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        New Message Board Archives >> 2004 Posts >> Im Back
        
(Message started by: Spooky96 on Mar 11^th, 2004, 5:26pm)

Title: Im Back
Post by Spooky96 on Mar 11^th, 2004, 5:26pm

Hello All -
Ive fortunatelly been pain free for approx 3 yrs as my last bout with CH was in 2001. Thankfully, the monsters in my head took a little vacation so that I could perform my military duties in Afghanistan and Iraq. I dont know what I would have done if a CH would have plagued me while out there doing the mission. Sorry to say, but Ive recently awoken the beasts in my head and Im on my second week of sporadic suffering. Most recently, Ive suffered two such bouts that went on for 3 hours!! Ive never had em so bad in my life. Could be the stress of the job, but Im not sure. I do know that Cheese and dairy products are a trigger...thats what caused my bout last night.

So here I am...back in your presence and willing to offer up any experiences and remedies that may come my way.

Title: Re: Im Back
Post by echo on Mar 11^th, 2004, 5:30pm

Sorry you have been found once again by the beast.

BTW - heartfelt Vet thanks for putting your ass on the line for our country, my family and me.

Title: Re: Im Back
Post by stuey on Mar 12^th, 2004, 10:29am

I could never thank you for your sacrifices for your country. I was in the Navy but during peacetime and the dangers you've faced, may still face and others as well . . . thanks don't seem enough to say. As for your CH I do understand them, for I seem to get them every three years as well. Had no ideas about cheese and dairy products as triggers, just try staying away from alcohol. Are you on verapamil? Hopefully with your medical coverage you get all the Imitrex you need. Hope your bout with these things doesn't last much longer. Be well. Stuey

Title: Re: Im Back
Post by aprilbee on Mar 12^th, 2004, 10:39am

*bump* both posts....hope you find relief soon!

Title: Re: Im Back
Post by Spooky96 on Mar 15^th, 2004, 5:35pm

Stuey, et al
Thanks for the gratitude and support. Its always been both an honor and pleasure to serve with america's finest out there.

As far as the CHs go, I usually go through 30-60 day cycles. I have no idea what brings em on. Initially throught that it was stress, but I doubt it given my past two years experience. I try to avoid alcoholo as well...and yes, Im on Verapamil right now. Not sure if its working on not...as I stil get a daily CH.

As far as Imitrex goes, you know how the military is with meds. You have to be pretty bad off to get the best drugs. Im on the list for an MRI tomorrow - of course, Im still waiting for a Neurology appointment. Kinda frustrating jumping through all these loops to get the attention and treatment you need. Oh well, and so it goes....

What of symptoms - ? Any similarities? Did you experience em on active duty as well?

Title: Re: Im Back
Post by john123 on Mar 15^th, 2004, 6:11pm

I used to get them during active duty in the Navy around 92-93. The first time I was diagnosed with them was when I was a plane captain in Sicily. I was directing huge airplanes onto the airfield and getting frickin CH's, they did not understand CH's so they would not let me off duty when I was attacked. At that time, the only thing they prescribed was Lidocaine and it made my nose raw and did not seem to help unless I caught it at the very start. The only way I could cope and work with it is to peek out one eye and take it really slow. It sucked.

I hope your's don't cause you too much bother

Title: Re: Im Back
Post by Mr.Happy on Mar 15^th, 2004, 8:19pm

on 03/11/04 at 17:26:14, Spooky96 wrote:

Thankfully, the monsters in my head took a little vacation so that I could perform my military duties in Afghanistan and Iraq. I dont know what I would have done if a CH would have plagued me while out there doing the mission............Could be the stress of the job, but Im not sure.

Man......some people will do ANYTHING to avoid CH.

on 03/11/04 at 17:26:14, Spooky96 wrote:

So here I am...back in your presence and willing to offer up any experiences and remedies that may come my way.

If there's one thing in this world I like it's a good story. Sorry I didn't know you in the elder days.

Glad you made it back in one piece. Something we're saying all to often......hope one day we won't have to say it anymore. Thanks.

Luck bagging the CH,
RJ

Title: Re: Im Back
Post by BlueMeanie on Mar 15^th, 2004, 8:43pm

Spooky,

Sorry to hear your clusters are back. Glad to hear they stayed away during your time helping our country.

Thanks sooo much dude.

May you have PFDAN to come.

Title: Re: Im Back
Post by ZAIRA on Mar 16^th, 2004, 4:01pm

Hi...... Just to let you know that I am thinking of you and I hope that you feel better soon.... Please stay as well as possible.

Love and best wishes, Zaira :-/

Title: Re: Im Back
Post by Charlie on Mar 17^th, 2004, 4:20am

Very happy to have you back. Regardless of politics the military does a terrific job.

Sorry about your getting hit with this horror again. Sucks bigtime. You might try some strenuous exercise. It has worked for a few now and then. Sleep in a recliner too. I had one less attack when I did.

Keep posting and let us know how you're doing. Chin up.

Charlie

Title: Re: Im Back
Post by Spooky96 on Mar 17^th, 2004, 12:11pm

Charlie - I did just that last night - exercising that is. Felt a CH coming on and still decided to hit the gym. Forutunately I was able to put the pain off till after I went to sleep. Then it hit me. Thought about running around the block some, but I live in DC, and figured it wouldnt be the best thing to do...running at 2am in the city of Arlington....so I decided to grin and bear it all.

John123 - Having CHs on duty must have sucked real bad! I cant even imagine. Bad enough to squint and look through scopes...of in my case, flying with NVGs on. The amount of pressure a CH causes...I cant even imagine putting on a helmet, yet alone adding another 10lbs to that load just to see at night. God bless you in doing what you did and still dealing with these monsters.

Zaira -- love the photos... (I think). You flipping off the CHs? That dude? Me? Or just in general? ;)