Posted by ScottL (207.229.173.193) on July 08, 1999 at 00:29:37:
First, a little experiential sharing. Second, a common dilemna. Among the various meds I have tried, Sansert (an anticonvulsant) worked well as a preventative, although it is expensive. However, I was experiencing back pain around the top of my pelvis and read that a potential side effect of Sansert was fibrous growths in the pelvic region. I contacted my doctor and he directed me to stop the Sansert immediately. I encourage all of you to be vigilent and research potential side effects of the meds you use. Don't be afraid to mention anything you feel or think you may feel to your doctor. This leads to the the dilemna. From all I have read, though CH's hurt more than any nonsufferer can imagine, they cause not lasting damage. The real risk comes from the treatments, whether it is medication beating up our liver and kidneys over time or people banging their heads on things or breathing tainted but cheap O2. I personally would persue a surgical procedure because I would consider the risk of some numbness or other discomfort preferable to the risk of accumulated medication damage over time. I sure wish a group of MDs could get together and produce a coherent body of information on all the costs/benefits/risks of the various treatment options. Its nice to be able to express myself to persons who I know understand my feelings, confusions, and frustrations. I wish you all the best.