Some of you old-timers may remember me - Jim R - I was on this board for years but due to forgotten/lost user names, passwords, broken computers, etc., I haven't had access.  HOW ARE YOU ALL?!  I've have missed this forum tremendously and am so excited that I again have access!!!  My compadres - Johnny, Nancy -And YES, Mastiff! -  my age is showing here - there are so many more but can't remember the names....getting old suck, but better than the alternative!!  Remind me guys, please?

Yeah, f'cking A, I still have these MF's  53.  My neurologist said they's get better as my arteries hardened.  Well, I guess they're not!  Maybe a good thing in some ways?

I am just so happy to be here again  ;D!  Kinda suck though cause I am unemployed, they've hit again, no $ for meds, no Imitrex - still on my verapamil and clonodine but theyy're not cutting it and I get about 3/day.  Not bad yet, just really f'ing annoying and painful but they're coming....  I have a lot more to say but will hold off for a bit.  Man, DUDES, I am so glad to have rejoined y'all!

Jim R ;D ;D ;D ;D

Is that an "H' in my fucking name, Jim?  >:(

You know better than that!....LOL  :D

Welcome back, man!! :-*

Hi Jim, welcome home.  Sorry about all the trials and tribulations you have/are going through.  Hope things get better for you!

hugs,
:)mel

wrote on Jan 20^th, 2009 at 7:16pm:

Is that an "H' in my fucking name, Jim?  >:( You know better than that!....LOL  :D Welcome back, man!! :-*

Sorry, the memory fades dude!  Hey, but I remembered the name!!  Gotta give me some credit!  You were my f'ing balance board - you kept me in check.  Never forget it.  We are soooo simpatico, my New england cuz.

Jim R wrote on Jan 20^th, 2009 at 7:33pm:

wrote on Jan 20th, 2009 at 7:16pm: Is that an "H' in my fucking name, Jim?  >:( You know better than that!....LOL  :D Welcome back, man!! :-* Sorry, the memory fades dude!  Hey, but I remembered the name!!  Gotta give me some credit!  You were my f'ing balance board - you kept me in check.  Never forget it.  We are soooo simpatico, my New england cuz.

OH, BTW, this new board has me a bit confused - is there a primer?  It's not easy to fiure out how to post or reply or maybe I've had too many Jack's, can't tell (it's a secret!!  LOL)

I don't know what or who I am replying to, being confused about this new board, but Jonny - HEY - got it right, didn't I dude!?  You gotta know, you were an inspiration to me when I was so down - may be there again soon - don't know.  You can be a little harsh but that's good 'cause when you have these f'ckers you need someone to get you in line.  You cannot really do it yourself 'cause of the agony.  But you're my bro and have been for years despite my absence.  So stay close my friend.  I'll be back on regularly now (assuming nothing ELSe fucks me up).

Looks like your doing just fine!

Get your ass some 02, it could make a world of difference (dont give me "I already tried it" shit, do it!)

And start reading, its been awhile and you need to catch up on shit!  ;)

We've yet to be introduced Jim, but I'm Pegg and it's good to meet you.  I've been here for about 5 years now.

It's good to see old faces (even those I've never met before) returning home to the fold.

Welcome back!

Thank you Redd.  I am very unsure of how to properly respond, techincally, as I am unfamiliar with the workings of this board.  Can anyone help me out here?  It's quite a bit different than the old one.  Maybe this response will actually teach me if it works....  Yeah, been on here since 02.  Gee, I was sorta young then....still feel that way in my head!  Ain't THAT GREAT!!

Jim R wrote on Jan 20^th, 2009 at 7:48pm:

Thank you Redd.  I am very unsure of how to properly respond, techincally, as I am unfamiliar with the workings of this board.  Can anyone help me out here?  It's quite a bit different than the old one.  Maybe this response will actually teach me if it works....  Yeah, been on here since 02.  Gee, I was sorta young then....still feel that way in my head!  Ain't THAT GREAT!!

Yeah I know the feeling well...I keep wondering how my kids have grown up so much and I haven't aged a bit...

;D

Looks like you have the hang of posting Jim. Welcome back.

