Posted by Riccardo Pentenero (194.116.8.15) on September 09, 1999 at 12:14:52:
In Reply to: dangers related posted by Daughter of Cluster Victim on September 09, 1999 at 11:50:33:
Mia piccola, i have the same problem of your dad. I have a high blood pressure 180-120 (no cure can low it).
I experienced some of your dad diseases. A pain in the chest and left arm, and some little TIA (Transient Ischemic Attacks).
First, i suggest to stop (if he use it) Imitrex if it work only a few. (my case, only 30% pain less, i stop to use it).
Second, i think that heart attack are not related directly with clusters attacks, (think only the pain can do them...) but the brain ischemia is a possibility during an attack. (almost in Italian medicine they think so)
I suggest you (please other CH dont kill me!) to give your dad 3 pills of aspirin a week. This may give more fluidity to the blood, and have no side effect.
Anyway (i do not want to lie you) if i were your dad, i should be scared. But try to convince him to go to the doctor. In the most CH cases, there is no pill that kill the beast, only little helps.
The doctor could give other tips and meds to beat these "neighbourhood of illnesses".
Remember that CH does not kill (although the high level of pain), heart and ischemic diseases can kill if not cured.
Another tip to your dad "during the CH attack":
Deep and frequent breath, and try to autohypnotize thinking or saying "i'm calm,i have no pain and so on" May be a stupidity, but it help me to reach the end of the attacks.
With all my love, hoping my daughter, that's only 4 yo, will love me as you love your dad.
(and sorry for poor english)