Posted by Grant (24.71.223.141) on April 02, 2001 at 21:14:52:
Even though I've been reading here religiously for about the last month, I have only posted a couple of times.
I've been suffering from CH for about 18yrs now, for usually 4-6wks every 1.5 to 2yrs. Over time, the severity of my headaches seems to be lessening. A couple of years, I ran short of cash for Imitrex, and basically had to sit through a couple of attacks with nothing.
About a month ago when I was hit again, I decided to try to go med-free for the cycle.
I realize this must seem ABSOLUTELY CRAZY to most of you. I know that even a few years ago, I never would have considered trying this.
Anyways, the cycle only seemed to last a little over 3wks. During that time, I had 4 Tylenol 3's and a large amount of feverfew. Regardless of the temperature (usually around 10 to 15 deg.F), I would sleep with the window wide open. Also, I found that sleeping upright in a chair with pillows helped cut down on the number of midnight attacks. I tried this since MY worst ones come at night (when laying down).
Don't get me wrong at all. I'm not bragging or trying to understate the pain any of you are going through. I realize the pain that everyone here goes through. Instead, I am surprised (and ecstatic) about the shortness of this cycle.
After being fed so many pills for so long, I realized that I had to somehow overcome my fear. The easiest way for me to put it is: I know about how bad they can get (at least for me, even before they lessened), and if they don't do any permanent damage (like the pills probably were), I feel that I can handle them (or at least most of them).
Once again, this is NOT meant to offend anyone by 'belittling' their pain. I feel unbelievably fortunate to be in the shoes I am.
Thanks for being here, God bless, and Over and out.
Grant