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        New Message Board Archives >> 2006-2007 Getting to Know Ya Posts >> Is it all about smoking?
        
(Message started by: Trasher on Jan 30^th, 2006, 11:31pm)

Title: Is it all about smoking?
Post by Trasher on Jan 30^th, 2006, 11:31pm

I'm 50 years old. 30+ years of cluster headaches. I think I've tried everything under the sun. My girl friend (Anniibell) just found this site. I guess I would be considered episodic as opposed to chronic. Imitrex injections seem to be the only thing that helps, but insurance limitations always become a problem. At this point, I don't have the patience to completely study everything available to me at this site. I'm trying melatonin at night. Three nights now, still no results.

I did find it interesting however in the article "Update on therapies for cluster headache". It states "As almost all cluster patients have a strong history of cigarette smoking,....." and so on. For years doctors have talked about "triggers", different foods and cigarettes being among them. Never before however has anyone actually said in essence that all cluster headache sufferers smoke. Certainly it isn't that simple. Anyway, I'm gonna give it a shot. After over thirty years of smoking, I've gone five days without a cigarette. No gums, no patches - cold turkey. Still having headaches. I gotta know, is it just cigarettes, or is marijuana also considered a trigger? I don't drink, and now I don't smoke, at least for the last 5 days!! But I sure do enjoy my pot. In fact, I love smoking pot. Do I need to give that up too? I haven't had any of that for 5 days either. And I'm still having headaches. This sucks.

Title: Re: Is it all about smoking?
Post by Guiseppi on Jan 30^th, 2006, 11:43pm

I've never smoked and still get headaches! Careful with the wacky weed, consesus seems to be it increases headache intensity. Good luck.

Guiseppi

Title: Re: Is it all about smoking?
Post by BobG on Jan 31^st, 2006, 12:10am

Cigarette smoking has been discussed many times in the past.
The results are always the same.
1. Clusterheads smoke more than the average allows.
2. Clusterheads seem to have addictive personalities, and not just to smoking.
3. Smoking does not cause cluster headaches.
4. Smoking does not stop or cure clusters.
5. Doctors like to blame everything on smoking. “The sky is falling. The sky is falling”
6. My mother likes to blame all my bad habits on smoking.

Pot smoking and clusters have also been discussed many times.
The conclusions….
1. DON’T DO IT IF YOU ARE IN CYCLE. It’ll give you one hellava headache.

Title: Re: Is it all about smoking?
Post by Trasher on Jan 31^st, 2006, 12:16am

What you say makes a lot of sense Bob, thanks.

It gives me something to look forward to when I get "out of cycle"!!

I'll definately try to stay off of the cigarettes, but I'm not sure about the other!

Thanks!!

"Trasher"

Title: Re: Is it all about smoking?
Post by BobG on Jan 31^st, 2006, 12:22am

"Why don't you quit that stinkin', expensive, cancer causin' crap."

Damn, I've turned into my mother. :-[

Maybe tomorrow mom. ;;D

P.S. She is right, and she'd be proud of you for quitting.

Title: Re: Is it all about smoking?
Post by Trasher on Jan 31^st, 2006, 12:25am

I definately want to stay off of the cigarettes. I can't think of a good reason to quit the other.

Title: Re: Is it all about smoking?
Post by BobG on Jan 31^st, 2006, 12:32am

We all need to quit. But it would put a lot of people in Kentucky out of work. The state's taxes would have to be raised. Those people couldn't afford to live there any more. They'd move to Tacoma.
Think about it.

To be serious tho, glad to hear you're quitting. One of the best things you can do for yourself and Anniibelle.

Is that her real name? I've never met anyone named Anniibell. Sounds like an old time western movie.

Title: Not for me.
Post by Richr8 on Jan 31^st, 2006, 12:34am

quit smoking when i was 32, started first of fourteen cycles at 38 started smoking again in 5th cycle at 43, go figure. My best supporter.

Title: Re: Is it all about smoking?
Post by Trasher on Jan 31^st, 2006, 12:37am

"Anniibell" is her "computer" name. She is a southern girl though. A local "connection" to the herb makes the expense, etc. a "non" issue. Cigarettes are actually more expensive than the herb. And, although I'm not a doctor, it's my belief the cigs are worse for my health than the herb. Of course, I've been wrong before. I guess I could be again. But I sure do enjoy it.

Title: Re: Is it all about smoking?
Post by RDubois on Jan 31^st, 2006, 3:06pm

:o :o :o Hi Trasher, a word from the "old man", which you may not want to hear. I have smoked off and on during my life, (Not in the last several years), and I still have cycles, (Just got over one). I'm surprised that you are a teetotaler, because that seems to be a fairly common thread, i.e., most Clusterheads have been significant imbibers,(Did I put that politely enough?).

