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        New Message Board Archives >> 2004-2005 Getting to Know Ya Posts >> Hello
        
(Message started by: RPS on Jul 16^th, 2004, 7:03pm)

Title: Hello
Post by RPS on Jul 16^th, 2004, 7:03pm

I'm new to this message board, but have been on this site many times.

I have had CH for at least 10 years. Can't remember the exact date they started. My cycles usually start in October/November and last about 30-45 days. I only seem to get one HA a day and can go for 2-3 days without a HA. I feel lucky in that respect as it seems many others have a much harder time.

I am in a cycle now. I am hopeful it will be ending soon.

This is a great site. I receive a lot of useful info from it.

RPS

Title: Re: Hello
Post by Kris_in_SJ on Jul 16^th, 2004, 7:58pm

Hi RPS - Welcome. Sorry you have to be here.

What helps your CH? Meds, alternative treatments, etc.?

We're always anxious to hear about the things that work (or don't work) for others.

Hugs,

Kris

Title: Re: Hello
Post by mynm156 on Jul 17^th, 2004, 12:50am

Dear RPS,

Welcome and I pray you have PF days ahead!!

GOOD VIBES

MYNM156

Title: Re: Hello
Post by RPS on Jul 19^th, 2004, 5:50pm

Thanks for welcoming me in.

Basically when I am in a cycle I try and drink lots of H2O and stay in a cool environment. When I exercise or my body temp heats up I tend to get a HA. I try and stay as relaxed as I can.

When I have headaches I usually ride them out. I try and relax as much as I can and I actually fall asleep toward the end of my HA. When I wake up the HA's are gone. I know its not normal to be able to sleep.

I have been keeping track of my HA's. My cycle started on 7/22/04 and I have had a total of 14 HA's to date. My last cycle was from 9/10/03 to 10/15/03, a little over a month. I am almost at 1 month for my current cycle so I am hoping for an end soon. They usually last about a month or so. Although my longest cycle was 5 months.

Its nice to be able to vent a little...

Thanks Again,
RPS

Title: Re: Hello
Post by Superpain on Jul 19^th, 2004, 7:44pm

Hello...
Welcome...
Get some O2! No need to suffer if you don't have to.
Get your doc to prescribe it or hit the welding shop. Either way, it's a lifesaver!

Title: Re: Hello
Post by Kris_in_SJ on Jul 19^th, 2004, 8:10pm

Have you been actually diagnosed with CH by a doc?

If not, you should be seeing a doc to give the the diagnosis - The best reason being that no person should have to "ride out" an entire cycle. There are treatments and meds available to help you cope, and some that will break a cycle.

The second best reason is, that for many of of, the beast only increases in cycle intensity as time goes along - we NEED abortives and preventative meds to keep us from taking a high dive from the nearest 50-story building.

Not trying to scare you - just telling it like it is.

Hugs and best wishes,

Kris

Title: Re: Hello
Post by RPS on Jul 22^nd, 2004, 6:57pm

Thanks for the advise... I am taking it... I have an appointment with a neuro at a headache clinic in SoCal early next week.

Thought my cycle was over, my head felt "normal" and it felt like my cycle was coming to an end. Then last night I woke up to a HA. At first I thought I was dreaming and tried to sleep it off. But it eventually got my full attention. Lasted about 2 hours. I'm tired today...

Title: Re: Hello
Post by RPS on Jul 27^th, 2004, 6:33pm

Went to the Neuro this morning and he diagnosed me with CH. Prescribed Verapamil and gave me Imitrex Injections.

I felt a HA coming on so I used the Imitrex. My HA was gone in about 10 min. I am very encouraged by all of this.

Title: Re: Hello
Post by Giovanni on Jul 27^th, 2004, 7:09pm

Hi RPS,

Imitrex is a wonderful abortive as I have used hundreds. It is also a double edged sword if used too much. I know that is not your case at this point. You might want to also obtain some O2 and see what the results are. I had used it some years ago with poor results, but later found I had the wrong mask and flow rate.

Anyway, welcome and I hope you cycle end soon.

John

Title: Re: Hello
Post by Joshman420 on Jul 28^th, 2004, 1:30pm

Hi,

I just wanted to also welcome you to the board. This website is the best.

I noticed you are in Orange County California. I also live in Orange County. in Buena Park.

I was diagnosed with Clusters about 5 years ago.

I would be interested in talking more with you.

JOSHMAN

Title: Re: Hello
Post by RPS on Jul 28^th, 2004, 3:27pm

Hi Josh,

Wouldn't mind talking to you too. I'll send you an email.

Had another headache this morning. Took the imitrex again. Worked like a charm. Since I started taking the Verapamil I have had two headaches in the last two days. I usually go a couple of days HA free. I am paranoid this med is increasing the frequency of my HA. Also, I'm a little nervous about taking the Imitrex so often. I know I just started using it, but how much is too much?