Posted by Joe (east/west) (63.126.121.2) on May 23, 2001 at 03:59:28:
Dawn and August,
I also am a relative newcomer to this site and have found
it to be extremely helpful as I have learned how to
battle my demon... Just knowing that I wasn't the only
one trying to live with this pain was a big step forward
for me.
At the risk of pissing off the "experts"... and because
I guess I am the only one up tonight (morning) here are
a few things you can do immediately.
1. Read everything under the tabs at the left. Take the
quiz, determine if you are a CH. Print out the information
under "medical" and take it with you to your doctor.
2. Get started on an abortive program ASAP. Go to your
normal doctor, a walkin clinic, whatever, but do it first
thing tomorrow morning. Demand that he puts you on an
abortive program immediately. Most people (75%) have good
results with Imitrex. Comes in 3 forms: tablet, nasal,
and injection. This is taken at the onset of an attack,
it will not prevent a CH, but it will stop the pain once
it starts.
3. Get started on a preventative program ASAP. Ask your
doctor for a referral to a neurologist. Demand that he
put you on a preventative program immediately. Most people
(75%) have good results with a combination program of
Prednisone and Verapamil.
4. Read, read, read... There is an amazing amount of
information available on this site. You will not find
a better resource. The medications are tricky, everyone
reacts to them differently and they all have pros and
cons... in the event that the first line approaches don't
work know that there are many other approaches. Many
people have to experiment with several to find the one
that works for them.
Know that there is a group of supporters here for you,
you are not fighting this alone, and most of the time
this can be treated sucessfully.
Good Luck and keep us posted on your progress, Joe (east/west)
PS. To the veterens... Well how did I do???