Click this link to read a post I like on the clusterheadaches.com message board...

May 18^th, 2024 at 12:28am

	Welcome, Guest. Please Login or Register
	Search box updated Dec 3, 2011... Search ch.com with Google!

New CH.com Forum › Cluster Headache Help and Support › Cluster Headache Specific › Question regarding Episodic and Chronic ?

(Moderators: DJ, Mrs Deej)

‹ Previous Topic | Next Topic ›

Pages: 1

Question regarding Episodic and Chronic ? (Read 4900 times)

kelly toth

CH.com Newbie

Offline

I Love CH.com!

Posts: 13
BC CANADA
Gender: male

Question regarding Episodic and Chronic ?
Aug 14^th, 2008 at 2:16pm

I'm just curious as to peoples experience with the transformation to chronic, what was your previous episodic like and when and what age did it change to chronic ? I would imagine there's probably not a lot on here who have went from episodic to PF !? No need to be on the web site. Just curious as to what possibly to expect for the future ? Are there anybody who remains episodic without becoming chronic ? I hope this makes sense, I'm just preparing myself ! Gets a bit scary reading some of the posts and anticipating possibly a life of chronic clusters ! PF day to all from the beautiful Okanagan in British Columbia Canada !

IP Logged

Click Here to visit the CH.com Facebook page!

Chad

CH.com Hall of Famer

Offline

Posts: 738
Emmaus, PA
Gender: male

Re: Question regarding Episodic and Chronic ?
Reply #1 - Aug 14^th, 2008 at 2:25pm

I try not to think about going to chronic and I feel for those who are indeed chronic. I can only wish for you all to be PF.
It's traumatic enough getting episodic CH cycles. I know it's a posssibility to happen to any of us, but for now, it's one day at a time and while in remission, I actually don't think of CH at all. I'm posting here now because i'm in a cycle, but I think i'm coming out of it, so I hope. I'll be interested in seeing the replies.

« Last Edit: Aug 14^th, 2008 at 2:26pm by Chad »

When the PAIN starts, I FIGHT back!

Rivea Corymbosa seeds were my KO punch, now D3 is the front runner!

IP Logged

ReeseC

CH.com Junior

Offline

I Love CH.com!

Posts: 34
San Francisco
Gender: female

Re: Question regarding Episodic and Chronic ?
Reply #2 - Aug 14^th, 2008 at 2:32pm

Hi Kelly,

I am 30 years old now, and I've been episodic since I was 12 years old. I had a second episode at 16 years old, then again at 19, then at 22. I always was told by my mom that my headaches were because I was not taking care of myself, not getting enough sleep, water, vegetables, vitamins. It didn't occur to me that the headaches fall within a regular pattern of cycle & remission until that last cycle, when I was 22.

I just had my fifth cycle that lasted almost all of July. I was worried that I was turning chronic, because it hadn't gone away by Day 25 or 26, whereas my previous cycles lasted at most 23 days. But it did go away. Day 29 was my last attack.

So I guess I am one of those people who is staying episodic. I realize that this might change, but I won't dwell on it. I have my fingers crossed.

IP Logged

kelly toth CH.com Newbie Offline I Love CH.com! Posts: 13 BC CANADA Gender:	Re: Question regarding Episodic and Chronic ? Reply #3 - Aug 14^th, 2008 at 2:33pm Yeah I guess but it still sits in your mind, I'm coming out of a cycle right now (fingers crossed) It's good to know that I have a few weapons for the next time when they hit. Good Luck on the PF time !
Back to top	IP Logged

ReeseC

CH.com Junior

Offline

I Love CH.com!

Posts: 34
San Francisco
Gender: female

Re: Question regarding Episodic and Chronic ?
Reply #4 - Aug 14^th, 2008 at 2:43pm

Chad wrote on Aug 14^th, 2008 at 2:25pm:

but for now, it's one day at a time and while in remission, I actually don't think of CH at all.

That was my first instinct, too. Disappearing when out of cycle seems perfectly natural to me. I fully expected that most people who are active posters are either in-cycle or chronic, and was surprised to learn that some people keep posting when they are out of cycle. Though, here I am now, posting while not in cycle.

PF wishes to all.

