Posted by Penny on January 28, 1999 at 19:26:44:
In Reply to: Course Over a Lifetime posted by Jack Boyd on January 28, 1999 at 12:57:41:
Well, I started soon after my second child was born and she will be 21 in a few months. I used to get them once a year-in January and then it went every other year and then 18 months and then for 3 or 4 years running every November like clock work! The episodes used to be 2-3 weeks with one HA every other night or so. I, too, went without treatment for years, except giving myself some sinus meds a few times. They were so intense but so brief!
Then a few years ago I spoke to my doc and we started with some stuff (I think maybe verapamil) and cafregot. But the next few Novembers were worse and worser! Long HA's and the episodes lasting 6 weeks or so. My doc got enlightened and the last two episodes I had oxygen. My last episode was Nov, 1997 and the O2 seemed to save my life. It worked on every single headache except for the first one I tried it on because I didn't put it on fast enough! One night I had 3 HA's and each one was put to rest in 15 minutes and i was put to rest within minutes after! I have always had so much trouble sleeping after an attack-either the meds or the anxiety? Oh, I tried prednisone too-it didn't work and upset my stomach.
I am very prepared for another bout whenever it may hit. Got my oxygen and even imitrex in stock right now. I feel like I want to win this round again!
Good luck.
P.S. I also heard that women quit having them after menopause??? Anyone have any info on that (I ask this every other month, I know)