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        New Message Board Archives >> Jan-Mar 2003 >> Hope for Newbies (and others)
        
(Message started by: mgreg on Jan 23^rd, 2003, 4:22pm)

Title: Hope for Newbies (and others)
Post by mgreg on Jan 23^rd, 2003, 4:22pm

Just wanted to type a few lines to let new people know that sometimes, relatively simple things will work for you. Educate yourself and see a doctor. Don't be afraid to ask for a specific treatment option that you would like to try.

Many people on this board are extreme cases and my heart certainly goes out to them! In no way do I mean to minimalize their suffering but reading their posts can make a newbie feel rather helpless.

My first bout was 7 years ago. Every other night around midnight. It took months to get to a knowing doctor and get them under control. Pain free until November when they were back with a vengence. I read up here and elsewhere and went to my family doctor. He put me on a low dose of Verapamil and gave me several pain meds to try. I tried to find a good neuro becasue my last one has stopped practicing but here in PA we are having insurance malpractice troubles and MANY doctors are leaving the state. My earliest appt would have been MARCH! A week later at my request my family doctor gave me Imitrex tabs to try and they were a huge help to me. Yeah, they took a while to help but knowing they would help was half the battle. Two weeks later with no reduction in attacks I went back and suggested a much higher dose of Verapimil. He agreed and in another week I was and continue to be Pain Free!

Lucky, I know! But someimes it IS that easy.

Good luck to all you sufferers out there!

Title: Re: Hope for Newbies (and others)
Post by echo on Jan 23^rd, 2003, 4:32pm

Nice note mgreg,
Glad to read that information you found on the site help arm you with the intellectual power you needed to become an active participate in your treatment.
Hope you have continued PFDN.
Your note serves as a invite to all on the MB to not be shy and ask their questions.

Title: Re: Hope for Newbies (and others)
Post by catlind on Jan 23^rd, 2003, 5:43pm

Welcome aboard mgreg

You're post is very good :) Most of the posts are from people who suffer more than they want or should have to, but that's because this is our only support when the medical community fails us. It's the support that we get from these posts, it's the bond of family that is stronger than any I've known, it's the life saving power of a few words on a message board. For some people, like yourself, treatment is easy and quick. For others, like myself, we have other health problems that prevent us from the 'normal' avenue of medications.

I hope that all of us someday will be able to get a treatment and prevention plan as quickly and effective and easily as you have done :)

Please don't mistake my words as criticism against you, I'm truly happy you found relief that quickly and easily.
Your post is great to point out to newbies that treatment CAN be easy and straightforward.

Cat

Title: Re: Hope for Newbies (and others)
Post by jonny on Jan 23^rd, 2003, 5:52pm

Well said, Cat and Echo!!!

.................jonny

Title: Re: Hope for Newbies (and others)
Post by KingOfPain on Jan 23^rd, 2003, 6:07pm

I just wanted to add that oxygen is a great tool to be used for/by CH sufferers.

Great thread & great replies.

KingOfPain