I have been a Clusterhead for 21+ years. I have found that while drinking & smoking may not bring on the cluster, doing without during the cycle will attenuate the Kip level. At least I think it has for me.

I'm glad we didn't have weeds when I was young because I was somewhat of a miscreant & surely would have tried them. I did have my share of the beer, though. I've now quit that too. I think a couple of the local stores, along with Anheuser Busch, may soon have to declare bankruptcy if I stay on the wagon.

Stress is also something that seems to increase the intensity & length of an attack. Being retired makes these things easier to tolerate but nobody wants them!!!!!!!!!!

If you havn't found it yet, go to Dr Goadsby's site. He has an excellent article in the New England Journal of Medicine from a few years back. If you find him, tell you got a message from the oldest living Clusterhead. (76 in 2 weeks).

Good Luck

RED

Title: Re: Is it all about smoking?
Post by anniibell on Jan 31^st, 2006, 8:54pm

i just want you to know that i love you and i am proud of you for not smoking the past 5 days. i know these cycles are very hard on you....as for me too. i am here for you and always will be. i hope this site will find you friends and help you to cope. i love you!!!

Title: That is...
Post by Richr8 on Jan 31^st, 2006, 9:22pm

,,so sweet!!

Title: Re: Is it all about smoking?
Post by hutton on Jan 31^st, 2006, 9:26pm

thasher just aword of advice smoking pot while on cycle to me is a big no-no and believe me i like my pot by the sounds like you have a great supporter

Title: Re: Is it all about smoking?
Post by Trasher on Jan 31^st, 2006, 10:19pm

I don't think I could have made it without you Anniibell. [smiley=heart.gif]

Love you

Title: Re: Is it all about smoking?
Post by Trasher on Jan 31^st, 2006, 10:22pm

RDubois - Doing a search now for the article you recommended, thanks to you and everyone else for all the support.

[smiley=sayyes.gif]

Title: Re: Is it all about smoking?
Post by shenke on Feb 1^st, 2006, 2:02am

This is what make is all worth while, you guys are great...now if my husband could just find this site....hang in there!!! You will make it. Sheila

Title: Re: Is it all about smoking?
Post by Mike_in_CA on Feb 2^nd, 2006, 11:19pm

I'll just throw my 2 cents worth into this fray. I was a heavy smoker (2 plus packs a day) until 3 years ago, when I quit. My headaches have come back, as bad or worse then ever.
I don't think there are really any clear-cut ruled with these headaches...someone could say standing on their head cured their headaches, when really they just reached the end of their cycle.
If you can quit smoking..GREAT!! For so many reasons. However with some people it is possible the combined stress of quitting on top of the stress of dealing with CH could make things even tougher.

Title: Re: Is it all about smoking?
Post by thebbz on Feb 3^rd, 2006, 6:43pm

;)
If you smoke and do imitrex your time is limited. 8 months smoke free. Not because of anything but the fact smoking promotes among other things heart disease. Using imitrex and having heart problems is not an option.
jb

Title: Re: Is it all about smoking?
Post by Jonny on Feb 3^rd, 2006, 6:52pm

on 01/31/06 at 20:54:53, anniibell wrote:

[smiley=headbanger.gif]

Title: Re: Is it all about smoking?
Post by Redd715 on Feb 3^rd, 2006, 8:27pm

[quote author=Mike_in_CA link=board=knowya;num=1138681891;start=0#16 date=02/02/06 at 23:19:20]I'll just throw my 2 cents worth into this fray. I was a heavy smoker (2 plus packs a day) until 3 years ago, when I quit. My headaches have come back, as bad or worse then ever.
\quote]

It happened almost this same way for me. I'd been a smokere and un-diagnosed CHead for 20 years. I decided to quit smoking this same time of year two years ago. Things were going well, but after nearly a month off smokes, I began to get my (what was called at the time) massive migrain attacks at all times of day and night. Not just night time anymore.

To make a long story short, what is being theorised is that my cold turkey quit did some real messing with the seratonin levels and morphed my personal beast into high gear.

All I can say is that we are all different.

Pegg

Title: Re: Is it all about smoking?
Post by Dragnlance on Feb 5^th, 2006, 1:39pm

Well, I can say that I have had these monsters in my head every day of my life. I am 42. Never have I smoked, and no one in my family smokes. I can honestly tell you that these things are not from smoking, but I am very glad to hear that you may quit. Welcome to land of cleaner air!! *chuckles*
Good luck, and many wishes for PF days, weeks, months and years!

Title: Re: Is it all about smoking?
Post by Trasher on Feb 7^th, 2006, 11:46pm

I'm trying to keep a positive attitude. It sure is discouraging when the patient seems to know more about the cluster headaches than the doctors. I want to punch the next doctor that uses Migraine and Cluster in the same sentence. It's like saying that a hang nail is no different than losing your hand. Wake up doctors.

