Posted by Margi (161.184.81.207) on December 28, 2001 at 10:54:08:
In Reply to: not sure posted by Jim G. on December 28, 2001 at 02:42:30:
but please know that neither one of you are alone with this. Lots of us go through what you and your wife are going through right now.
Here are some 'non-medicinal' self helps you can try.
1. Water treatment - read the Water x3 button at the left. If you're not on any other meds, it just might help you break your cycle. Do be careful with it and if you have any kidney or liver problems, please check with your doc before you do this.
2. Ice - my husband uses those gel-filled jobs that never really quite freeze. He puts one in a cloth gift bag and lays it on the back of his neck at the onset of an attack and it helps him get through it.
3. Dramamine/Gravol - to help you sleep through the night. These are motion sickness drugs available without a prescription that cause sleep as a side effect but don't let you get into REM sleep which is when most nighttime attacks occur.
4. Oxygen/Exercise - if you live in a cooler climate, try going out for a brisk walk at the onset, sometimes getting that oxygen flowing in your blood will stop the attack. Better yet, if you can get some oxygen from a doctor, that helps about 80% of the folks here to abort their attacks.
5. Help for your supporter: please tell your wife that there are lots of us here who know what she goes through and understand her pain and helpless feelings too. She can read about us by clicking on the OUCH website button at the left, go to the menus above the map and read the Family Services stuff. Or just mail us at clusterbuds@hotmail.com if she needs a shoulder. We are a team of supporters and sufferers who completely understand.
Hang in there, friend - never give up. We are right beside you, helping you climb this mountain. The top is in sight, I promise.
Margi