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        New Message Board Archives >> Jan-Mar 2003 >> Getting nervous
        
(Message started by: toddswill on Jan 22^nd, 2003, 7:07pm)

Title: Getting nervous
Post by toddswill on Jan 22^nd, 2003, 7:07pm

well it's been a little less than a year since the beast has played his game with me. for the past few weeks i have had some signs that he wants to make an apperance. my neuro is a dick and don't want to deal with him so i am going to see my gp friday to see what he thinks. the poblem i am having the most thoughts about are my poor wife who is due next month taking me to the er. i know that it's going to happen and i feel so guilty that she will have to put up with me on demarol and a baby. the one thing i am dreading is the imitrex shots, i feel i can't use them anymore, just the thought of siiting in the bathroom at 3 or 4 am trying to stick a needle in my leg. i am sorry just venting.

pain free day and night to everyone!

todd,

Title: Re: Getting nervous
Post by Jimi on Jan 22^nd, 2003, 7:36pm

Does oxygen not work for you? I used to make those trips to the ER too until I discovered 02 a few years ago. Now at 3 or 4 AM I am at home breathing in the 02 until it is gone. Also you might try taking an Amerge tablet before going to bed. But I know how you feel, my time is rolling around too. I keep hoping that i have finally outgrown them.Maybe this time.

Title: Re: Getting nervous
Post by domm on Jan 22^nd, 2003, 7:37pm

todd - I hope everything goes well with the new babe. The med you mention (demerol) usually doesn't help with CH. You don't mention oxygen or any preventatives (verapamil, lithium, etc.) in your post. I hope you're exploring those options because I think you'll get relief through them.
Good luck
domm

Title: Re: Getting nervous
Post by Charlie on Jan 22^nd, 2003, 9:54pm

Welcome aboard Todd and if you stick around, you'll find things here to help in many ways. You're not alone.

Maybe this technique can help:

Dr. Wright's Circulatory Technique

This is not transcendental meditation, imagery, relaxation, or anything psychic. It's entirely physical and takes a lot of work and concentration. Give this method a good workout. It’s not a miracle, but it’s been helpful to many.

When I was diagnosed, my neurologist said to treat this as a vascular problem. I was told to concentrate on “redirecting” blood circulation in order to retard flow to the head. This is done by trying to “send” blood into the arms and hands or other extremities. When properly done, your hands will become warm and redder with increased circulation. I also found it easier to concentrate on one hand.

This relieves just slightly, the pressure on the affected vessel, which indirectly causes our pain. We all have this ability but it can be exhausting. I was often able shorten my attacks from about half an hour to no more than a few minutes. Sometimes, when awake, I could entirely abort the attack IF I KEPT AT IT. Often, I would suffer only minor discomfort instead of excruciating pain. Do not stop just because your hands are warm or redder. Keep this up until you are sure it's subsided. If you let up or lose concentration, it’s very hard to restart this process. It may take some time but when this works, the relief is almost immediate.

I learned this from the doctor in a few minutes. He simply told me to try to keep blood away from the head. He thought it easiest to concentrate on the arms and hands but any place that works for you is fine. He said to think of it as "filling your hands" with redirected blood. It’s important to keep at it THROUGH the pain. This will be difficult, but it’s the only way this technique will work. Don’t let up until you are sure the attack has ended.

This will not always work, but I think it will always have at least some effect on the severity and duration of the attacks. It can be useful between medications or while waiting for some other drug to take effect. All it takes is a little practice. It was fairly easy to learn and what I'm writing here is more than I got from the doctor, as I've drawn from my own experience.

When awakened in horrible pain, it’s very hard to focus, but I think it’s always worth a try. This costs nothing but hard work, is harmless, non-invasive, and it gives us a fighting chance.

I wish you the best of luck - Charlie Strand

Title: Re: Getting nervous
Post by toddswill on Jan 23^rd, 2003, 7:23pm

thank you for that replied. i should of mentioned i have been episodic fir 15 years. tried all the meds and dabbled with o2 but no luck. when the inderal and verap don't work that is when i need the demarol. oh by the way i set a record one year with 9 shots, got up the next day like nothing and went to work, only to return to the er later that night. some people are blessed with artistic talent others athletic mine i deal with the beast once a year.

Title: Re: Getting nervous
Post by suzy617 on Jan 23^rd, 2003, 8:12pm

Hi Todd and welcome.

Sorry the beast has decided to come at such a time that should be a wonderful time for you. I swear he does this on purpose. >:(
I have not used the imitrex injections yet, will next cycle but I did have great results from the pills although it takes up to 30 minutes to kick in and I know every minute is like a lifetime when your getting hammered.
Good luck with the new baby and hope the beast is long gone before his or her arrival.

suzy

Title: Re: Getting nervous
Post by brain_cramps on Jan 24^th, 2003, 1:27pm

on 01/22/03 at 19:37:13, domm wrote:

The med you mention (demerol) usually doesn't help with CH.

That's funny. For more than 10yrs that's how ER treated me. Just need a dose big enough for a rhino! Instead of 125 (for average sized person), I was getting up to 475, and I only weigh 160lbs!!! Goodnight Irene!

I agree though. Repeated ER trips getting demerol can make more of a mess of your life than CH (if that's possible). ie. addiction

Title: Re: Getting nervous
Post by ozzman on Jan 24^th, 2003, 1:53pm

Todd,

I too was cursed by the Beast when I had my first and now my second child. In my case however it was after they were born (about a month after) that my cycle started.

(My personal theory, disruption of sleeping patterns, for at least a month, with weather changes and stress added = Visit by the beast!!! >:( >:( >:( )

Suzy,

With the Imitrex tablets, have you tried putting them under your tongue. They will be absorbed a LOT quicker, they will taste like shit, but who cares?

Ozzy