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        New Message Board Archives >> 2004 Posts >> Cigarettes
        
(Message started by: Ultra_Bob on Aug 1^st, 2004, 3:35pm)

Title: Cigarettes
Post by Ultra_Bob on Aug 1^st, 2004, 3:35pm

I've been in a cycle for just over two weeks. Alcohol is a definate trigger for me. Here's the rub. When I drink, I generally have a smoke or two. They go hand-in-hand. I quit both when this cycle started. Aside from this cycle being a right-sided affair (I'm usually a "lefty), it's been a difficult one to get my arms around. I use the usual abortives (O2 and Maxalt) but have several breakthroughs during the day. My question: Since smoking cigarettes is a vaso-constrictor, wouldn't it stand to reason that this would help? I'm willing to try anything. Thanks in advance.

Title: Re: Cigarettes
Post by Charlie on Aug 1^st, 2004, 4:07pm

Can't prove a thing yet but I was 23, and a heavy smoker when they began in 1969. I quit in 1980 when I was 34 but the CH went on for 11 more years until 1991 when they disappeared. Doesn't quite work out.....

However, never have I been around a higher percentage of smokers than when meeting clusterheads. At the convention in July, out of about 100 of them, about 90 or so smoked....usually a lot.

Makes ya wonder.

Charlie

Title: Re: Cigarettes
Post by kimh on Aug 1^st, 2004, 4:15pm

Smoking is a filthy disgusting and deadly habit. I love my ciggs and hate that i love them so much.

I've made the same observations as in Charlie's post above.

I don't think that picking those ciggarettes back up is going to affect your clusters one way or another.

Good luck and PF wishes.

Title: Re: Cigarettes
Post by Melissa on Aug 1^st, 2004, 4:20pm

Before my last cycle began (July-Aug of 2003), I had been quit for 1 yr and 4 months. My cycle began and it was unmedicated for the 1st half of it. The pain was the most intense I've ever had in my life after having clusters for 14yrs. I broke down and bought a pack. After I got back to smoking, I was able to ride out my attacks until I could get to see a neuro who rx'd Trex and Depakote. I quit again in March of this year, but started back up again 3 weeks ago. I can't explain it, but the smoking did help me deal with my attacks. Wish it wouldn't have, cause I'm still kicking myself to this day for starting up again. I am hoping to quit again as soon as I'm ready.

Take care,
Melissa

Title: Re: Cigarettes
Post by Giovanni on Aug 1^st, 2004, 4:49pm

I have heard, don't remember where, that tobacco is a vaso-constrictor, but not with Clusterheads. I believe I heard this from the nurse at Nashville?

Also with the screwed up seratonin in Clusterheads leads to addictive behavior.

John

[smiley=smokin.gif]

Title: Re: Cigarettes
Post by Carl_D on Aug 1^st, 2004, 6:47pm

Started at age 10. Have quit twice, the last time being for 2 straight months. Still had the beast riding my head.
Started again when Fibro wracked me up in June.
Still Smokin'.
CD

Title: Re: Cigarettes
Post by IndianaJohn on Aug 1^st, 2004, 7:41pm

Cigarettes are definately a vascular constrictor. I use them with caffine to abort lower level HA's. Sometimes, 1 or 2 cig's and some pepsi will kill an attack.

For what it's worth,

John

Title: Re: Cigarettes
Post by pubgirl on Aug 1^st, 2004, 7:46pm

If anyone actually needs a reason to give up/not start smoking, the advice for Ch sufferers is very strongly to give up as long term the smoking damage to your heart and circulatory system may make it too dangerous for you to use most of the CH abortives and prophylactics currently available.
Long term smokers (of which I am one, so I can't preach) could be left with 02 as their only option.

Too scary.

Wendy

Title: Re: Cigarettes
Post by don on Aug 1^st, 2004, 8:45pm

Quote:

could be left with 02 as their only option.

Option? Could end up being mandatory for long term smokers, CH or not.

Title: Re: Cigarettes
Post by Charlie on Aug 2^nd, 2004, 5:26am

Life is so much less complicated when you quit. It's too expensive anyway.

Been a PITA for 24 years :o

Charlie

Title: Re: Cigarettes
Post by CJohnson on Aug 2^nd, 2004, 9:06am

on 08/02/04 at 05:26:12, Charlie wrote:

Life is so much less complicated when you quit.

You said it, Brother.

PFDANs
-Curtis