Posted by margi on December 15, 1998 at 10:34:25:
In Reply to: On the outside looking in posted by Vergie on December 14, 1998 at 23:06:18:
Hi Vergie
I am the wife of a sufferer and I completely understand your feelings. In answer to your question about what to do for your sweetie - ANYTHING he asks you to do for him (short of giving him a gun). You just be available in the background, and wait for him to tell you what he needs. Sometimes a hug is the thing, sometimes being in the farthest corner away from him. But be ready to be at his side in an instant if he needs you. We use gel-filled ice packs on the back of the neck, inhaling pure oxygen, drinking lots of water. We've tried all the drugs with little or no success. My husband is episodic, not chronic (thank God), so we both know that the cycle will eventually pass. I've cried many tears with him at the peaks of his cycles and I'm even beginning to recognize a month ahead of time when the next cycle will start. The most help I've been able to give him in the 13 years together has been research I have gained from this site. We can all thank DJ for creating it for us as it is an excellent source for suggestions. Do more reading, girl, and keep hanging around here - it is a good place to vent and it may give your boyfriend some comfort knowing he is not alone.
Sorry this is so wordy, but my heart goes out to you both. Please feel free to e-mail me directly ANYTIME.
Best of luck to you both and pain free days and nights ahead.
Margi