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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2003 >> Botox & quitting smoking
        
(Message started by: KarynG on Nov 5^th, 2003, 12:53pm)

Title: Botox & quitting smoking
Post by KarynG on Nov 5^th, 2003, 12:53pm

Hi Everyone,

I have had botox injections administered by a neurologist every three months for episodic CH and I also quit smoking in March of 2002. I had a pretty mellow cycle last year so I thought maybe one or the other might have helped. After this year, I can pretty much say they haven't.

Some cycles really stink. This cycle really stinks. I am so over this. I have my imitrex so the days are okay because I treat myself at the first twinge, but at night I am already rolling pretty hard so it takes about twenty five minutes with the half dose. I am so tired of getting up every night. Last night I just kept thinking how bizarre it is to be in so much pain that you can't cry.

Oh well, it has been six weeks, three days... the end is near.

Wanted to pass the info along and as always, Thanks for listening.

Karyn

Title: Re: Botox & quitting smoking
Post by BobG on Nov 5^th, 2003, 3:35pm

on 11/05/03 at 12:53:32, KarynG wrote:

Some cycles really stink.

They all stink. Some just stink more than others.

Have you tried any preventative meds?

Sorry the Botox didn't work for the clusters but how are your wrinkles? ;)

Title: Re: Botox & quitting smoking
Post by Karla on Nov 5^th, 2003, 5:14pm

I tried botox and it got rid of my migraines but not my clusters. I am going in for another series of injections next month. I hope you find something that gives you relief soon.

Title: Re: Botox & quitting smoking
Post by jflynn on Nov 5^th, 2003, 5:23pm

I quit smoking about 2 years ago and if anything my CH got worse. Stimulants like nicotine and caffeine help my CH so that's my theory as to why.

Title: Re: Botox & quitting smoking
Post by Prense on Nov 5^th, 2003, 5:57pm

It's been said many times here and elsewhere that quitting smoking will not cure CH nor will it prevent future episodes. Most docs will tell you to quit smoking every chance you give them to do so. It doesn't matter if you are going in for a cold, or a broken arm...they always suggest quitting smoking.

Title: Re: Botox & quitting smoking
Post by thomas on Nov 5^th, 2003, 6:21pm

Hey Doc, it hurts when I pee. Doc says "Smoking cigarettes does increase the amount of razor blades in your bladder. You really should quit those things." [smiley=laugh.gif]

Title: Re: Botox & quitting smoking
Post by ave on Nov 6^th, 2003, 7:38am

Gee, Thomas, does one smoke razorblades? made up in cigarette paper or in a pipe?

Title: Re: Botox & quitting smoking
Post by thomas on Nov 6^th, 2003, 8:57am

Just pointing out the fact that the medical community makes us smokers feel like a bunch of little idiot children every chance that they get.

Title: Re: Botox & quitting smoking
Post by KarynG on Nov 6^th, 2003, 6:50pm

Bob,

I tried prednisone six weeks ago and Verapamil as preventatives. I think the prednisone dosage was just way too low to be effective and the Verapamil gave me an irregular heartbeat which then gave me panic attacks. I had a life threatening situation with my heart several years ago and my body reacts to any change in the beat by having a panic attack. I was only having CH every couple of days when I was taking the Verapamil so if I could have tolerated the daily discomfort and increased the dosage it probably would have worked.

My doctor called me last night and said the military has changed its policy and will no longer provide Imitrex as needed, but a maximum of two boxes every ten days. I can stock up during the year for my next cycle, but I will probably run out this time at the rate I am going even dividing them. The doctor said if I ran out before I could refill the Imitrex and needed pain relief I would have to be hospitilized and given DHE. I still have nightmares about the week in the hospital with my first cycle and that was seven years ago. For Joy. Have a call in to ask about Clomid but I doubt they will go for it.

For the record, my wrinkles (or lack therof) are fabulous, thanks. :)

K

Title: Re: Botox & quitting smoking
Post by Prense on Nov 6^th, 2003, 6:54pm

on 11/06/03 at 18:50:21, KarynG wrote:

My doctor called me last night and said the military has changed its policy and will no longer provide Imitrex as needed, but a maximum of two boxes every ten days.

Not sure what military you are referring to, but I just picked up 8 boxes...not a refill either.

Title: Re: Botox & quitting smoking
Post by KarynG on Nov 6^th, 2003, 7:01pm

I am seen at Portsmith Naval Hospital in Portsmith, VA. But I had the same problem at Langley Air Force Base also in Virginia. My neuro called the pharmacy at the hospital and tried to overide it and they still refused saying it was the new policy and even the MD couldn't change it. I assume it is Tricare that is balking.

If you are also Tricare, you are in a different region being on the West coast and may not be affected yet is all I can figure. ???

Title: Re: Botox & quitting smoking
Post by Prense on Nov 6^th, 2003, 7:09pm

Visit your tricare office (avoid the phone unless it isn't practical) and ask them how you can file a complaint for a refusal of medical treatment.