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Topic: The new guy... (Read 329 times) |
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Mike-headbanger
New Board Newbie
...up in smoke, baby...
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Posts: 2
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The new guy...
« on: May 19th, 2004, 10:35pm » |
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Good evening..
I guess I'll get right to my profile. The name's Mike, I'm 40 yrs old, father of a 12 yr old girl, 9 & 5 yr old boys. I started having what I called "headbangers" around 6 yrs ago, following an acute sinus infection. I'm in excellent health, and in excellent shape. I stopped alcohol altogether when I realized it was triggering my headaches.
I have to tell ya that I had to run around to quite a bit of specialists before being properly diagnosed. Lets see: 3 neurologists, 2 ear-nose-throat, 5 generalists, 1 MRI, chiropractor, chinese acupuncture (although acupuncture did help a bit...), I went through Fiorinal and Maxalt like they were candies. I found some kind of relief in the strangest of places: a record launch ! Here's the story:
A buddy of mine was launching an album, oh, 4 yrs ago. My wife and I were having a great time, and everything was fine, until, well, my wife spotted me from across the room and she knew right away: GET THE COATS! My eye was starting to droop, I was rubbing my temple and squinting....here we go again, My wife, the angel she is, knew the drill: get the coats and hit the door ASAP. Not wanting to leave without saying good-bye, I went to see my buddy to say good-bye.I shook hands, but he said "Aww, c'mon out back Mikey, 5 minutes, c'mon....Damn ! OK, I'll try to keep my head while my brain melts !! We went out back, and he lights up ! No, not Marboros, or PLayers Light. And seeing as we live in Canada, well, let's just say it's not much of a big deal. I grew up in the seventies, so it was no big deal to me. Long story short, by the time we came back inside, the glint was back in my eye. My wife's jaw almost dropped to the floor. "Guess what, darlin'? You can put the coats away!" Needless to say, I had found at least SOMETHING to kill the pain. I explained this to my family doctor and she said there was anecdotal evidence that people who had tried when they were younger had positive results. Whatever, at least there was something. But I still thought I had migraines. Next stop was Ergomar. Nope, did'nt work.
Finally, my wife set up an appointment at the Montreal Migraine Clinic. I had gone before to see a neurologist, but all he did was give me samples. He did'nt seem to listen. But my appointment was with another doctor. So I went, and boy am I glad ! He spent at least 1 1/2 hrs checking me over, asking questions, and at the end finally told me what I had: Atypical Hortons Syndrome, AKA Chronic Cluster Headaches. He put me on Verapamil, with Imitrex nasal spray. Seeing as I've never gone more than 2 weeks without an attack, I was on the same regimen for the last year. But just recently, in the last 3 weeks, I started having major brain-melts. Even after Imitrex, it would take 1 / 2 hrs to clear up. I want through 12 Imitrex in 12 days ! Ka-ching ka-ching ! on the 12th day, it was the worst: It started at 9pm Thursday and did'nt leave me go until 9am. I wanted to die please !!! My wife tried everything to try to soothe me. We sometimes forget, but our spouses go through hell when the devil is banging on our heads! I had some small relief by being in the same position as someone who is praying (kneeling, bent over forward, hands extended along floor). That morning, back to the clinic (another missed work-day !) this time for emergency cortisone injection. AAHHHhhhhh, relief ! It was OK for a week, but it started again. Another injection, plus now I'm taking Lithium also. It's been 2 weeks, had 1 small attack. Oh yeah, I've also gotten the Imitrex injector pen. Doc says It'll act faster so that the devil doesn't get a hold. My fingers are crossed........
And that's my story. I've read through this website and I'm VERY glad to have found you. If only to bitch and moan when I get a headbanger....
Mike ....
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TxBasslady
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Bass fishin' is a h00t It's the catchin' that sux
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Re: The new guy...
« Reply #1 on: May 19th, 2004, 11:11pm » |
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Welcome, Mike
Glad to hear that the meds seem to be working for you.
Usually someone here 24/7. We never close! 
Feel free to bitch, whine, cry, gripe or whatever else you need to do. Just know that you're not alone. We've all been there.
Best wishes to ya for lots of PF time.
Jean
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How lucky I am... to have known someone who was so hard to say goodbye too.
Take a kid fishin
www.takemefishin.org
I adopted a Vietnam POW/MIA from El Paso, Texas! 
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buckeyescooter
New Board Veteran
Screw Fear!
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Re: The new guy...
« Reply #2 on: May 22nd, 2004, 1:15am » |
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Welcome to the "funhouse"  ....glad you're here. It's a great place to to get info as well as expierience, strength, and most of all, hope. Be sure to check out ALL the area's of the message board. I find the medications section especially informative. Once again welcome.
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Clusterheads are a rare breed.
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