Anniibell has been a true blessing. She stayed by my side for three days in the hospital, feeling helpless, but never giving up hope.

The Superbowl, if Seattle had to lose, oh well, they had to lose. It's a shame it was with such contraversial calls instead of a good game.

I love you Anniibell, and I can never thank you enough for being there with me. I will be forever indebted.

"Trasher"
[smiley=hug.gif]

Title: Re: Is it all about smoking?
Post by Dragnlance on Feb 8^th, 2006, 8:06am

Trasher, Welcome back! I am VERY glad you are well enough to be able to sit in front of a computer long enough to post a message.
We all know the frustration of doctors that dont have a clue. All you can do is keep searching.
Here's hoping you have some pf days for a while!!
Dragnlance

Title: Re: Is it all about smoking?
Post by justin on Feb 9^th, 2006, 6:18pm

i've never smoked and i'm chronic. just a hooka now and then or a cigar a few times a year. oh well. but i would imagine that if i started smoking now it would make it worse. who knows.

Title: Re: Is it all about smoking?
Post by Trasher on Feb 9^th, 2006, 7:39pm

I broke down last night and smoked a small bowl (not Cigs, but weed).

Man did I get baked after two weeks without. It sure felt good. But today's Kip level was higher, so I guess I best continue to wait.

Saw a new neurologist today. I think he was still in diapers when I had my first CH. He was about as clueless as the rest. His answer to my problems is to exercise more. Now isn't that brillilant??!! [smiley=looser.gif]

While it didn't seem that oxygen helped (years ago when I last tried it), I'm gonna try again.

My CH cycles usually start slow, and then get continuiously worse. It's been pretty bad lately, but if history repeats itself, hopefully this session will end soon.

Thanks to all my new friends here for the support.

I would not wish this kind of pain on anyone, but it is comforting to know that I'm not alone.

You are all the greatest.

[smiley=wave.gif]

Title: Re: Is it all about smoking?
Post by shenke on Feb 12^th, 2006, 5:09pm

Glad you are keeping a positive attitude. It is hard at times, I'm on day 24 with 2-3 attacks a day.

The DR. keeps trying different "preventatives", now on verapamil & lithium. Maybe these will break my cycle.

It does help to have support, mine comes from here.
And, I smoke, ...had CH for 4 years, 5 years remission, and just started another cycle...who knows. [smiley=huh.gif]

Sheila

Title: Re: Is it all about smoking?
Post by outofcommission on Feb 24^th, 2006, 6:18pm

i am 29yo and have smoked 15yrs. my first ch was when i was 12yo. i started smoking pot at 16 yo. during my last ch season when i would smoke pot it seemed to trigger these headaches, so i quit for 3 mo. i still had chs. the stress of having these chs at work and during my drive home or if i had to do anything that involved movment, i started again. my last season was propably my worst yet. i havent had a ch for 5 yrs now and i smoke pot on a regular basis.

Title: Re: Is it all about smoking?
Post by outofcommission on Feb 24^th, 2006, 6:25pm

good luck on being smoke free. i don't have any vices exept cigarettes and i am not stong enough to quit. i can quit smoking pot for months at a time but what fun is that. plus my wife does both heavily. i hope you can quit cigarettes, they always say youll feel better not smell like smoke ect.ect.

Title: Re: Is it all about smoking?
Post by gardengal on Feb 26^th, 2006, 12:19am

I was a 2 pack a day smoker and quit about 9 yrs ago, I had 2-3 more CH then was pain free for 8 yrs. Like a dum a++ I started smoking when I drank at parties maybe 2-3 times a month for the last year or so and they are BACK!!I admitt, I did have messed up sleep patterns when they came back, but I wish I had never smoked again. I have not had a cigg since a new years party and I have been miserable since Jan 7th when these started. I think they sure don't help.

Title: Re: Is it all about smoking?
Post by E-Double on Feb 26^th, 2006, 10:25am

I had a cycle when I did not smoke and have had cycles while smoking.
When this cycle started March '04 I was in the midst of trying to quit.
Guess what went out the window........

Now I have to try to quit since I have a kiddie on the way.

Eeeeeeeeek! When? Gotta be soon but when I do not know.

Good luck

Title: Re: Is it all about smoking?
Post by purpleydog on Feb 26^th, 2006, 9:12pm

When I was episodic, smoke was a trigger for me, but when I became chronic, it wasn't, and I started smoking again a little over a year ago. I've smoked on and off most of my life, mostly off.
Doesn't bother me now, or when I'm around others smoking.

When I get tired of it, I'll quit again.