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        New Message Board Archives >> 2004-2005 Getting to Know Ya Posts >> Convinced...but
        
(Message started by: Rmatt on Feb 11^th, 2004, 10:36am)

Title: Convinced...but
Post by Rmatt on Feb 11^th, 2004, 10:36am

First of all, thanks so much to all of you for the support.

After reviewing info, taking the quiz, comparing, etc., I feel convinced that I too suffer from CH. Only thing is, this is the FIRST cycle I've had that wakes me from sleep. Have I "evolved" in some horrible way?

So now I'm off to GNC and the drug store to look for things to help (considering I have no more Imitrex and don't have a prescription for O2). - - - what should I get? Seems melatonin is a good start??

I've already begun pounding water (pretending it's beer that I can no longer drink).

My headaches last night were shorter and milder than the previous nights but I'm carrying around "that feeling" in the left side of my head.

Please advise on OTC. I can't thank you all enough or express how much this site has helped me in the last 24 hrs!!

Matt

Title: Re: Convinced...but
Post by TxBasslady on Feb 11^th, 2004, 11:56am

Hi Matt,

Welcome to the board.

I, too, had my CH in the middle of the night. Always around 2:30 - 3 a.m.

Alot of folks here have had success with the melatonin. Also some take benadryl. Dramamine has been used by several, too. Seems to be the general consensus is that you need to stay out of REM.....that is when the beast usually hits. The benadryl and dramamine will (for some) prevent them from getting in that deep sleep mode.

Unfortunately, not everything works for all of us.

You will find an amazing amount of information here.

Let us know how things go for you. Usually someone here around the clock.

PF vibes,

Jean

Title: Re: Convinced...but
Post by Cerberus on Feb 11^th, 2004, 7:47pm

Rmatt,

Geez,the first cycle sucks ass, but, you already know that ;). Melatonin is a good start, along with the ice packs, water, strong black coffee (a caffine thing I believe). I'd stay away from certain things like ginseng (only bad new to report on that) and other herbal remedies as no one really knows for certain what triggers and what prevents etc.
The best method is to find a good doctor or neurologist and get proper medical treatment (as best as it is known) Print out the pertinant things from those buttons we directed you too and take them along. Frequently you may find that doctors say "Cluster What??" or are not receptive to input. Unfortunate but reality just the same.
You mentioned that insurance was a rather large issue in your case. So to avoid future problems try to get some BEFORE a diagnosis so they cant rule you out as a "pre-existing" condition. Insurance isnt a garantee of good medical treatment but it sure does help ease the cost. If you can't get insurance, I advise that you do whatever you have to to get medical help no matter what that may be, be true to your needs first. Sweat the money later ya know?!

My first cycle was a complete bitch, I had insurance and meds (getting the O2 proved to be quite a challenge regardless) I was still new with the immitrx thing and this place helped me immensely. We are here to help, don't give up no matter how difficult things get, and if ya don't know ASK.

Best o luck,
Ramon

Title: Re: Convinced...but
Post by don on Feb 11^th, 2004, 10:14pm

Dramamine. It helps you sleep and if you dream about going sailing you wont get sick.

Title: Re: Convinced...but
Post by ClusterChuck on Feb 11^th, 2004, 11:29pm

on 02/11/04 at 10:36:26, Rmatt wrote:

Only thing is, this is the FIRST cycle I've had that wakes me from sleep. Have I "evolved" in some horrible way?

Matt, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the beast you are fighting is one slippery son of a bitch! Just when you think you have it nailed as to what works for you, the bastard changes.

I have now had CH for 26 years. I can't tell you how many times the beast has changed, and still continues to change. That is one of the reasons it is so much trouble fighting the bastard! He is one tricky bastard!

Good luck,
Chuck

Title: Darwin gone bad
Post by rumplestiltskin on Feb 12^th, 2004, 2:33am

Yea....what Chuster Cluck said.

We are walkin in a bad neihborhood....never know when or how we'll get mugged next. There are so many neat varibles to try...switchin sides, periodic to chronic, meds that abort for some and trigger for you, cold triggers-Hot aborts, hot triggers-cold aborts, exercise makes ya gain weight...i can't take it I tell ya!

Love
den