Posted by wolf-boy (209.252.82.32) on January 14, 2001 at 18:16:58:
I'm new to the messageboard, but an old aquaintance of the beast, having suffered 14 yrs of episodic CH , 8 yrs before being diagnosed by a neuro.
Has anyone dealt w/ sinus infections masking the onset of CH cycle?
I have lots of allergies & get sinus infections several times a yr (always L side, same as CH). CH comes every other yr & sneaks in behind sinus problems, so I can never tell at first what kind of h/a it's going to be- Is that twinge or that dull throb sinus or the start of a CH?
My next cycle is due to start any time now, so I've already gotten my verapamil, cafergot,& O2, stopped drinking alcohol, & started drinking lots of water.
I hate the thought of depriving myself of a "normal life" (like going anywhere more than 2 min from my O2, having a beer, etc)before I have to.
I also don't like the side effects of my meds: dull constant h/a, nausea, constipation, etc. True, it's better than a good CH dance, but I don't want to start all that before I have to either.
I feel like I'm just waiting for the axe to fall. I almost wish they would go ahead & start. Not knowing is it's own kind of torture. My family went to the movies today, I stayed home, paranoid that I would start a CH & have to race out to the car for the O2. I won't even drive 2 blocks to the corner store for cig. w/o my O2 in the car. Yesterday I passed up a chance to go whitewater kayaking( a passion of mine) because my boat isn't big enough for me and my demon :)
Is there any way to tell if a cycle is beginning, other than waiting to start your meds until after the demon strikes up a lovely dance tune? The banging my head on the sink, clawing the carpet & crying like a little baby scares the hell out of my wife.(LOL)
My heart truly goes out to those of you that are chronic
PFDAN for all,
wolf-boy