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        New Message Board Archives >> 2006-2007 Getting to Know Ya Posts >> Me and my CH - back again
        
(Message started by: ChrisUhl on Nov 26^th, 2007, 8:12am)

Title: Me and my CH - back again
Post by ChrisUhl on Nov 26^th, 2007, 8:12am

Hello gang

I've been away from this wonderful board in about 2 years. Mainly because I haven't had an attack in all this time. Well, three days ago the monster revisited. And so - now I'm back.

Guess it's time to order a new 02 pack, buy a years supply of energy drinks and wrap myself up in nicotine patches.

Hope everyone is doing well - all things considered.

The best

Christian

Title: Re: Me and my CH - back again
Post by brewcrew on Nov 26^th, 2007, 8:19am

And also time to consider sticking around, even when you're not hurting. There's always room in this big, defective gene pool. 8)

Title: Re: Me and my CH - back again
Post by George_J on Nov 26^th, 2007, 9:56am

Nicotine patches? [smiley=huh.gif]

Tell us a bit more about the reasoning behind this, if you will. Inquiring minds, and all that.

Welcome.

Best wishes,

George

Title: Re: Me and my CH - back again
Post by Guiseppi on Nov 26^th, 2007, 11:30am

It took Linda several years to convince me posting wouldn't start a cycle! I used to always stay away while off cycle too. Brew is right, so many people looking for help here you'd be amazed at how much you have to offer just from your personal experiences. Hoping your cycle is a brief one.

Guiseppi

Title: Re: Me and my CH - back again
Post by ChrisUhl on Nov 28^th, 2007, 2:59pm

Thanks Guiseppe... hope so too :-)

George - about the nicotine patches. I know that there is much controversy about smoking and cluster headaches. When I was first diagnosed about 8 years ago my doctor asked me if I smoked. I said "well, yeah... on special occations". He said "It might be a good idea to smoke some more while in a period as it can help relieve some of the pain". Now, others say that nicotine can trick their attacks. Personally I have always experienced the relieve side of nicotine.

I guess what the nicotine does is in effect the same as oxygen and caffein. It boosts the blood pressure and thus expands the vascular system. (if anyone can argument against this, please do since I'm not totally sure about it).

The whole patch thing is, well mainly because I stopped smoking :-) But also because it feeds you with nicotine during the attack. And smoking is definately NOT an option for me while banging my head against a wall. Guess you could also use gum but I've once almost choked on my gum during an attack so... there we are. Back at the patches.

Anyway be careful with this since nicotine seems to trigger attacks for some.

Title: Re: Me and my CH - back again
Post by Jonny on Nov 28^th, 2007, 3:07pm

on 11/28/07 at 14:59:02, ChrisUhl wrote:

I guess what the nicotine does is in effect the same as oxygen and caffein. It boosts the blood pressure and thus expands the vascular system. (if anyone can argument against this, please do since I'm not totally sure about it).

The reason CH hurts is because the blood vessels expand up to 20 times the normal size.

Like you, Christian.....this is only what I have been reading for more than 8 years, so if im wrong someone please tell me. that way we all know. ;)

Title: Re: Me and my CH - back again
Post by brewcrew on Nov 28^th, 2007, 3:22pm

on 11/28/07 at 14:59:02, ChrisUhl wrote:

It boosts the blood pressure and thus expands the vascular system. (if anyone can argument against this, please do since I'm not totally sure about it).

Blood pressure rises when blood vessels constrict, not when they dialate.

Title: Re: Me and my CH - back again
Post by Guiseppi on Nov 28^th, 2007, 4:27pm

Not the educated one by any means, but I think nicotiene is a vaso constrictor, if so it would have a positive effect on a ch attack [smiley=huh.gif]But I'm not positive on that.

Guiseppi

Title: Re: Me and my CH - back again
Post by Rosybabe on Nov 28^th, 2007, 4:35pm

that is right Bill and Joe, nicotine is a vasoconstrictor and a vasoconstrictor increases blood presure by narrowing the blood vessels. it is supposed to have the same effect as a cafergot and also will have the same contraindications like you can't take cafergot within 24 hours of taking any type of triptan.