So, for me I don't think beer is a trigger.  Last week, I drank nothing but water, ate very healthy, and I had at least one attack a day sometimes 2.  Then, yesterday was out on the boat with friends.  Beer was there and I couldn't resist...  So i had about 8 throughout the course of the day, then ate alot of unhealthy food... just knowing I was going to pay that night... Guess what?  Not one attack.  Crazy...  Anyone else out there find that beer is not a trigger?  Maybe the cycle is over for me?  Tonight will tell...

It used to be said on the board alcohol was a 100% trigger......more and more poeple are posting that they can get away with certain kinds of alcohol, including beer, and not get hit at all. Yet one more way the beast is so damned different for every person!

Joe

Yeah, it does seem for me alcohol is a 100% trigger, almost. I guess that makes it a 99% trigger, or something. Every once in awhile, about twice a year now, I'll indulge because, well damn it, I want to! Sometimes I pay the price and sometimes I don't. But if I am in full and hard cycle-it just isn't worth it.

I have never felt that it was worth the risk.  I always wait until I am comfortable that I am out of cycle.

I've been getting popped by the beast bout 3x a week for the last month.  Went out drinking 2x.  No attacks from drinking.   


There have been PLENTY of times the beast has sent me home early from the bar though.....

Something wierd I noticed about myself if some past cycles. Beer would almost always trigger it. Whiskey, not as much. And, If I tried to casual drink, I would end up dancing w/ the devil, But speed up, slam a few, and power drink, and it would hold them at bay,most times. BUT, over all. IT'S JUST NOT WORTH THE RISK.

1 night 10 beers, no headaches! next night, 1 beer headache! Who knows! Roll of the dice!

Some types of alcohol are more likely to trigger for me, a sip of wine will always trigger a headache within minutes, beer will usually trigger, and hard liquor is the "safest" for me to drink.  I'm chronic so I never really feel safe having a drink.  The strange thing is if go all out and drink like 5 or 6 drinks(not wine) in 20-30 minutes I don't get a headache but if I try to drink responsibly 9 out of 10 times I get one.  I don't enjoy getting hammered like that anymore, college days have passed, so i basically quit drinking unless I had a really crappy week.

tripsaplenty wrote on Jul 24^th, 2010 at 12:13am:

I don't enjoy getting hammered like that anymore, college days have passed, so i basically quit drinking unless I had a really crappy week.

hahaha - ain't it the truth!
I just figured I'd become a lightweight 'cause I couldn't drink more than 1 glass of wine or whatever without getting a headache.  I'd joke that I'd get the hangover half way though the glass.  Haven't had a drink in almost a year - like many others, I think it's just not worth it.

Alcohol is an inevitable trigger for me when I'm in cycle.  One swallow, and bingo.  Consequently, I won't touch the stuff during an active cycle.  The "beer test" is proof positive for me that the thing is actually gone, and that remission has begun. 

I'm an episodic, however.  I've heard it said here that episodics seem to be more sensitive to alcohol.  Chronics, not as much.

Whether or not that is true, I couldn't say. 

Of course, even if it is true, there are going to be the exceptions, both chronic and episodic.

Best,

George

wine and whiskey yes, beer not so much.

In my last cycle one bottle of beer (cheep french stuff) would always bring on an attack, to the extent that during that time I quit drinking all together , But on a couple of occasions I went down the pub with my brother and had 3 pints of guinness and a JD n' coke - no problem, so may be if you want a drink you have to go out and get slaughtered   :D  ;)

God bless
Nigel

George wrote on Jul 24^th, 2010 at 12:52am:

Alcohol is an inevitable trigger for me when I'm in cycle.  One swallow, and bingo.  Consequently, I won't touch the stuff during an active cycle.  The "beer test" is proof positive for me that the thing is actually gone, and that remission has begun.  Same here.... I'm an episodic, however.  I've heard it said here that episodics seem to be more sensitive to alcohol.  Chronics, not as much. When epidodic...exquisitely sensitive in cycle...no problem when out. Now chronic...with high/low cycles...same deal. Can't drink in high cycle...USUALLY can when in low.... Now, when in high cycle, I just send my beer to AussieBrian....and if he denies it...I'm thinking he just missed his 2 x 10mg of Namenda ;D Whether or not that is true, I couldn't say.  Neither can anyone else....welcome to clusterville.... Of course, even if it is true, there are going to be the exceptions, both chronic and episodic. No truer words.....there aint no RULE.... Best, Jon

