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        New Message Board Archives >> Jul-Sep 2003 >> I feel like the Pavlov dog
        
(Message started by: Nimbus on Jul 14^th, 2003, 1:48pm)

Title: I feel like the Pavlov dog
Post by Nimbus on Jul 14^th, 2003, 1:48pm

Hello. This year I have a very though cluster cycle, each attack almost always on time, 3 to 4 time a days. One of the attack nearly always come by the end of supper. I don't know if you're like me but when I eat something like say, roast chicken (it can be anything) and then an attack start , I'm a couple of day or even weeks without eating that again. Kind of like when you get sick with vodka and then... Oh just the smell is enough.

You know what I mean ? Kind of like the Pavlov dog. A lady was ringing a bell when it was time to eat for the dog. At the end, the dog was salivating just by earing the bell. Sure, Pavlov got it all wrong the first time, thinking that the ear of the dog was somehow connected to the mouth and the digestive system... The dog was programmed to salivate at the sound of the bell. BELL = FOOD.

Why that post you ask? Yesterday I got a crisis right in the middle of a Thai rice supper. Guest what? Now I'm fearing to eat Thai rice again.

Worse, just the smell of that spicy rice seem to be enough to trigger an attack (kinda like the red wine).

Is it like it for you too ?
Do you think that my fear is irrational ?
Or that an attack can be associated (spontaneously) with a meal or an odor other than alchool ?

P.S. I don't think that the Thai rice was responsible for the first attack but pain and Thai rice seem to be closely related for me now.

Also, my CH seems to get worse over time. Am I weaker from year to year or is it really worse ? I mean, the first two year, I didn't even take drugs. The third I began to use Imitrex and now I'm emptying the drugstore and my wallet at the same time. Seem's like I can't take more this year (but surprisingly, each day prove me wrong).

Any input will be welcome.

Title: Re: I feel like the Pavlov dog
Post by Melissa on Jul 14^th, 2003, 2:11pm

I'm not sure about this, but doesn't oriental food have a lot of MSG in it? MSG can be a trigger for an attack.

I too have noticed that with each cycle, the attacks are becoming more frequent and more intense. There are times where I wonder if I can make it through long enough until it subsides, but knowing the CH will end, seems to make it last even longer! ???

Just know, that you are not alone!! We are all in the same boat together!

Title: Re: I feel like the Pavlov dog
Post by Gofishgriff on Jul 14^th, 2003, 4:23pm

Nimbus, I understand your analogy of the pavlov dog. I do think we humans are capable of 'thinking' ourselves into getting sick over something. For example, I love offshore fishing, but there was one trip where I got sea sick. (Can you say chum?) The next couple of trips out, I was thinking about being sea sick previously and the nausea would start again. Not because the boat was rocking, but more because I let myself think it was happening. I finally got past this 'thinking' about it and the trips are better.

As for the Thai rice. Melissa may have a point with the MSG thing. I'm keeping a diary during this cycle to see if I can find my personal triggers. From all I've read at this place, everyone has their own personal triggers and a big part of the fight is determining what yours are.

Hang in there. You're not alone.

ANdy

Title: Re: I feel like the Pavlov dog
Post by TomM on Jul 14^th, 2003, 4:30pm

MSG--trigger.
Beer--trigger.
Preservatives--trigger.
Cigar smoke--trigger.
Red wine--trigger.
:( :( :( :( :( :( :(

All of these are triggers at one time or another. Sometimes during the same cycle; sometimes not. It's a poke and hope world for me.

TomM

Title: Re: I feel like the Pavlov dog
Post by cathy on Jul 14^th, 2003, 4:36pm

Nimbus...Hi sorry your cycle is getting worse, these guys have a point about the MSG thing. Hope things get better for you soon.

Sending you PF vibes.

Cathy

Title: Re: I feel like the Pavlov dog
Post by oringkid on Jul 14^th, 2003, 4:51pm

I know no one wants to hear this but in my personal and uneducated opinion, the drugs themselves cause the cycles and attacks to be longer and more intense.

As far as triggers...I don't even care that much. Yes, alcohol will trigger one for me. But I also ALWAYS get these attacks! No matter whether I avoid triggers or not!! Heck, for me 9:00 AM is a trigger... how do I avoid that????

The more you fear these damned things the more there is to fear!

Sherry

Title: Re: I feel like the Pavlov dog
Post by TomM on Jul 14^th, 2003, 4:52pm

Good points, Sherry.

Title: Re: I feel like the Pavlov dog
Post by Melissa on Jul 14^th, 2003, 5:05pm

on 07/14/03 at 16:51:16, oringkid wrote:

the drugs themselves cause the cycles and attacks to be longer and more intense.

I've always felt this too was true, but I gave in to getting some meds to help, because I can no longer stand the torture on my own. My cycle might be longer, but just being able to care for my newborn is worth the extra innings...

Mel

Title: Re: I feel like the Pavlov dog
Post by oringkid on Jul 14^th, 2003, 5:15pm

I completely understand Mel. That is why I very seldom voice this thought. And I will stand with others to fight for my brothers and sisters rights to obtain the drugs that give them relief.

Sherry

Title: Re: I feel like the Pavlov dog
Post by Charlie on Jul 14^th, 2003, 5:28pm

I know Indonesian sauces and seasonings can have some heavy duty stuff in the mix. I don't even wanna know. Don't think I've had Thai food. I suppose everything varies like curries. Everyone is different. Hard to tell what you're eating. Too bad, some of it's pretty good.

MSG may be your problem.

Charlie

Title: Re: I feel like the Pavlov dog
Post by stevegeebe on Jul 14^th, 2003, 8:04pm

I share in the thought that Meds prolong a cycle.

I've looked back at calenders form past years and noticed that the shortest cycles were when took no meds. Brutal but short (one month).

Other cycles, I would wait till I could not stand it anymore and I would see my neuro and start meds. My cycle would soon end and we were not sure if it was the meds or that the cycle was just ending in due course. My Neuro made me promise her that I would see her at the onset of my next cycle, which I did.

That's this cycle. Easy at first, then progressively worse and agonizingly long. Started in April and I feel that I'm near the end. Not there yet...but near. I don't know if I'd rather just jump into the cold creek, to get it over with, or walk in slowly.? I do know, either way, I'd have my trusty o2 with me...regardless.

Just an observation.

Steve G