IP Logged

MJ CH.com Hall of Famer Offline Posts: 1205 x1\|\|USA\|usa\|299\|85\|MN Gender:	Re: Question regarding Episodic and Chronic ? Reply #5 - Aug 18^th, 2008 at 1:53am Rest easy. Its actually fairly rare for an episodic to become chronic. Its hard to see that here as a few posters have indeed become chronic over time. Its a really small percentage in the grand picture.
Back to top	MJ IP Logged

itotka

CH.com Old Timer

Offline

Oxygen

Posts: 465
Budapest|Solar System
Gender: male

Re: Question regarding Episodic and Chronic ?
Reply #6 - Aug 18^th, 2008 at 2:24am

Episodic since 1982.

Why and whenn change episodic to chronic is the $1 million questtion.

"The later the onset of the episodic disorder, the greater the chance of it becoming chronic." (Kudrow, 1980)

You are young so ...

MJ wrote on Aug 18^th, 2008 at 1:53am:

Rest easy.

... and enjoy your PF time.

« Last Edit: Aug 18^th, 2008 at 2:26am by itotka »

Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!! You need to

IP Logged

mummymac

CH.com Alumnus

Offline

Kissed Donny Osmond and
proud of it

Posts: 943
Jersey|United_Kingdom|europe
Gender: female

Re: Question regarding Episodic and Chronic ?
Reply #7 - Aug 18^th, 2008 at 3:23am

Episodic since 1979 cycle last 3 months and longest inbetween cycle was 14 years - shorest a few months.

I have no realpattern, the hits come and the hits go and I just forget about how bad they are until they come back

I joined this board and hung around after my cycle ended, there is a lot of good people here . Cheesy

Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!! You need to

)

IP Logged

purpleydog

CH.com Alumnus

Offline

Posts: 2732

Re: Question regarding Episodic and Chronic ?
Reply #8 - Aug 18^th, 2008 at 4:27am

I was episodic until April of 2004, when I started a cycle April 1st, and it never stopped. You don't officially become chronic until you have gone for a year without a break of 30 days pain free. All the episodics really dread becoming chronic, but there is only a very small percentage that does, as MJ said.

I didn't really worry about it TOO much, the cycle just kept going and going... But then I noticed my hits had changed, and they come at the same times, the hits are less intense pretty much, and I live my life around them.

I still have cycles within a cycle, I'll go into a high cycle that will last for awhile. But, I live my life, and go from there. The beast doesn't rule my life. I don't have time for it.

Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!! You need to

IP Logged

Click Here to visit the CH.com Facebook page!

Kate in Oz

CH.com Hall of Famer

Offline

Posts: 633
Australia
Gender: female

Re: Question regarding Episodic and Chronic ?
Reply #9 - Aug 26^th, 2008 at 8:32pm

I am also curious about this.

My last 'proper' cycle was around this time last year. Towards the end of the cycle I copped a hit on both sides - at the same time!! Cry

I wanted to die, the pain was soooo bad.

Anyway since then I have been getting hits out of cycle - usually only one a week or fortnight. (Always the same time of day 3.am). I was starting to think maybe I was going chronic? Shocked

I don't really understand what that means other than no more that 30 pf days in a year? (I kinda assumed that if you were chronic you'd get the daily/nightly CH like when you are in cycle? Sounds like HELL) Prior to this I have always had episodes - March & again in August that last around 8-10 weeks.

Well now I'm back 'in cycle' with several nightly hits. And it's bad bad bad Cry

Is there anyone out there who went chronic who had this kind of change? I've been getting CH since I was about 17, I'm now 39.

Appreciate any responses,

PF D&N to you ALL,

Kate

IP Logged

Guiseppi CH.com Moderator CH.com Alumnus Offline San Diego to Florida 05-16-2011 Posts: 12063 SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA USA Gender:	Re: Question regarding Episodic and Chronic ? Reply #10 - Aug 26^th, 2008 at 11:24pm 30 year episodic. I know the chronics say it's some times easier knowing it's always there, I for one LIKE my remissions! Guiseppi
Back to top	"Somebody had to say it" is usually a piss poor excuse to be mean. IP Logged

George

CH.com Moderator
CH.com Alumnus

Offline

Black-Billed Magpie

Posts: 8126
Boise, Idaho USA
Gender: male

Re: Question regarding Episodic and Chronic ?
Reply #11 - Aug 27^th, 2008 at 1:24am

Statistically, most episodics never turn chronic.

