After 30 years of fighting the demon, I find myself in a desperate battle. This past year his presense has never left me for more than a couple of days. Although most of the attacks are not as severe (usually k6-8) or as frequent (usually 1-2/day) as I have experienced in the past; the sheer relentlessness is wearing me down.

More alarming & depressing is how the timing and certainty of the daily attacks have gradually altered my lifestyle and limited my available world.

My first attack usually occurs between noon and 3pm with either one or two more in the evening; or just having shadowing up until bed. The good news is that I am rarely woken up with one. The bads news is they are interfereing with my daily life.

I lost my job 2 weeks ago and had to skip out on a great networking event yesterday at 2:30. If I can't break this cycle, I don't see how I can start an new job. But worse is that I now find my whole life closing down to being close to 02 and a solitary, dark room. I am afraid to plan social events with friends, take trips, get any physical exercise, do yard work, etc., etc. ect..

Thanks for letting me vent! Now my question!

Since returning to this site a couple of weeks ago for the first time since 2006, I've picked up a few new things.

Red Bull has aborted a few but not all attacks. I have been using O2 for years but will buy a proper mask as soon as they are back in stock. Will get a 25lpm valve to relace the current 15llp.

What I need are preventatives to break this cycle. I am trying the cocktail that was posted here: Kudzu - 1000 mg, 2x per day (morning & night)
Magnesium - 250 mg, 2x per day (morning & night)
St. John's Wort - 300 mg, 2x per day (morning & night)
Skullcap - 425 mg at bedtime
Melatonin - 10 mg at bedtime

No results yet but is has only been 4 days. I beleive I read to give it 2 months.

I have an appointment with my Dr. tomorrow and plan to start a higher dose Verapamil regimin based on an article that was posted here that I am taking with me. I have tried verapamil, lithium, and most others in the past with no results but it seems I was probably on too low of dosage.

What initial dosage of Verapamildo you think I should lobby for with my Dr.?

Are there any other Rx I should get while I am at Doctor?

Does anyone have any other suggestions? My plan is to try the Rx and herbal methods before seriously considering "alternative treatments".

Please share your thoughts. Is there something I am not seeing, or should be doing differently?

I truly feel that I am in a fight for control of my life! Thanks for being here!!

Ask your doc about trying the "chronic cocktail." Verapamil PLUS Lithium.

When I was on it, my magic numbers were 480mg verapamil/day PLUS 900mg lithium/day. Yours may differ.

Other then Brew's suggestion for the chronic cocktail, you seem to be on the right path. Hang in there, I just turned 50, 32 years of CH, and my last cycle was the longest and one of the most difficult to manage. I hear your frustration, it can really suck. Keep up the fight.

Joe

Bill, us Gator lovers gotta stick together, know what I mean? I know it's rough-and when we say we know you know we really do know  ::) -and it does seem you're on the right track. I would start fishin' around e-bay or call Lifegas for that mask rather than wait. Sooner than later is better. And think about this: I spent time on clusterbusters, and talked it over with my family, and then brought it up in dr-patient confidence as a last resort, and to my surprise, my neuro was interested in the research on non-psychedelic hallunicogens and supportive. Your gun ain't empty yet, my friend. This may be the hardest fight you've ever had but you can best this beast! Blessings. lance

Damn Bill.  Sorry about your recent run.  Just keep at it.

Have you had your Testerone level checked?  If it's low hormone replacement therapy has worked well for some including me.  The test is cheap and low levels seem to be a pretty good indicator of success.

-Dennis-

St John's Wort should not be taken with Verapamil. You can find out more about this from reading some of the pages linked from START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE.

St John's Wort has similar interactions with quite a few drugs, so always check with your doctor or pharamacist about possible interactions with your medication.

Thanks to all.

Doc started me on verapamil 120mg X3 and lithium 300mg X2 and see him again in 6 weeks. However, if I am not getting results in 10 days I plan to go back for increase.

He's a good GP I 've used for about 6 years but he is starting to make noise about an MRI and bringing a neurologist in.

I've BTDT. I told him that I wasn't wanting to spend a $1000 for CYA. If I had a tumor, I would have died 25 years ago. He caved but got me to agree if this treatment doesn't work.

If I'm forced to get a neurologist, I'll probably use our list and just have to drive some. I am not up to training another rookie Dr.

I'll drop the St Johns Wort. The blood yhing and the testosterone ideas are both interesting. I don't think true wallbangers are quick to rule anything out!

Thanks again for all your support. And remember to root for the Gators against Alabama tomorrow!!

Go Gators!