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        New Message Board Archives >> 2006-2007 Getting to Know Ya Posts >> Drown the Beast with Coffee
        
(Message started by: Shoot_Me on Dec 18^th, 2007, 8:00am)

Title: Drown the Beast with Coffee
Post by Shoot_Me on Dec 18^th, 2007, 8:00am

Just found this site. I've been dealing with this Beast for about 7 years. I'm an episodic female, 61 years old and in very good health (aside from this demon).
Right now I am in a cycle and would like to tell all what seems to work for me.
This morning at 6:38 I awoke with the familiar ache in my jaw. I immediately applied heat and had about 4 cups of strong coffee. Also, I used a nasal spray (given to me by my Vegan daughter). The spray is made by Quantum. The pain started to radiate up my face (always the right side). I also put my bare feet on my cold granite floor.
By 7AM the Beast was subdued. Thank God!
If I do not catch the Beast in time, I am in real trouble (about a 9 on the kip scale).
I hope this helps someone.

Title: Re: Drown the Beast with Coffee
Post by Guiseppi on Dec 18^th, 2007, 10:23am

Coffee is a time honored and oft used tool against the beast, I hope it's not your only tool!!!!!!

If you don't have oxygen yet, read the link on the left and please give it a try, where coffee is a small calibre pistol, oxygen has been the nuclear bomb in my head ahce arsenal!! (I know gals, typical guy everythng has to equate to war!!! ;;D)

Welcome to the board, get your feet off the cold floor, put em up here by the fire and stay a while!

Guiseppi

Title: Re: Drown the Beast with Coffee
Post by Shoot_Me on Dec 19^th, 2007, 12:22am

Thursday I see the doctor and will bring the info about the oxygen.
This is a new dr. and really the first time I will even mention this problem. I was very unaware of the name of the Beast until about 6 mons ago.
It's been over a year since my last episode so I consider myself very lucky!
Thanks for the reply!

Title: Re: Drown the Beast with Coffee
Post by Guiseppi on Dec 19^th, 2007, 10:35am

Remember to attack the problem with a two pronged approach. You want a good preventative medication, one you take regularly while you are on cycle to reduce intensity and frequency of the hits. More common prevents are lithium, (my favorite!) topomax and verapamil.

Then your abortive strategy. Really push for the oxygen, some docs really weird out over the 02 thing and would rather write you a bunch of highly addictive narcotic prescriptions that'll cause you more harm then good! ;;D (Joe will now step off his soap box!)

Get ready to educate a doctor as very few doctors see this condition so you may have to "assist" him with suggestions to help you manage your care. Good luck and please let us know how it goes!

Guiseppi

Title: Re: Drown the Beast with Coffee
Post by BarbaraD on Dec 23^rd, 2007, 7:41am

I've with Joe 100% on this one. Don't know why docs are so reluctant to give RX's for O2. It's safe and works... Make sure you get a script for a regulator that goes to at least 15liters per minute and a non-rebreather mask (with the bag) or it's useless. Use it at the first sign of a HA.

Preventatives are a must.

Narcs are not worth a flip for CH.

Take info with you and be assertative. Docs just don't have the time (or inclination) to research anything. We are our own best advocates.

Let us know how it goes.

Hugs BD