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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2003 >> Need advice
        
(Message started by: sueellen83 on Jul 9^th, 2003, 1:42pm)

Title: Need advice
Post by sueellen83 on Jul 9^th, 2003, 1:42pm

Hey all!!!

My cycle started in August of last year and it had never done that before. ( Been episodic for 31 years ) It usually starts in October or February every 2 years.

Anyway, since the end of June I have been shadowing pretty bad ( this is new, usually don't have anything between cycles ) and need some advice.

Should I start taking my Verapamil now so that it might keep the shadows from becoming full blown CHs or wait it out and see what happens?

I'm afraid to take the Verapamil when I'm not in a full blown cycle because I'm afraid it won't be as effective when I really need it.

Any advice will be greatly appriciated

Title: Re: Need advice
Post by eyes_afire on Jul 9^th, 2003, 5:11pm

Hi Sueellen. Of course, it's very much a personal decision but I would wait for the first full blown CH... in fact, that's what I did this most recent go-round. I've been shadowing since Sept 2001. Even during the time when I wasn't getting full blown CH. But if you're getting bad shadows, I know it's hard to wait. If you're gonna wait for the first full-blown CH, maybe it would be a good idea to have prednisone on hand so at least you won't be suffering too bad until verapamil starts working. It all depends on your own tolerances. I hope your cycle never returns.

--- Steve, Destroyer of Earwigs...

Title: Re: Need advice
Post by cbolony on Jul 9^th, 2003, 5:19pm

Quote:

I'm afraid to take the Verapamil when I'm not in a full blown cycle because I'm afraid it won't be as effective when I really need it.

A lot of people after there cycle ends keep on taking verapamil but at a low dose just to keep it in there system so when the cycle starts up again they just up the dose

Title: Re: Need advice
Post by forgetfulnot on Jul 9^th, 2003, 6:09pm

Sue, I take 480 mg a day, year round for ten years. I don't see any resistance yet, but I'm chronic.
May not apply in your case. Anyway, I don't get many sides from Verap so if you do, start it up when any sign of the beast appears. Sides are better than cluster attacks any day. ;)

Lee

Title: Re: Need advice
Post by sueellen83 on Jul 10^th, 2003, 8:49am

Thanks for the good advice guys!!!! ;D ;D ;D

I tend to panic when I think about the beast coming back. LOL

I just don't want to lose the only thing I have found that has worked on my CH since they quit making the ergotamine inhaler. I went to long without anything working, you know.

Here's wishing you all PFD&N!!!!

And Thanks again!!!