Clusterheadaches.com Message Board


    
      
        Clusterheadaches.com Message Board
        (http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi)
      

        New Message Board Archives >> 2002 Posts >> Shadows...and triggers for chronic CH'ers
        
(Message started by: jayhawk on Dec 9^th, 2002, 9:22am)

Title: Shadows...and triggers for chronic CH'ers
Post by jayhawk on Dec 9^th, 2002, 9:22am

Is "shadow" a term most neuros are/should be familiar with? I see my new neuro tomorrow and just wondering if she'll know what I'm talking about...and to make sure I DO know what you all mean when you refer to shadows (i'm assuming it's the same thing I'm experiencing)...that when it's the sensation of a CH, (with warning signs, too) but without the excruciating pain?
Do you other chronic sufferers have CH's triggered by flying and being in the mountains? Being out in bright sunshine? Sleeping flat without a pillow (like if you're camping?)?

Title: Re: Shadows...and triggers for chronic CH'ers
Post by echo on Dec 9^th, 2002, 9:40am

Jay hawk,
I have the same self defination of shadows. Basically I know the beast is there by a low grade KIP scale, or feeling that he is present. After coming out of a cycle the shadows seem to linger for several days.

Triggers for me when I was chronic were certain types of alcohol and temperature changes. Over the years I have thankfully gone to episodic and trigger have become seasonal temperature changes, altitude when traveling by air, time zone changes and certain types of alcohol (at least I have learned what to avoid).

Good luck with the neuro visit. Hope you have found a good one.

Title: Re: Shadows...and triggers for chronic CH'ers
Post by SFChris on Dec 9^th, 2002, 10:11am

Jayhawk,

My neurologist understood what I mean't by "shadow" immediately. He referred to it as Pro-drone or Pro-drome. I'm not sure if I am spelling it correctly. Good luck.

Chris

Title: Re: Shadows...and triggers for chronic CH'ers
Post by Jackie on Dec 9^th, 2002, 11:21am

Hi Jayhawk,

Blake (my CH hubby) describes "shadows" as feeling like there is a mask or a glove on the CH area of his head. It is a pressure type feeling and usually a warning of worse things to come. It is not terribly painful but does hurt and caused him great aggravation.

I don't know if doctos/neuros recognize the term ???

As to the triggers.....Blake is chronic and can't tolerate any alcohol. Certain scents (raw onions being one of them) will set him off.

Good luck tomorrow....let us know how you come out.

Jacks 8)

Title: Re: Shadows...and triggers for chronic CH'ers
Post by 9erfan on Dec 9^th, 2002, 2:10pm

Jayhawk,

For me, shadows are tolerable and don't reduce me to tears. They are a constant dull pain that just lingers.

As far as triggers for us chronics...I don't notice anything in particular triggering them. I get them everyday regardless of what I'm doing or where I'm at. But I do know that alcohol will make them even worse for about a day or two.

Good luck with the neuro.

V.

Title: Re: Shadows...and triggers for chronic CH'ers
Post by SommelierCH on Dec 9^th, 2002, 2:52pm

JayHawk,

My triggers are alcohol (even the smallest amount, like a non-alcoholic beer) and bright light in my right (cluster side) eye. When I feel the shadows creeping in I hit the Oxygen and that pushes them back. However, when I’m asleep I can’t feel the shadows increasing and I wake up with the Big One. Jonny clued me in that if you take abortive triptans (I use Maxalt MLT 10mg. or Zomig ZMT 5mg., both are quick dissolving tabs) before going to bed, they can prevent that night time attack, especially if you get hit, like I do, within 2 hours of going to sleep. The half-life of both of these tabs is in the 2-3 hour range. This has enabled me to get quality sleep these last 2 weeks. (thanks again, Jonny). Try to get a foam wedge from a Medical Supply store (or make one yourself) that goes on your bed and elevates the torso. This might keep the blood from pooling in your head while you sleep. Oxygen for the increasing shadows is the most important thing.

Good luck and let us know if anything helps,

David J.