Posted by Todd (64.34.202.197) on August 28, 2001 at 17:29:34:
In Reply to: husband's clusters posted by mikki on August 28, 2001 at 15:33:33:
Hi mikki-
1/2 of all docs graduate in the top 50% of their class and the other 1/2 in the bottom. I'm thinking your doc is right in the middle.
It is generally accepted that beta-blockers are not effective for CH, although the do help some with migraines. Calcium-channel blockers (verapamil), however, seem to be very effective preventatives, particularly in combination with either lithium or neurontin.
Pacing isn't as outrageous as it sounds - there a number of us here. Personally, I group sufferers as headbangers, pacers or rockers. Some combine techniques, like rockers who bang or bangers who move around looking for new walls or floors to beat. But most of us seem to prefer one coping technique. I'm a pacer. Kip is such a fanatical pacer he designed his house to have a circular track in the middle, just for pacing. (No joke - ask him!)
Just in case your hubby wants to try the pacing, here's what I do. First, I grab an ice pack and hold it to the affected temple. Kick off the shoes. Close my eyes and start walking. Being bare- or stocking-footed my feet tell me if I'm in the carpetted living room or the tiled kitchen, etc. I concentrate on breathing regularly and focus completely on beating the Demon back. If the house burned down mid-attack, I'd still be pacing in the embers when the FD showed up to put it out - total concentration to the exclusion of everything.
Now, the part your doc said that I'm not thrilled about is that midrin is the only option. Check the Cluster Survey button on the left and search the messages to get a good idea of what's worked for others.
KTSSU,
T