Just to introduce myself

[Ringo]

Hello everyone,

As a guest I have been reading quite a bit on this site, and found some posts insightful and interesting.

I have been having CHs since the age of 18 (am 31 now), and was only diagnosed about five years ago. I get about two bouts every year, sometimes these can last 4 months, but typically less.

Currently, I live in the UK.

I take verapimil 3x240mg every day. I have the great benefit of an understanding GP. This means that I am able to treat the attacks with Immigran subject (in the US this is called Imitrex injectors, I think).

Without this I am quite sure I would not have managed so far.

I have had good experiences of stopping a bout by taking high dosages of steroids (hydrocortisone, or Prednisolone, 60mg a day for two, three days). Nasty stuff, but it worked often. Not this time, and I am getting really sick and tiered of injecting all the time. It does effect my job, as well, but thankfully I was never seen having an attack.

In a way, I think we as sufferers are quite privileged as the happiness when the pain finally goes is so intense and must be close to what others pay for  .

I have experimented with (0- no use, 9- works perfect)

Immigran subject (9)

Immigran tablets (2)

Immigran Nasal spray (1)

Lidocaine (1)

O2 (depends, sometimes 4 or sometimes 9)

All sorts of painkillers including morphine that I borrowed from my mum when she was dying of cancer some time ago) without much success.

I have never taken any recreational drugs (except alcohol and cigarettes).

Nice to meet you all

[Cassidy]

In a way, I think we as sufferers are quite privileged as the happiness when the pain finally goes is so intense and must be close to what others pay for.

Hi Ringo,

I believe your thinking is a bit twisted. However; I have had similar thoughts.

Welcome to the club. I believe you will find some helpful information here and possibly a way to a more reasonable form of treatment, if you choose to take that path.

                                      Leslie :

[Mad6string]

Hi Ringo,

Please read and understand as much info as you can on this site. As a former Imitrex junky, I can say with absolute confidence that it will extend your cycle. The rebound hits are abundant and it could also blow your heart up. Steroids are a bad thing for most CHers. Prednizone was my worst enemy. What I thought was helping to get rid of my cycle was actually making it worse. Our form of treatment is a Godsend. Most of us have found great relief. It's kind of like an only child though, it doesn't like to play with others too much. You need to detox before you start our form of treatment. The benefits could be pleasantly surprising.  I urge you to read, understand, and ask questions. We are always here to help.

Mad6string