Posted by Sanjay (202.54.115.163) on June 24, 2001 at 03:39:23:
Hi all, my name is Sanjay, and let me start off by wishing one and all PFDAN.
Although I have not been posting on the board, I am a regular reader, and this is where i read about the Mushrooms. My thanks to Pinky for his help and advice.
This is my experience so far on the Mushroom Therapy ( pl. excuse the length)
HISTORY : I have had CH's from 1993. Over the years, the frequency and intensity has increased.
This current bout started in mid-December 2000, and is still contuinuing. It started like the earlier ones, but quickly proceeded in Intensity and in Frequency. There were only 2 Pain free periods of 10 days each. The frequence varies from 3/day to 6/day. Also, the intensity in this bout is more than in the earlier years.
I thinks that I have turned CHRONIC.
MEDS: All the usual... O2,Sumatriptan,Verap.,Lithium,Methysergide.....
MUSHROOM DOSE 1 :
Previous 3-4 days before the Mushroom dose, 4 attacks/day. The 24 hrs. before dosing were bad ..4 attacks,all KIP 7 +
After going off all medication (except Verapamil(240) & Prednisone(10) ), and NO Sumatriptan for 24 hours, I took 1.5 grams of dried P.Cubensis (as a tea).
I went into the dose with a very massive shadow (more like a KIP 5), which persisted into the trip. The effects of the Mushrooms lasted for 4 hours. No side effects(in fact, very pleasant).
Came out of the trip with a KIP 9-10. Took Sumatriptan Puff(10 mg.as against my usual 20 ), which worked more rapidly than usual, however the pain did not completely go away...just become bearable. In the next 48 hours, only 3 attacks,BUT after that,back to the pre-mushroom state.
Seems like the Mushrooms had a very MINOR effect, for a SHORT time.
MUSHROOM DOSE 2:
Waited 5 days, no Sumatriptan for 26 hrs. prior to dosing (again sheer hell-8 attacks,all KIP 6-8,one 9). Have upped Verap. to 360 mg, and Prednisone to 30 mg.
Took 3 gms. Again went into the trip with a heavy shadow. Came out of the trip in 4 hours with a KIP 9-10, took a 20mg. spray(worked in 5 min.(faster than usual). Followed it up by another dose of 2gms. (a mistake ..I Know)...trip lasted for 2 hours.
Its now 72 hours since the second dose, AND, have averaged 2 attacks/day, of lower intensity (about 2 notches down).
Looks like the 2nd. dose HAS had an EFFECT. Am feeling better... so am planning another shot.
The 3rd. dose is now scheduled 48 hours hence.
Will keep updating.
Any suggestions/comments are most welcome.
Once again, a BIG Thanks to Pinky.
Wishing all PF days and nights.
Sanjay
p.s.: Was going to be in Atlanta, But I guess Not now(my loss).Have fun!!