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        New Message Board Archives >> 2004-2005 Getting to Know Ya Posts >> New here but not to CH
        
(Message started by: RandyB on Nov 8^th, 2004, 4:29pm)

Title: New here but not to CH
Post by RandyB on Nov 8^th, 2004, 4:29pm

Hey everyone I finally found some people around who have an idea of pain is. I am a episodic suffer, and the time has come for me to suffer again. I was in remission since april, and it started again last week I new it I new the miniute I had the baby one and tried to dismiss it as a common headache, But today the level 5 came and I know its back I also know I am in for a 3month stint so I am sure you all will hear from me again.

I have had CH for the last 8 yrs or so off and on the longest remission I had was a year and ahalf and that was 4 yrs ago. ANd for the last 4 yrs. its been 3 mo. episodes once or twice a year. Well its time to break out the Trex.

Speaking of which does anyone get the high dose pill? I get them. and cut them in 3rds its easy to do as they are triangular in shape. Toward the peak of my cuyle I cut them in half. My question is: I this bad for me as I am taking a med that isnt coated on one side? I like it better as it seams to work faster.

Anyway hello all nice to be in the comfort of others in the same boat.

Title: Re: New here but not to CH
Post by BobG on Nov 8^th, 2004, 5:05pm

Hello Randy. Glad to meet you but sad you had to come here.
I can't answer your question about the safety of using the split imitrex pills but I'm sure someone will be along shortly to answer.
Stick around and keep us informed on how you're doing.

Title: Re: New here but not to CH
Post by thebbz on Nov 8^th, 2004, 7:39pm

I do the 100mg pills sometimes, I chew them quickly and swallow, the faster the better for me. They also come in 20mg, so whats the problem with a half? I am :P :)no doc but I do it. Welcome and hello
BB

Title: Re: New here but not to CH
Post by Tetris-addict on Nov 9^th, 2004, 7:32am

The coating is only to protect the stomach.

If you have no symptoms of heartburn or what not
then you have a strong enough stomach....

coating medicine came out when asprin and Advil
started causing stomach upset....

some meds ask you take with a full glass of water,
others say take before or after meals....

I know nuprin ate away at the mucus lining....
causing "ulcer" like pain
in my hubby when he had back pain....

having a meal first did away with the stomach trouble.

Title: Re: New here but not to CH
Post by RandyB on Nov 9^th, 2004, 8:14am

Yeah I didnt think it would be too bad for me. Well just like clockwork the 7pm came last night even after pounding tons of water from 4pm to 7pm. So I got out the trex cut me a 1/3 off and I forgot how bad these these pills kick your ass. Been awhile since I had to take them last. Thanks to all that replied to my post its only been a few days since they started but this site has really helped me emotionally.

Great site keep up the good work

Title: Re: New here but not to CH
Post by RandyB on Nov 9^th, 2004, 2:16pm

Her I am at work 2pm and it here just like clockwork, And I forgot my tre at home. So I just got up and left work and drove home took the med and drove like crazy to get back. No one seams to realize I was gone. Now all I have to do hope the trex kicks in before the full blown hurt comes. ANY way ned to stop tping cause I cant anymore

Title: Re: New here but not to CH
Post by RandyB on Nov 9^th, 2004, 3:01pm

AAhhhh reflief thank you trex for killing my pain and making me feel super lazy.

Title: Re: New here but not to CH
Post by Kris_in_SJ on Nov 9^th, 2004, 8:16pm

Hi Randy,

Welcome - but sorry you have to be here.

I think you must be really lucky in some respects, if the pills work for you. Most people don't respond well to them cause they take so long to work. Maybe cutting them or chewing them is the answer! I'm an autoinject girl, myself - 5 minute relief.

Have you tried preventatives like Verapamil? They sure help in cutting my cycle time down. A Prednisone taper can also abort or shorten a cycle.

Keep posting and ask for support if you need it.

Kris

Title: Re: New here but not to CH
Post by RandyB on Nov 9^th, 2004, 9:26pm

yeah the pills only work when I am being very aware of he condition i can sense an attack prolly 10-15 min before it become a definate shadow 5 mins of shadow and KaPowee kip 7-9 depending. I have to take the pills before the shadow or just at the beging of the shadow to have them be effective and They HAVE to be cut or chewed up before swallow. Then I top out at about a kip5-6 for only 10mins or so which seems like 5 hours. then I get the good ole trex after effects

I am going to the doctor again very soon hopefully tomorrow or thursday as my 100mg Trex script has expired ( I only have one and onethird pills left 4 doses)and the pharm wont fill again till I see the doc.

Title: Re: New here but not to CH
Post by thebbz on Nov 10^th, 2004, 8:46pm

Hey there Randy,
Hope the pills are holding up. I too can only use the pills when the regular schedule is running, usually the injector is all that works. Have you tried the other vascular constrictors, frova ,relpax? They may fit in for ya when the insurance denies the trex. Just a thought. All the best
BB

Title: Re: New here but not to CH
Post by RandyB on Nov 11^th, 2004, 8:55am

OK,

So this is a load of crap. And I am sure many of you have experienced this as well. Yesterday I went to my family doctor as I always do. We decided to try out the topamax. we are going to ween me on it with small doses for the first two weeks and then step it up. I hope this helps!!!.

Anyway I went to get my prescription filled for my imitrex pills and my doctor always prescribes me with 100 ea of 100mg pills nice eh? Well my old insurance used to fill it no problems 20 bucks! for 1400.00 worth of meds :D . Well I switch insurance over the last few months to my new work as they pay for it. Well I just found out that they will only allow me 18 pills a month! :o What in the hell is that gonna do? and it cost me 40 bucks!

I may be able to do somethings about it I have to make some calls today I will let you all know whats up

Title: Re: New here but not to CH
Post by Giovanni on Nov 11^th, 2004, 10:05am

Hi RandyB,

That's probably about average for most people. You have to learn ye ole stock up the cabinets trick that most people use. Save up during the good months for the bad ones.

I used to get 18 auto injects (9 Boxes) per month for $20.

John

Title: Re: New here but not to CH
Post by sevlow on Nov 11^th, 2004, 10:38am

RandyB,

Yeah, it all depends upon your insurance plan. I got a package of 9 pills and it cost me $25, because it was the brand name drug and there apparently is not a knockoff drug made for Imitrex at this time.

Chris

Title: Re: New here but not to CH
Post by RandyB on Nov 11^th, 2004, 3:54pm

Thanks for the stock up advise I gave that athought last summer but you know how us clusterheads are during our PFD wee hee it wont come back for a while.

GOt my Neuro Appt for dec 6th hopefully he can get me medicated correctly and talk some sense into the DA Insurance CO.

Title: Re: New here but not to CH
Post by Giovanni on Nov 11^th, 2004, 6:26pm

While you're there Randy at the doc's office, hit him up for some free samples. Never leave without them.

Also, pays to know one of the nurses really well. ;;D

John

Title: Re: New here but not to CH
Post by RandyB on Nov 12^th, 2004, 8:00am

Yeah I got it covered on that one My family doctor is a good freind of mine. His wife and my wife were college room mates. So I always always get samples! ;;D

On a side note the topamax seems to be working already I know it sounds strange since I have only taken two pills so far and I dont even have enough in my system yet, But yesterday was strange it seams as theough the CH was trying to break though but it never got real bad. kip 4-5 tops! :). You know whats weird is the ch seams to react to imitex by trying to change up the schedule when I start taking it. today has been great so far. Didnt have my morning one a nice night of sleep for me!

thanks for all your guys replies

Randyb