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cindykron, this is from pub med--also search "Bow hunters syndrome" there Comment in: Neurology. 2004 Jun 8;62(11):2143; author reply 2144. Mechanical compression of the extracranial vertebral artery during neck rotation. * Sakaguchi M, * Kitagawa K, * Hougaku H, * Hashimoto H, * Nagai Y, * Yamagami H, * Ohtsuki T, * Oku N, * Hashikawa K, * Matsushita K, * Matsumoto M, * Hori M. Division of Stroke Research, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan. Using duplex ultrasonography (US), the authors showed compression of the extracranial vertebral artery (ECVA) during neck rotation in 5.0% of 1,108 patients. Age (per 10-year increase, OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.96), vessel diameters (per 0.5-mm diameter increase, OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.79), and symptoms upon neck rotation (OR 4.01, 95% CI 1.35 to 11.9) were associated with vessel compression. In one case, SPECT revealed decreased cerebral perfusion of the hindbrain during rotation. ECVA US is useful in identifying vessel compression, especially in patients with symptoms on neck rotation. PMID: 14504337 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

thomas, my opinion is, add st johns wort to compensate for lower serotonin the smokeing causes. Accept the adjustment period. That is- not actually feeling improved for a couple months- and a 3 day period of being worse. Also there are good message boards out there for support and helpful tips and information. I wish him or her sucess. As to the midodrine- he/she could ask a doc.

thanks Guys. It was hard. I decided in 2004 I would try to quit til I succeeded. It was my 10th attempt on june 11th- that stuck. People would ask me, "Are you smoking today- or not?" Love that verse in your signature - Rachel

persephone, I found relief from muscle pain through acupuncture, and great relief. My pain was from car accident tho. good luck. Your Icon makes me smile everytime I see it. THANKS

If you ask your doc what nicotine does to your heart and circulation, you will get a very interesting reply. It constricts blood vessels and increases your heart rate. Which expains why I felt better smoking. I lit up whenever I had symptons. When I quit, I had 3 days of weakness, but My doc said, my body would adjust. I want to tell you- who love the aid that nicotine offers, that is is a false aid. Quit and you will IMPROVE, the reason is that nictione blocks serotonin - some how, and serotoin is a vaso constricker. So don't fall for that lie. One among many that addictions offer. You think you feel better. You do not know how it feels to be metabolically free of nicotine. I was able to reduce my med load, 6 months after quiting.

I think potassium helps too, but I would run it by a doc first. MY doc says, use potassium, salt ,water, as replace ment for florinef, which was too potent for me.

there are exceptions to everything under the sun. It could be you as easily as anyone else. I believe if you change your definination of defeat, you will not be defeated. BUT I have no doubt what your feeling is normal. Give it some time! I personally believe that what we expect never happens! That is odd I suppose ,but life refuses to be predictable.

0/P (palpable) during TTT had 4. Also had 2 generalized seizures and unknown number of "convulsions", because it went so low. On norpace now and I don't pass out, get weak. But I'll take it! I know when its coming now, before norpace I had a split second warning, that was dangerous.

was on it, short while, taken off because my low bp went High and got headaches. potent stuff