George wrote on Jul 24^th, 2010 at 12:52am:

Alcohol is an inevitable trigger for me when I'm in cycle.  One swallow, and bingo.  Consequently, I won't touch the stuff during an active cycle.  The "beer test" is proof positive for me that the thing is actually gone, and that remission has begun.  I'm an episodic, however.  I've heard it said here that episodics seem to be more sensitive to alcohol.  Chronics, not as much. Whether or not that is true, I couldn't say.  Of course, even if it is true, there are going to be the exceptions, both chronic and episodic. Best, George

Me to a tee George.


David

Lettucehead wrote on Jul 24^th, 2010 at 12:18am:

Haven't had a drink in almost a year - like many others, I think it's just not worth it.

There are additional benefits to that.
Staying clear from alcohol is good for the body other than an occasional glass of red wine and we know what red wine does....  It figures the alcohol that is beneficial is the one that triggers the most, however we are all different.

I got hit over 16 years ago after drinking a beer and I wasn't even in cycle. Hurt so bad I actually thought I was going to die. So for me I have not had any type of alcohol for 16 years and I'm to chicken to even think about taking the chance rather I'm in cycle or not. I have danced with the beast since 1983 and I was chronic for my first 10 years. The beast is so unpredictable you just never know when he wants to do the forbidden dance with you.

jon019 wrote on Jul 26^th, 2010 at 7:06pm:

George wrote on Jul 24th, 2010 at 12:52am: Now, when in high cycle, I just send my beer to AussieBrian....

And I've written many testimonials proving the efficacy of this treatment.

PM now for mailing address and immediate relief!!!

Any amount, any kind of alcohol will trigger me, even just a few sips of beer. 

DAMNIT !   I used to enjoy a nice dark beer now and then.  Friggin CH blows!

So, anyone who can have a beer, please have one for me!   Cheers!

let's become a bit philosophic;

it's called "trigger" - generously more catalyzing trigger than a generating, inducing activator - that's why it sometimes kicks in, the next day you're free; i guess "trigger" is the right word  to describe this viscious situation   ;)

feneq wrote on Jul 27^th, 2010 at 8:22pm:

let's become a bit philosophic; it's called "trigger" - generously more catalyzing trigger than a generating, inducing activator - that's why it sometimes kicks in, the next day you're free; i guess "trigger" is the right word  to describe this viscious situation

What?

wimsey1 wrote on Jul 28^th, 2010 at 7:52am:

feneq wrote on Jul 27th, 2010 at 8:22pm: let's become a bit philosophic; it's called "trigger" - generously more catalyzing trigger than a generating, inducing activator - that's why it sometimes kicks in, the next day you're free; i guess "trigger" is the right word  to describe this viscious situation What?

Ummm ... Catalyst = Trigger  = Same thing.   :D

yeah obviously - i can't express it as precisely as it would sound in german :-/

A for effort though Feneq  ;)

I always enjoy a couple of beers nearly everyday after work.  But, since becoming a CH sufferer five years ago at age 49, it's impossible for me to even have half a beer or any alcohol when in my cycle.  In fact, it's the first shadow/headache when enjoying beer that let's me know my cycle has begun.  So, that's a bittersweet thing, huh?! :-/

In fact, it's the first shadow/headache when enjoying beer that let's me know my cycle has begun.  So, that's a bittersweet thing, huh?! 

You make my head hurt and inconvenience me.....and on top of that you gotta take my beer too? Just aint right! >:(

Joe

This cycle - 4 weeks into it now. I noticed, 3 weeks before I had my first "dance," any drinking made me feel bad. I thought we drank to fell good... So, now I'm thinking the beast was in bloom and the evening I switched from beer to a few vodka's on the rocks, i got my butt kicked within 10 minutes of the second drink. Two things I completely avoid while in the cycle is alcohol and ice cream. Over the years, I'm becoming a better "CH Manager" - key is live, learn and keep damn good notes - and read this board and learn more.... Something in research has just got to break-through at some point and give us all relief - when???? who??? solution??? In the mean time...Rock On  :)

yeah and the thought that you cant have a beer makes you want one even more too

No kidding, and the two things i have to avoid while in my "rocking stages' is Alcohol and Ice Cream - the very things I like most  :-/

[quote author=363B3F3A3C3F30393B2C6A6B5E0 link=1275876330/25#25 date=1281625843].... Something in research has just got to break-through at some point and give us all relief - when???? who??? solution???