I've been an episodic since 1966, and the cycles have always been about the same duration, although they've been getting farther and farther apart.

Chronics account for around 10 percent of clusterheads, so chances are that you'll never go there.

Best wishes,

George

"Whoever loveth me, loveth my hound." (Thomas More, author of "Utopia", and Chancellor of England. 1477-1535)

IP Logged

gizmo CH.com Hall of Famer Offline Posts: 522 Germany Gender:	Re: Question regarding Episodic and Chronic ? Reply #12 - Aug 27^th, 2008 at 1:59am See Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!! You need to or
Back to top	IP Logged

n_lighty37

CH.com Junior

Offline

Opportunity knocked, my
doorman kicked him out.

Posts: 30

Re: Question regarding Episodic and Chronic ?
Reply #13 - Aug 27^th, 2008 at 12:28pm

I don't know how reliable this information is, but here it goes. My wife works for a journal publishing company, and they do a lot of medical journals. A doctor (in Washington D.C. I believe) is doing a study on the transition from episodic to chronic clusters and suggested that over medication could be a cause.

Again, not sure how reliable it is, but perhaps something to look in to I suppose.

IP Logged

ClusterChuck

CH.com Alumnus

Offline

The BEAST rises again,
and again, and again,
and .

Posts: 5394
Greenville, North Carolina
Gender: male

Re: Question regarding Episodic and Chronic ?
Reply #14 - Aug 27^th, 2008 at 2:12pm

There are plenty that never go to chronic. They go their whole CH life as episodics. Don't worry about it. If it happens to you, deal with it at that time. There is too many other things in your life to worry about than that. It is not like worrying about it will make any difference!

It will just get you frustrated, and lead to ulcers. Take the Alfred E. Newman approach: "What, ME worry?"

(Did I just date myself?)

I was episodic from when I started (29 years old) up until I was 49, and then I went chronic. Been chronic for the past 9 years. I cannot think of anything to attribute the change.

Chuck

CAUTION: Do NOT smoke when using or around oxygen. Oxygen can permeate your clothing or bedding. Wait, before lighting cigarette or flame.

Keep fire extinguisher available, and charged.

IP Logged

Kate in Oz

CH.com Hall of Famer

Offline

Posts: 633
Australia
Gender: female

Re: Question regarding Episodic and Chronic ?
Reply #15 - Aug 28^th, 2008 at 9:08am

Thanks guys (?), I really appreciate those replies and Gizmo that link was really interesting too. I do try to keep an eye on the board but I must of missed it. To be honest I'm not sure what is happening with this ol' head of mine but I'm keeping two fingers crossed and one hand over my eye. I've just had my 10pm hit Undecided

not sure what I'm doing back here - I guess just biding time til the 12am hit.

btw, I stopped taking verapamil earlier this year cos I'm sure that it just extends or postpones the cycle! I ended up having my March cycle in May and it hasn't really ended. So I'm braving this 'cycle' with the o2 and no meds. Its worth a try yeah? That verapamil makes me sooooo tired!

Ahhhh aint life with CH grand Roll Eyes

I have to say its a wonderful thing to have some place to go where there is real understanding! Thanks.

Kate

IP Logged

clavers CH.com Veteran Offline I love YaBB 1G - SP1! Posts: 142	Re: Question regarding Episodic and Chronic ? Reply #16 - Aug 28^th, 2008 at 9:27am I was episodic for 13 years. Then, I had an 18 month remission before another cycle started. That cycle has never ended for the last 10 years.
Back to top	IP Logged

Click Here to visit the CH.com Facebook page!

Jeannie CH.com Sponsor Offline Live, Laugh, Love.... Posts: 2333 St Louis, Missouri Gender:	Re: Question regarding Episodic and Chronic ? Reply #17 - Aug 28^th, 2008 at 9:52am Is it possible to go from episodic to chronic back to episodic over a 20 year period? Jeannie
Back to top	"It's all a grand illusion when you think you're in control." ~ Kenny Chesney IP Logged

gizmo CH.com Hall of Famer Offline Posts: 522 Germany Gender:	Re: Question regarding Episodic and Chronic ? Reply #18 - Aug 28^th, 2008 at 10:06am Anything is possible with the beast...
Back to top	IP Logged

BarbaraD

CH.com Alumnus

Offline

Hugs to ya

Posts: 8333
Douglasville, TX
Gender: female

Re: Question regarding Episodic and Chronic ?
Reply #19 - Aug 28^th, 2008 at 12:10pm

I was episodic for years and years an then in 97 I had a cycle that just never stopped. Guess I went chronic. I live with it.

