Posted by Jack Schriver on May 21, 1999 at 16:00:41:
As I posted somewhere below, I'm new to this board, but
not to the affliction it addresses. I've had 'em since
I was 18, and I'm 50 now and in a new cycle. The last
2 cycles were stopped with prednisolone dose packs,
but they haven't worked this time. So far, I've had
2-4 episodes per night, but butabital/apap/caffeine
has helped. Usually, I get up, pop a pill, smoke a
couple cigarettes, and read a little Stephen King when
the pain subsides enough; however, it's clear the
headaches are growing stronger, and I don't know how
much longer this med will be effective. I can agree with
those who have said at the worst stage they wished to
die--no one who has not experienced this kind of
crippling pain can have any idea of the intensity...
and when you add the sleep depravation and the depres-
sion that have typified my attacks, it's very debili-
tating. Anyway, just wanted to say how glad I am to
have found this site...and to those of you who are
chronic, my hat is off to you. You buggers must be
tough birds. I will never again complain about being
faced with a cycle every 2-3 years! Be strong, all!