Posted by Yuko on September 28, 1998 at 01:44:20:
In Reply to: I never knew posted by Tonya on September 27, 1998 at 16:34:05:
Alcohol is a definite NO NO. He'll have an attack before he finishes the first drink. In my case, direct sun into my right eye (CH side) should be avoided. During most of my previous cycles in the past 14 years, temperature changes (sticking head in a hot oven, and taking a bath) most definitely triggered an attack. Unlike migraines, there isn't any "common" food to be avoided by CH sufferers other than alcohol (at least according to my homework). Stress should be avoided, and physical work should be avoided. Exercises allow blood to flow, so it may have something to do with enlarging the blood vessels which causes CH.
If Imitrex is tolerable, that's a wonder drug. I can't take more than half a shot because it makes me throw up. Believe me, I'd rather throw up than put up with the pain for an hour, however. I also take Verapamil like most everyone during the cycle for prevention. It reduces the severity of the pain, and frequency is down to maybe 5 attacks a week once it kicks in, whereas without Verapamil I get at least 3 attacks everyday for 8 weeks or so. Oh, one more thing. Do NOT cry, whatever you do. I once cried at the end of one attack (just feeling miserable to live with this), and crying brought the pain back to its peak for 2 more hours.
Bottom line is completely avoid alcohol and take it easy until the cycle is over. It sure is dibilitating, but this disorder IS manageable. Hang in there.