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        New Message Board Archives >> Jan-Mar 2003 >> Long overdue Melatonin experiment update
        
(Message started by: Dave_Emond on Feb 18^th, 2003, 12:08am)

Title: Long overdue Melatonin experiment update
Post by Dave_Emond on Feb 18^th, 2003, 12:08am

Hey Friends,
Yes, I'm still out here ... maybe in and out of it, but still kicking.
I know I missed replying to several questions and requests for E-mails, I apologize to all, just trying to keep my self going and tend to forget many things.
As for the Melatonin, I've been on it steady since September of last year after the Convention. I still take 9 mg per evening.
What it does and doesn't do: (at least for myself)
It does not lessen pain. There have been no changes in my chronic CH.
It does get you more sleep. This is big, and why I continue to take it. I've gone from an average of 2 hours sleep a night to 4 hours. This is a big help in having a little extra strength to fight the never ending attacks.
Side effects? Basically, the Melatonin just makes my eyeslids very sore, which in turn forces me to close them. This soreness means little while having CH attacks, so I don't care much about that.
I do think it is possible that the Melatonin takes affect during shadows, which are constant, and that's when I fall asleep. But, I can't help but wonder if this is causing problems upon waking? I go to great lengths to position myself in a certain manner if I'm going to try to sleep in bed. I must try to sleep in as near a sitting postion as possible. If the Melatonin is knocking me out inbetween attacks, I'm moving out of postion and thereby waking all twisted around and in tremendous pain each morning. Once I can make it to the shower and blast myself with water as hot as it will get, can I even start to function somewhat normally.
So ... is it worth it? Yes.
Two extra hours sleep per night is the only thing keeping me going. No more insurance, no more meds or oxygen, just attitutude left to work with. The Melatonin can be bought at any drug store (in the US) for less than $7.00.
Is it close to a cure? In my opinion no. Would I recommend others try it? Most definetly yes.
For those who tried to contact me before and I didn't reply, please try again, I'll try to respond as quickly as I can. Chronics (at least in my case) still go through cycles where the attacks are more frequent and harsh as when I was episodic, I'm in that cycle now, so please be patient with me.
(Hmmm ... now that reminds me I need to ask other chronics a few questions on another post) ;)
Haven't forgotten all my friends out there, just coming online seems to be a chore these days.
Will try harder to keep in touch,
Your friend always,
Dave

Title: Re: Long overdue Melatonin experiment update
Post by Mark C on Feb 18^th, 2003, 9:12am

Thanks Dave for the post,
I too have taken Melatonin in the past. Not directly for CH but for sleep. I averaged 3mg a night for about three years and it helped me quite a bit out of cycle. I still take it on occasion but not daily. I hope the beast loses your address and you can get a break....sounds like you may be getting battle weary, I know about that too. Hang in there....
Mark

Title: Re: Long overdue Melatonin experiment update
Post by BonnieW on Feb 18^th, 2003, 2:46pm

Dave,

I am so sorry to hear that the melatonin hasn't helped more with the CH. I was really hoping that you might get a break. It was nice to hear from you though - we often wonder how you are doing. Please hang in there - and I have some pictures of you and Annette to send - please send me your mailing address.