thinking that it hadn’t made a difference in the past, I didn’t hesitate to do it again.  DON’T BE FOOLED BY THAT!!!!!  Just because you’ve gotten away with it before, doesn’t mean your body will react the same every time.  My cardiologist just sat in the ER and shook his head at what I had put into my body.  He even said….” I don’t think there is one vasoconstrictor that you haven’t ingested.”  I also know, that had I kept going, I would have taken another shot of trex.  The results of that…..I don’t even want to think about.  Needless to say, my self-medicating days are over.  I have a new neurologist at NECH now, and I don’t think he will take kindly to that kind of behavior.

I do want to say one thing.  I know that had I not been with Cat, I’m not sure I would have made it.  Greg and I are both aware, that had it not been for her quick thinking and actions, the day would have ended much more tragically.  I know that sounds a little melodramatic, but this was repeated by the doctors also.  From the time I knew it was bad, and heading south fast……Cat had medical attention for me within five minutes.  By that point, my body was in shock and I was unable to speak.  And here is another point that I think all clusterheadache sufferers and their families should be made aware of.  If you are having issues with your heart, please don’t even try to EXPLAIN that you can’t take nitroglycerin…..just tell them you are allergic.  Even with Cat yelling over the sirens…..”She’s allergic!!!!”, they still wanted to give it to me.  In the ER when I set off all the alarms, the cardiologist asked her again….”Now, why can’t she have nitro?”  It was then explained to me, that with my heart in the condition it was already in, a cluster on top of that would have sent me straight to the ICU with a massive heart attack….or straight to the morgue.  One of the two, and I’d rather not know which place I would have gone to.

Our own little catlind did save my life this week.  Her and Greg both deserve some kind of award for what they endured. Cat, for her quick thinking….and Greg for dealing so well with us on the 10 hour drive home.  Two women, both getting hammered about every 30 minutes with a ch (and needless to say….no triptans), no 02 , bad food that made us all sick, broken fingers, three cell phones ringing continuously, barefoot in 14 degree weather.  We did have 10 ice packs the hospital had provided, and we used every last one of them before we hit Virginia.  I think he was really glad to finally unload us…LOL.

But what pisses me off the most….they endured this because of my stupidity.  I KNOW not to mix triptans, the doctors have told me that.  But, like everyone that thinks they’re bulletproof….you just don’t ever think it’s going to happen to you.

Please, please don’t let it happen to anyone else.  Cat might not be sitting beside you when it happens.

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by Renee on Feb 1st, 2004, 9:34pm
Roxy,

I'm SO glad to see you are to the point of getting online and letting all know how you are doing.  Had you not got released relatively quickly I think that hospital would have been full of CH'ers pulling you thru this as we need you in so many ways.

What I mean is...you put your health at risk to get things moving along with NECH for the better of us all and we would not have allowed you to leave and quit this fight.

Cat..you are the woman!!  I hope you are blessed with the warmth of knowing you have saved a life and the two of you make prime role models for what succeeding in adversity is all about.

bless you both
renee

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by Little Deb on Feb 1st, 2004, 9:36pm
Oh goodness....here I sit in tears....
I am so glad you both are ok, and all home safe.

Big hugs to all of you! [smiley=hug.gif]


luv you guys!!!!!

Little Deb

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by Ann on Feb 1st, 2004, 10:05pm
Wow you guys!!  Talk about a week from hell!

Tracey, I'm glad you're ok..and I have taken your warning to heart...no pun intended.  I'm glad Cat was with you and that she is so quick to react.  I want me a Cat if ever I'm in trouble!!

I'm sending you both "get into bed and don't come up for air for a week" vibes.  Use and abuse girls!  You deserve it like nobody's business!

hugs
Ann

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by ZAIRA on Feb 2nd, 2004, 1:51pm
Trecy, please rest and get better, when you get a chance to read these please know that you have many friends and we are all pulling for you and wishing you the best. Love to you, Zazi :'(

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by t_h_b on Mar 22nd, 2004, 9:09pm
Bumped for HypnoticFreddy

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by fubar on Mar 22nd, 2004, 10:34pm
Somebody (catlind) should change the topic to read 'Read this Freddy'

;;D

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by cootie on Mar 23rd, 2004, 12:03am
WOW......I just heard about ALL of this.......sounds like a very close call Rox......guess this is one of life's little learning expiriences we hear about and sounds like you were in good hands to be around to say you learn'd sumthin new. So glad yer ok.........hope yer finger heals fast Cat......jus glad ya's didn't drive off a cliff Pam  

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by Luke63 on Mar 23rd, 2004, 8:11am
Lots of Love and Prayers.....Be safe and Take care.   Luke

Title: Re: Bad News
Post by miapet on Mar 23rd, 2004, 11:51am
holy moly . . .I branch out and start to read other boards and threads .. .
I hope all is much better for everyone . . .
*positive energy and light*
(most serious  mom voice:  take care of yourselves!) miapet



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