Have you checked out START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE A lot of people have found relief there.

David

    I didn't even know what I had when I was forced to realize that drinking made it worse.  But in discovery of o2 and that beautiful site clusterbusters.com I got brave enough to let the alcoholic in me do some of the thinking again.  Will never touch beer or whiskey again in my life.  My two favorite of course.  Vodka is the only one.  The one I like the least.  I have good luck with vodka tonic or best yet is smash a bunch of vodka and red bull.  All in all just not good for me, so I'm trying to get myself to go the way of, better off left alone.
          Buzz

As soon as I notice the first signs of a cycle coming on, I verify it with the beer test.  The beer test never fails.  From that point on, alcohol of any sort is just completely out of the question, it's not remotely worth the nearly guaranteed hit that it will produce. 

So anyway, during this latest round (the last three weeks), I've become a bit of a connoisseur of root beer.  Instead of stopping at the store on the way home Friday and picking up some Fat Tire (a western US microbrew), I'd grab some root beer - in glass bottles of course, to enhance the illusion that it was something special.  Buying a big two liter of generic Barqs or whatever just wouldn't have the same appeal.  After a while I started reading root beer reviews online and hunting down some more esoteric brands.  It was nice to have something a little "special" to drink in the evening and, even without the alcohol, it really was enjoyable.  But, I'm speaking in the past tense now because I've been PF for two days now and if it keeps up I think I'll be going back to the real thing tomorrow night. :-)

A root beer connoisseur I love it!!! ;D

Hoping your right and the beasty has left the building. ;)

Joe

Quote:

Alcohol and Ice Cream

Not in the same glass I would hope.  Yuck!

Being chronic since 87, alcohol doesn't trigger me.  I've spoken to many chronics over the years and it's the same for them.  Small consolation, I'd say.   :-[

greghodg wrote on Aug 19^th, 2010 at 3:55pm:

It was nice to have something a little "special" to drink in the evening and, even without the alcohol, it really was enjoyable.

Easily obtainable and not sure of their brand, so special is an opinion to try once, summertime, Wendys has a root beer frosty float.  It may suit nicely an evening's enjoyable alternative sometimes.     :) 


If decided so, comes in large, too.   

I would concur with what a few others have said herein ... no doubt alcohol "can" be a trigger ... but not always. If I have "a" cocktail, "a" beer or "a" glass of wine ... you can bet the farm, my ass will be in tears soon! However, if I slam several in rapid succession, no pain ... I'm talking 3 or 4 doubles (vodka for me) within an hour.

And as far as why take the risk ... well, when you've done everything you know, avoided all the triggers, and you're still getting hammered daily with CH, then why not? When you're in the place that some of us are, sometimes it's just good to get numb! Maybe I sound like a rationalizing alcoholic, but nothing close. I don't drink daily, weekly or even monthly ... but in my current state, battling the beast, unemployed and very depressed ... I think it's ok to indulge.

Like I told a well meaning friend lately ... "if this isn't the right time to have a stiff drink ... when is?".

Red

I have a few good reasons for drinking,
and one just eneterd my head.
If a man can't drink when he's living,
How the hell can he drink when he's dead! ;D

Yeah on cycle I've been known to risk it a time or two or three. Cuz damnit, he takes enough away from me, like to show him who's boss now and then! (But oxygen is always close at hand!!!)