Jonny,

No $$ for O2.  No insurance.  No job.  And it only works while they're mild and they're ramping up.  How are you doing?  Still have 'em?  What are you using?  DUDE, I had soooo much success with a combo of verapamil, clonodine and a new antiseizure (just gone generic) called Lamictal, but can't afford the shit anymore.  I went 2-3 years without any!!! :)  New neurologist - doesn't believe in Narcs and did this and blow me away, it DID work!  I was a happy camper for years.  Now, well, I am trying to get imitrex on a site call needymeds.com as I have no ins. or $.  My neurologist suggested it.  Will let all know how it goes.  But man, just the fucking pain again - don't take a nap - my mistake - wake up in agony and they're not even bad yet!  If they get like they were again, I do not know what I will do.  But, hope srpings eternal!  ;D  I will survive!  wasn't that an 80's disco tune (Christ, I used to dance too!!!)

QN HeartNN

Thanks, I think I am getting it.  I'll get better and thanks for your welcome.  I'll figure it out 4 sure.  - Jim R

Jim IS ONE HAPPY FUCKIN CAMPER!!  I have reconnected!!! :D  And now, I must go have a butt.  And a beer (while I still can without too many issues...)  I'll check back in all, jjst kind of delirious that I have been successful in getting back on!  Soon, the beer will have to go if these MF's continue, but for now, it's a beer and several episodes of "Curb Your Enthusiasm"!!  Happy 20th everyone!  Just the brief talking will help me sleep tonight!!

Jim R

Hey, just 1 more thought b4 I sign-off - where's and when is the reunion this year?  If not too far (hey, I have a GPS which takes a LOT of anxiety out of the equation!), I might go 4 it!!  I'm in Indy now (don't want to b, but can't sell house - shitty econ, ya know?)  Trying to get back to NH, my kids and my dogs (and yeah, my ex is there too but that's not the reason...)...  G'night all.   :)

Hi Jim,

Did you have an avatar of yourself in a boat, or am I thinking of another Jim?

Get yourself some O2! I use welders O2 like several of us here, and it kicks butt for me. Here in Texas, a monster "T" tank only costs me $18.50 per refill. For reference, a "T" tank has the same capacity as (14) of the standard 2' tall "E" tanks most folks are familiar with.

Using very high flow oxygen has changed my life after being chronic for over 12 years.  If you need more info just ask!

I'll be happy to swap phone numbers and guide you through the process.

yes....welders 02.  No insurance needed.  Scroune up some money to buy the tank, then it spretty cheap to refill it.  Just don;t say your using it medically.

Welcome back Jim but sorry you're getting hit and for all your troubles.

Lamictal!........I've been taking this thing for 15 years for epilepsy. It's not the reason my CH is gone though. It's been 18 years since I was hit. Nobody can afford to pay for this thing. Here it runs more than $300 a scrip. Fortunately, I have Medicare now. There is a generic of this thing: Lamotrigine. I don't know its price but it HAS to be less.

Here is my technique that I've posted many times. It costs nothing and the price is right. Keep at it and good luck:


                                         Dr. Wright’s Circulatory Technique:

I am not sure what mechanism is triggered by this but whatever it is, at least indirectly helps kill the pain. I do know that this technique has nothing to do with meditation, relaxation, or psychic ability. It is entirely physical and takes some work. It involves concentrating on trying to redirect a little circulation to the arms, hands, or legs. Think of feeling your pulse in your hand. Increased circulation will result in a reddening and warming of the hands. The important and difficult part is that it has to be done without interruption through the pain. Do not give up in frustration. It may not work on the first try. Try experimenting between attacks. You will find that it gets easier with practice. Every now and then it will work almost immediately. I lived for those moments.

I was given less than five minutes instruction in the use of method. The doctor, while placing his arm on his desk, showed me that he could slightly increase his arm and hand circulation. After several attempts, I was able to repeat this procedure and use it successfully. I have had about a 75% success rate shortening these attacks. My 20 minute attacks were often reduced to 10 minutes or less. Once proven that I had a chance to effectively deal with this horror, I always gave it a try as I had nothing to lose but pain.

I used to try to imagine I was pushing blood away from my neck into my arm. Use your imagination. There is one man who wrote that his standing barefoot on a concrete floor shortened his attacks. This may be similar as it draws some circulation away from the head. Cold water, exercise, or anything affecting circulation, seems to be worth a try. My suggestion is to not let up immediately when the pain goes. Waiting a minute is probably a good idea. So long as you do not slack off, this has a chance of working.

This technique is very useful while waiting for medication to take effect or when none is available. It costs nothing, is non-invasive, and can be used just about anywhere. It is not a miracle but it helped me deal with this horror. It can be a bit exhausting but the success rate was good enough for me and a cluster headache sufferer will do just about anything to end the pain. It gives us a fighting chance.

Charlie      

Hi Jim.....welcome back.  You've been gone a long time but I remember you.