On the other hand Kip (of the Kip scale) went years episodic - then years chronic - then went back to episodic -- but he had his cocktail every afternoon and just didn't let it bother him a whole lot... I think he had the right idea...

As to why you stick around here while NOT in cycle -- to Pay Ahead for the help you'll get when you ARE in cycle. And besides Chuck and I need someone to fuss at....

Hugs BD

What don't kill ya, Makes ya stronger!

IP Logged

Chad

CH.com Hall of Famer

Offline

Posts: 738
Emmaus, PA
Gender: male

Re: Question regarding Episodic and Chronic ?
Reply #20 - Aug 28^th, 2008 at 12:38pm

As I said I don't think about it out of cycle, but I still post here.
I guess i'm slacking at work, LOL!

I really come on to learn and support others so the next cycle i'm stocked up with amo and knowledge to kick the shit out this beast. I know he won't go away, but if I deliver a couple of blows, i'll feel that much more better. I cherish PF time and never think of when he'll re-surface, but i'm ready when he does

« Last Edit: Aug 28^th, 2008 at 12:39pm by Chad »

When the PAIN starts, I FIGHT back!

Rivea Corymbosa seeds were my KO punch, now D3 is the front runner!

IP Logged

Spoticus

CH.com Junior

Offline

Posts: 25
x0|Banora Point|Australia||0|0
Gender: male

Re: Question regarding Episodic and Chronic ?
Reply #21 - Aug 28^th, 2008 at 12:55pm

My cycle has now been going since May 12th and I have to admit I am getting a little concerned. My first cycle lasted about 75 days, my second was only in the low 20s but it was really severe. I have been kind of getting by thinking its been going on for a while, it'll end soon but now I am not so sure Sad

Back to the doctors next Monday if I still have em :/

IP Logged

Ernie Moss aka Wishbone CH.com Junior Offline Posts: 93 Birmingham, AL Gender:	Re: Question regarding Episodic and Chronic ? Reply #22 - Aug 28^th, 2008 at 1:04pm Hey Chuck didn't you drop the 1 before the 9 when describing how long you had been chronic?
Back to top	« Last Edit: Aug 28^th, 2008 at 1:05pm by Ernie Moss aka Wishbone » It don't cost a nickel to be nice and by being so you might just make someone's day.&&Ernie Moss IP Logged

wildhaus CH.com Alumnus Offline Posts: 860 Wildhaus\|Switzerland Gender:	Re: Question regarding Episodic and Chronic ? Reply #23 - Aug 28^th, 2008 at 1:24pm I must be one of the "lucky" ones..... I have started about 3 years ago..... and it never went away...... for the moment I "drop out" of the chronic list as I get just about 120 days PF from my tretment..... But dose it qulifey me now as an episodic.... I dont realy know.... I do wonder..... Michael
Back to top	Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!! You need to or IP Logged

gizmo CH.com Hall of Famer Offline Posts: 522 Germany Gender:	Re: Question regarding Episodic and Chronic ? Reply #24 - Aug 28^th, 2008 at 1:25pm Stop wondering and enjoy the PF time!
Back to top	IP Logged

Pages: 1

‹ Previous Topic | Next Topic ›

« Home

‹ Board

Top of this page

©1998-2013 Web Vision Enterprises LLC All rights reserved. All information on this site is protected by international
copyright laws. You may not re-distribute any information from this site without written permission from
Web Vision Enterprises LLC and the webmaster of this site. Violators will be prosecuted.
You may view our privacy policy and financial disclosure statement here

DISCLAIMER: All information contained on this web site is for informational purposes only. It is in no way intended to be used as a replacement for professional medical treatment. clusterheadaches.com makes no claims as to the scientific/clinical validity of the information on this site OR to that of the information linked to from this site. All information taken from the internet should be discussed with a medical professional!