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        New Message Board Archives >> Jan-Mar 2003 >> 7 Years And Here They Are
        
(Message started by: snuffster on Mar 24^th, 2003, 9:29pm)

Title: 7 Years And Here They Are
Post by snuffster on Mar 24^th, 2003, 9:29pm

After reading the board, I feel lucky. It's been 7 years since my last episode.

I can't believe how much more information there is now then back then. I guess the internet is really good for more then Ebay.

I started again with them 3 weeks ago. Last time I had them it lasted over a year. Here's to hoping they don't stay around that long now.

I'm not sure my wife can take waking up alone for that long, and my cats are getting no sleep because they are just pacing with me.

Kris

Title: Re: 7 Years And Here They Are
Post by WendyHowe on Mar 24^th, 2003, 9:43pm

Kris

I am really sorry you are in pain and hope it is shorter lived than your last. Your post gives me hope. 7 years is a long time to be headache free. My neurologist told me that once they start, I am bound to get another attack so I have been living in dread for 6 months.

My best wishes to you and hope you have the right help (drugs and otherwise) to get out the other side.

Wendy

Title: Re: 7 Years And Here They Are
Post by JDH on Mar 24^th, 2003, 11:21pm

Kris,
Sorry to hear the pain thing is back in your life after such a long time. There's lot's of good info here that can help you so read all you can.
hopin' it's a short one.
pfdan's to you,
Jim

Title: Re: 7 Years And Here They Are
Post by Edna on Mar 26^th, 2003, 8:09am

Kris, sorry you have to be battling right now, but you give many hear hope to know you were pf for 7 yrs.

Hope you've taken time to really read and learn all the info available to you here......keep us posted on your progress,

EDNA

Title: Re: 7 Years And Here They Are
Post by firebrix on Mar 26^th, 2003, 3:41pm

Greetings snuffster
Sorry to read that you're getting slammed after such a long break.
If this break in CHs has happened before, it might just happen again!
Meanwhile get y'self heaps of oxygen, non-rebreather and give it the best you can.
Kind thoughts going your way and wishes for PFDAN
firebrix

Title: Re: 7 Years And Here They Are
Post by brain_cramps on Mar 26^th, 2003, 4:14pm

on 03/24/03 at 21:29:40, snuffster wrote:

After reading the board, I feel lucky. It's been 7 years since my last episode.

I'm sure everyone here would pray for 7yrs 'off'. I'm hoping and praying that this round is shorter for you and the break is longer next time.

on 03/24/03 at 21:29:40, snuffster wrote:

I can't believe how much more information there is now then back then. I guess the internet is really good for more then Ebay.

Its amazing how much things can change in a few years...

Thanks DJ

grant

Title: Re: 7 Years And Here They Are
Post by miCHel on Mar 26^th, 2003, 5:04pm

That sucks Kris!

I once had a 3 year break... which was long enough to even forgot I had CH. I was a little discouraged when I got hit again... I can imagine the feeling after 7 years!

But as you said, lots of things have changed! Hopefully, and theorically, this cycle should be a lot easier than your last one. Anyway, that's what I wish you + an even longer break the next time. And why not an indefinite one while you're at it!

Best of luck!

miCHel

Title: Re: 7 Years And Here They Are
Post by don on Mar 26^th, 2003, 10:09pm

Thank the PF Gods for those 7 years. There are new drugs and protocols out ther now. Look for one that works for you.

What has worked in the past when you were no doubt diagnosed with sinus problems, bad teeth, Meeegraines,
etc. etc.

Don't worry about the cats, they'll keep pacing with or without you. Dumb cats. Get your wife to our supporters board.

Title: Re: 7 Years And Here They Are
Post by snuffster on Mar 26^th, 2003, 11:31pm

Thanks for the support guys!

My new doctor has been great, calling friends of his to help me out and writing script to hopefully fool the insurance company (I hope).

Started on Pred today, after I'm done with that, I'll go onto a Calcium Blocker.

Been using Imitrex and Fuerinal like it's going out a style. It al seem much more managable now then it was 7 years ago.

Thanks again!

Kris

Title: Re: 7 Years And Here They Are
Post by don on Mar 27^th, 2003, 12:44am

A little hint. If you dont start a preventative along with the pred. there is a good chance the CH will return when you reach the lower doses of the pred.

Title: Re: 7 Years And Here They Are
Post by snuffster on Mar 27^th, 2003, 1:45pm

Don,

Thanks so much for the advice! I called my doctor and asked hom abbout taking both, and he said I should be.

I guess I misunderstood him when he told me what to do.

Thanks again!

Kris

Title: Re: 7 Years And Here They Are
Post by jonny on Mar 28^th, 2003, 6:22pm

Read up, Bro......lots of info to be found here and at clusterheadaches.org

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

Title: Re: 7 Years And Here They Are
Post by Charlie on Mar 28^th, 2003, 10:47pm

Welcome and as Jonny said, read up. Here's something to look over as well. It worked very well for me:

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