Posted by Vince S. (216.28.38.172) on June 13, 1999 at 13:22:17:
In Reply to: NEW GUY (WAS RODNEYS POSTS) posted by Geoff on June 12, 1999 at 20:39:06:
Dear Geoff,
Sorry to hear about your ongoing battle with HIV. I’m assuming you can’t use the usual
medications we’ve all tried for your clusters because you’re probably on combination therapy
drugs for the HIV which would prohibit you from using certain other medicines. If your clusters
do come back, try some of the non-medicine therapies suggested on this message board. First of
all, drink lots of water and cut out salt completely. Secondly, set up your coffee maker so you
can brew a fresh pot by flipping the switch the moment a headache begins. Caffeine is wonderful
for shrinking the swollen membranes around the area of your headaches. Third, have lots of ice
on hand. I’ve cut down on the intensity of my headaches considerably by soaking a clean
washcloth in a large bowl of ice water, then applying the cloth to my face, forehead, and the
back of my neck. I’ll usually keep repeating this until the headache goes away. Additionally,
there is a new product on the market called “Migraine Ice”, which is available at your local drug
store. These adhesive pads (made by Mentholatum) contain no drugs, and can last up to four
hours. There are three different kinds of Migraine Ice pads on the market, each cut differently
depending on where you find the most relief. One is cut for the back of your neck, one for the
temples, and one for the forehead. One box of four pads costs $8 - much cheaper than some of
those prescriptions you’re not allowed to take! Lastly, read up on holistic herbal remedies.
You’ll be able to find herbal supplements to strengthen your immune system in case it becomes
weakened by the lack of sleep associated with clusters. Needless to say, a strengthened immune
system will also be beneficial as your body works in concert with your combination therapy
drugs to fight the progress of HIV. Two supplements that come to mind are Echinacia and
NADH. The latter is a natural enzyme which you already have in your system. It is produced by
your brain, and is responsible for keeping your energy level up, as well as helping your body
produce endorphins. Your body’s natural production of NADH is stunted by immune disorders,
such as HIV and Epstien-Barr syndrome (mononucleosis). Recently in the New England Journal
of Medicine it was reported that a large number of test patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
were completely cured by taking only 10mgs of NADA one time per day. I suffer from CFS
because I have had Mono several times from going days on end with no sleep due to my CH
condition. I too have experienced a great deal of success with NADA. If you’re currently
experiencing swollen lymph nodes, lethargy, fatigue, etc.....TRY THIS ENZYME! It can be
found in 10mg pill form at any GNC under the brand name ENADA. One month’s worth will
cost you around 40 bucks. In my case, the investment has been well worth it.
Good luck and God bless. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you endure this trying time
in your life. Never think you’re alone, because there’s always support and compassion available
to you whenever you reach out. --Vince