Posted by Margi (161.184.81.207) on February 06, 2002 at 16:27:09:
In Reply to: If booze triggers an attack posted by Ted on February 06, 2002 at 16:04:04:
we could go one step further though and ask why most known triggers don't trigger attacks when the clusterhead is out of cycle. I don't think that triggers are all we are making them out to be sometimes. I think that when cluster cycles are in full swing (or in the case of chronics who are 'in cycle' all the time) the cluster cycle itself, with it's chemical imbalances cause sensitivities to outside influences, not that outside influences cause the sensitivities. Those sensitivies are already there because of the cycle. Do you see what I mean?
I believe that a clusterhead is going to get a certain number of attacks in a cycle, peaking towards the middle and then decreasing as the cycle ends, no matter what they eat, drink or do while they're sleeping. At the peak of a cycle, so many folks have commented on the fact that EVERYTHING triggers an attack. How is that possible, really?
As Bob said, apnea folks have apnea all the time, usually. But not necessarily clusters all the time, right? If apnea triggers attacks, why doesn't it do it all the time?
I think clusterheads are not able to utilize oxygen levels the same way non-clusterheads can, and that maybe THIS is why they are more prone to developing apnea. IMHO, I think being a clusterhead means that you might be predisposed to developing sleep apnea. Not the other way around.
I'm so confused now. I don't even know if I answered your question. I probably didn't. My head hurts now.