Good advice about he 02.....welders works just fine.

Jacks 8-)

Thanks for the welcome back everyone!  Yes, I used to have a pic with me in my boat, so you've got a great memory!  Charlie - I remember you!  Yeah Lamictal - unbelievably expensive even when I had insurance - couldn't touch it now even in generic form.  But it worked for me.  My neurologist here in Indy couldn't believe I had been on lithium so long for them - said it just showed how desperate my other neurologist was, and then prescribed the lamictal.  So for now, just verapamil and clonodine and I WILL check out the welders O2 if these things get worse or continue.  Thanks again guys!  - Jim R

Welcome back Jim.  It has been a long time.

Hi Jim,  I too remember you and welcome back.

 
Quote:

Soon, the beer will have to go if these MF's continue, but for now, it's a beer

 You DO know that alcohol is a trigger while in cycle right?  You could be causing yourself mroe pain than you need right now.

Also you asked the question of the next reunion.  The next convention is in mid-July.  Place,  to be announced shortly.

Linda

Hiya Jim!    [smiley=wave.gif]  I'm Jen.  Nice to meet ya and welcome back.

Sorry the beast found you again, but you already know - you came (back) to the right place ;)

Pull up a chair and let us newer folks get to know ya a bit!

Howdy Jimrrrrrrr,
Wattup?
Mast

Welcome back Jim
PF wishs to ya
Happy Pappy

Hey Jim,

 Good to see you back here. Check out the med board, there are lots of new non med treatments. Melatonine Kudzu, Magnesium and Redbull are just a few of them. I take Magnesium 800 mg a day and Verapamil 480mg a day and have become almost PF. Before starting the Magnesium I was up to 12 hits a day.

Paul

Ok Update covering last few years:  took a job near Indianapolis after a month of doing it as an interim director of health information (medical records) at a hospital.  Spent two years there but they were having severe financial problems with their hospital-owned physician practices losing millions, so I jumped ship and went with a national health information consulting company out of Philly.   The had me do a 4 month gig out at Scripps Hospital in San Diego, CA, whcih was kind of cool as I got to the US Open at Torrey Pines as it is right in back of the hospital.  But it was also hard as I was flying back to either Indy or New Hampshire every week and you know how travel sucks...  so after this gig ended, this company I had joined had no more assignmments for me and I was laid off - they never told me my job was dependent on them having clients!  So here I sit on unemployment, no med. ins., barely scrpaing by with my mortgage, trying to sell my hosue and return to NH in a terrible real estate and economic market.  Looking for jobs but at 53 now it's getting harder.  Couldn't keep my dogs due to the travel (Min. Schnauzers - they're with my ex in NH) and being without them is a real bummer.  So I live alone in a beautiful new 2500 sq. foot house, in a great neighborhood, but I want to be in New Hampshire or at least New England near my 3 sons - not a Midwesterner - New England born and bred.  My youngest son who is now 23 is in Scotland with his girlfriend and I understand he wants to stay and get his masters degree - education cheaper there than here.  All my relative live in England....so I am hoping they all hook-up - I've facilitated it, now it's on him to follow through.  I'm still divorced, not dating (hard when unemployed!   ;)  and now with no med. ins. and having to drop the lamictal duee to it's cost (astronomical), I think that's why I am beginning to be hit again.  On lamictal, I was pain free for 2 years, so the verapamil/clonodine/lamictal regimen did work for me.  SO that brings me up to date with y'all...and again, thanks for all your welcome backs!!   :)

Jim R

Hey Jim it is soooo wonderful to see that you are back on the boards.  I am sorry to hear that you are unemployed and having difficulties finding meds.  We sold our house last year.  It took 7 months for it to go when it usually took 3 months for houses to go in our neighborhood and we lost money on the sale of our home.  Problem was we did a bridge loan and bought the new house before the market and economy tank out.  Rotten luck.  Point being just be patient and wait to sell.  I am now the grandmother of two wonderful children.  A boy and a girl.  Today is the birthday of Joshua who is one.  And Lila was just born last Fri.  So wonderful things and exciting things are going on in my life.

Hi Jim it's nice to meet you. I'm the horrible one here!

Have you looked for help with the cost of the lamictal? There are a lot of programmes that you might be eligible for. I can't bear to think of people not having meds at least if there's anyway around it

Have a look at these sites for a start and I'll help you look for more if needed

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Hope it helps, looking forward to hearing more from you (and finding your weak spots heh heh heh!!!)

The evil one