Posted by Jeff on May 19, 1999 at 16:06:11:
I can't begin to describe the excitement I felt when I ran across this web site. I have suffered from CH for the last 9 + years. It is so comforting to read the stories and know that I am not the only one who has had to suffer through this horrible nightmare.
I first started getting CH during my sophomore year in college (1990). I thought it was some sort of sinus infection. Unfortunately, so did my doctor. For over a year or two we treated the problem as if it were a sinus infection. Because of the cycle my CH ran on, it always seemed as if the sinus medicine had cured the problem. It was like clock work, ever spring and fall for about two to three weeks. I finally became so fed up with the pain that I did some investigating on my own. I found a book that described the exact pain I was feeling. I couldn't believe it. I had finally found my problem. Unfortunately, there is no clear cut cure to the problem.
My CH usually starts around 10:30 am and in the evening after I have fallen asleep. Nothing is more agonizing than trying to deal with a CH while at work. I would sneak off to the restroom and hide in a stall and pray that it would stop. I don't know how many time I wished someone would knock me out or shoot me so the pain would stop. It is so hard for those who don't suffer from this hell to understand the excruciating pain we endure.
I have taken Verapamil and it seems to have helped a little. I only take it when the round of CH starts. I also use Imitrix at the on set of the CH. I guess that I am lucky in the fact that I can tell when I am starting to have an attack. My left nostril starts to burn and the left side of my jaw starts to ache. I know then, it is time to take a pill and brace myself for the battle. Every time I go back into battle, I feel like I lose another small piece of myself.
I truly feel sorry for those that have to deal with the pain every day. It has been more than 24 hours since I had my last attack and I'm hoping that I am done again until the fall. My heart goes out to you all.
Thank you, DJ for this wonderful and informative site!!
I am so glad I found you all,
Jeff