JOe

Quote:

And as far as why take the risk ... well, when you've done everything you know, avoided all the triggers, and you're still getting hammered daily with CH, then why not? When you're in the place that some of us are, sometimes it's just good to get numb

The only sensation i yearn to have all the years i am chronic is the one like swimming in the sea and then getting out at the shore and feel relaxed,active and peaceful.This sensation is the one i yearn again to have in my life and ch with all the pain hits,shadows,phantom hits,neck and back discomforts has deprived as to a very rare sensation.
the rest like the numbness it's still an awareness ''of how i am now'' -numb,which i don't want.
i want to feel my head like my knee for example.
it's healthy and i never think of it :D
this is a reason also why i would never try shrooms even if they weren't illegal and why i give lately a lot of thinking in preventatives effectiveness and side effects too.
and also why i don't miss alcohol at all.
i think i can't bear anything that doesn't let me feel normal.

p.s.i had a very good day swimming at the sea today.A normal perfect day.Remind me about it in a few months winter when i ll get hit really hard and say that life sucks. :-X

Skull Buster wrote on Jun 7^th, 2010 at 12:25pm:

Something wierd I noticed about myself if some past cycles. Beer would almost always trigger it. Whiskey, not as much. And, If I tried to casual drink, I would end up dancing w/ the devil, But speed up, slam a few, and power drink, and it would hold them at bay,most times. BUT, over all. IT'S JUST NOT WORTH THE RISK.

I find the same thing. If I have a couple of drinks, I feel it coming on - but if I go hard for the first 4-6, I'm fine.  One thing I did do was quit smoking - how many people on here smoke?  CH's was the greatest reason to quit smoking - time will tell if this actually is a cause, or a trigger?

I thought I read that it is definately a trigger ... but that if you already smoke and are getting hit, quitting smoking won't make CH go away? I'll be interested to here how that works out for you ... because I really need to quit. But when you're as wrecked as I've felt lately, and there's supposedly no CH benefit to quitting ... why fight it! But if it truly gets you some relief ... I'm jumpin on the wagon with you!  ;)

Keep me posted!

Red

The doctor at the conference said he works hard to get all of his patients to quit smoking. NOT because it will have any effect on their CH, he does not believe it does. But the majority of what we use to abort and prevent CH, will become unavailable to a person who has smoked their whole life and develops all the associated lung, heart and arterial issues that go with smoking. He said if you don't wanna be reduced to using just oxygen...quit now.

Joe

OK ... now there's some serious motivation!!!

Can I still drink and kill my liver or will that disqualify me??

>:(

Well there's a whole boatload more old drunks then there are old doctors........so join me in a toast to CH! ;D

Joe

I'm episodic and alcohol is a trigger for me -- sometimes.  I guess when I'm in cycle.  And it depends on what I drink.  And that changes throughout my life. 

In my college days, I could drink any type of beer, no problem -- but liquor would leave me waking up with a hit.  In my later 20s, beer started giving me powerful hits, when I woke up in the morning (distinctly different than a hangover, but try explaining that to someone without CH).  Then it started giving me them within an hour of starting drinking.  So I tried Jack and Coke and rarely had a problem.  After 5 years of that, I started getting hit almost everytime I drank -- either shortly after starting or in the morning.  So I tried beer again.  Only had a problem when it was medium to dark beer, but a nice light Pilsner usually doesn't cause any problems -- as long as I had the first few quickly and maintain at least one an hour until going to bed.  Starting drink and stopping without going to bed is with usually give me a problem.  Red wine has almost always given me hits, white wine usually doesn't -- but I don't really like wine anyway.

I know I should probably stop drinking, but coming from a family that likes to party, I still keep rolling the dice on that.  Plus, teetotalers have a much higher rate of heart disease than people who drink.  I just try to take it easy to avoid liver problems in the future.  And stop drinking when I'm in cycle.

Beer (which I love) is a sure trigger for me just one will do it.But after the attack I can drink a few more with no issues.?????

Even NA beer will trigger sometimes,I too am affrair to have a cold one until cycle has passed.

Heres one for ya I smoke about 3 packs a WEEK (light smoker) first thing I do when i get an attack is light up a smoke,grab a water and walk around the block.My doctor told me "I dont condon smoking but if it helps the headache so be it" somking will constrict blood vessels and he said sometimes that will help. ????  CH is so strange my last 15 attacks have been between 10pm and 10:30pm,go figure,at least I know when it going to hit.LUCKY ME!!!!!

YES! Finally ... a good reason to smoke! I love it!

I do the almost exact same routine ... even if it doesn't help the CH, it does calm me a bit so I don't want to chew through walls!

Red