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harrye
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My Success with Acupuncture
« on: Jun 1st, 2004, 2:25pm » |
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Hello,
I have been monitoring this site for some time, and now want to post my experience using acupuncture as a proflaxis for CH's.
About me: 53 year old male Silicon Valley executive. diagnosed with CH's in 1989--thought I had a brain tumor..! CH's cycles came about 4-5 times a year..usually 3-4 days in duration.
Been through most of the protocols: O2, Lithium/Prednesoine, procaine nasal drops, various anagesics, imitrex, etc.
Effectively stopped the use of alcohol in a effort to eliminate dehydration as a trigger..I'm sure you get the picture.
Generally found injectable imitrex to offer immediate relief.
Had things pretty much "under control" until about a year ago when I entered what was easily the worst several months of my life...I simply could not get my CH cycle to break..the rebound headaches during the early afternoon were killing me. I was becoming overwhelmed.
I remembered an acquatiance telling me that her husband had received good results treating his CH's from an acupunctuerist located near my office.
Now after a year of weekly visits I can say that I have been pain free for over a year.
I continue to recieve weekly treatments and still guard against dehydration, and carry an imitrex injector kit in my briefcase, but it's been a great year!
In the spirit of full disclosure I must add that I was cautioned by my acupuncturist not to expect immediate relief and perhaps none what so ever. In my case the result has been more than I could have ever hoped for.
I hope this information, though admittedly anecdotal, will prompt others to see if accupuncture can be of help.
:harry
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thomas
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Re: My Success with Acupuncture
« Reply #1 on: Jun 1st, 2004, 4:38pm » |
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Glad you have been pain free for so long, that is good to hear. 
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rbmb
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Re: My Success with Acupuncture
« Reply #2 on: Jun 1st, 2004, 4:45pm » |
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Harry,
Interesting..........my wife has been after me to see an acupuncturist. From your post it sounds like you went numerous times....."after a year of weekly visits".
What does a course of treatment like that cost, if you don't mind me asking? (You don't have to answer if you don't want to).
Also, what was the site of treatment....the head?, the neck?, different body areas with each session?
Did it take some time before you began to experience relief from the headaches?
Rich
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Re: My Success with Acupuncture
« Reply #3 on: Jun 1st, 2004, 6:36pm » |
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on Jun 1st, 2004, 2:25pm, harrye wrote: CH's cycles came about 4-5 times a year..usually 3-4 days in duration.
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This is NOT a typical cluster description. And to claim that accupuncture cured your "CH" attacks ... ??
Glad to hear that you're pain free...but you may want to get a correct diagnosis.
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harrye
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Re: My Success with Acupuncture
« Reply #4 on: Jun 1st, 2004, 6:55pm » |
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Hi rRch,
I don't mind the questions at all...
The initial protocol was for 4 weekly sessions. Each last about 1 hour (from the time I put on my smock to the time I walk out dressed again). We agreed to evaluate my results after the first month.
I typically get about 8 needles in my head (right hemisphere where my CH's localize) one in my neck, and about 6-8 in each leg from the knee down.
Also get needles in my hand near my thumb if I am experiencing any pain (did this early on), and sometimes in my stomach near my navel.
After the needles are placed some are attached to a small device which emits a wek electric current causing a very very mild shocking sensation. This technology takes the place of the centuries old method of having someone twist the needles with their fingers.
Disposable needles are ALWAYS used!
I have also received moxibustion, which invlves placing small cube like pieces of compressed herbs on the ends of the needles which are then lit and allowed to smolder, like incense. This creates the dual effect of producing the herb smoke which in inhaled and a very slight warming effect on the needles. Most westerners dislike the smell of the smoke...
As far as costs are concerned I am fortunate to have a great benefits plan. My copay is $10.00 per visit--much cheaper than what I was spending on Imitrex.
I believe that an office visit and treatment costs $120.00 per visit. I max out at 30 visits per year. After that I spend $30 per visit.
I believe that most acupuncturists work with their clients to get a fee structure that works. I know that's how it is where I go.
My acupuncturist is a woman formally trained in China. Jane believes there is still a qualatative difference between practicioneers trained in the US and Europe and those trained in China. I can't comment since this is thew only acupuncture I have ever received.
Currently I still receive regular treatment. As part of my regieme I get my Chi (body life energy) balanced and my imune system strengthened.
My wife says I have never been so calm, and the headaches have stopped. THis is all I can attest to.
I was very very nervous the first few times I went for treatment. Dr. Laing would say to me.."relax, soon you will learn to love the needles" She was completely right--I leave her office completely relaxed and feeling great.
Hope this answers a few questions. Feel free to let me know if I can provide any more info.
:harry
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harrye
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Re: My Success with Acupuncture
« Reply #5 on: Jun 1st, 2004, 7:03pm » |
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I want to post this as a follow on to my initial post.
To respond to an earlier reply. I was formally diagnosed by two different neruologists, including one at Stanford Medical Center. I exhibit all classical elements of Horners Syndrome, and pupil size variance.
I have never claimed to be cured. I am not aware that it is possible to be cured of CHS. What I am saying is that I have been pain free for over a year and the only lifestlye / medical change I made was to start and continue an agressive acupuncture protocol.
I decided to post to this board after being pain free for a full year as a point of information to those who might benefit as I have.
I have no other motive, and I won't be posting here again.
:harry
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rbmb
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Re: My Success with Acupuncture
« Reply #6 on: Jun 1st, 2004, 8:07pm » |
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Harry,
Thanks for your response and I'm glad that you found something that brought you relief from these miserable HAs.
Most of the people who post on this site seem to be fairly open minded with some exceptions. I've read posts here from people who claim to have stopped their CHs with various drugs, mushrooms, diets, exercises, avoiding certain foods, surgery, the list goes on and who can doubt them? The cause of cluster headaches is not understood at all........the current thinking is that a malfunction of the hypothalamus is involved, but the mechanism is not understood. Proof of that is the medications that doctors prescribe. Lithium was developed to control manic/depressive behavior and doctors discovered by accident that it helps some with CH. Prednsone is a steroid, but helps with CH. Topomax was developed to control seizures. Verampril is a blood pressure medication.
My point is, when the experts in medical science are at a loss to explain completely what is going on, it is hard to be too skeptical when someone says they've found something that worked for them.
Rich
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Re: My Success with Acupuncture
« Reply #7 on: Jun 1st, 2004, 8:18pm » |
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Does anyone else here ONLY get hit for 3 - 4 days at a time ? I doubt it. If that was the case, it wouldn't be much of a problem.
As far as you getting 'diasgnosed' by 2 different neurologists (including 1 at Stanford) ... maybe they need to read up some more on CH. (Don't know what happened there)
PS. Don't really care if you post anymore or not. That's up to you.
3-4 days ... GEEZ ... I wish I had your problem !! WANNA TRADE ??
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