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        New Message Board Archives >> 2003 Posts >> Hi cheyenne
        
(Message started by: Frank on Apr 17^th, 2003, 10:53pm)

Title: Hi cheyenne
Post by Frank on Apr 17^th, 2003, 10:53pm

Quote:

I just joined this support group this morning. I've had cluster headaches for 8 weeks and I am having one now (the tail end). It's nice to know I'm not the only person out there going through this sh*t. I haven't made it to work in a week and my social life has dropped. I can't handle this pain. I am going to see the doctor again today and I hope there is something he can do. I've started Lithum 5 days ago but it doesn't seem to have helped. Sometimes a heating pad on my head helps. I have them every night and I can't take it any more. If God is testing us - then I've f flunked because I can't go on like this!

I started a new thread so your post in another thread doesn't get lost.

I decided the answer to the "Why Me?" question is because God put me on this earth to fight a$$hole HMO insurance companies. That is my primary purpose in life.

I'm sorry you needed to join us, and I hope your doctor was able to help you out this morning. First line preventatives include verapamil, prednisilone, and lithium (I notice your doctor started lithium treatment, though five days may be too early to tell yet). Best abortives include Imitrex injections and breathing 100% Oxygen. Keep calling your doctor until he and the insurance company get it right! Never give up... I've been going on like this for fourteen years.

Title: Re: Hi cheyenne
Post by jonny on Apr 18^th, 2003, 5:00am

Hi Cheyenne,

Welcome to the nut house we may seem crazy but we arent, we just have CH ;D

Welcome aboard!!

...............................jonny

Title: Re: Hi cheyenne
Post by Karla on Apr 18^th, 2003, 5:47am

Hi Cheyenne. Welcome to the family. Look around and you will find lots of helpfull information. If you have any questions just ask away.

Title: Re: Hi cheyenne
Post by ShariRae on Apr 18^th, 2003, 7:25am

hi cheyenne,
We have all "been there, done that" either as a supporter or sufferer and know what you are going through. Read the info available here, ask questions & never ever think you are alone. Hang in there..it will get better & know there is always someone here to listen.
Huggsss
Shari

Title: Re: Hi cheyenne
Post by TomM on Apr 18^th, 2003, 8:01am

Cheyenne--Be safe. Be cool. 8) Vent all you want that is why we are here.
TomM

Title: Re: Hi cheyenne
Post by arby on Apr 18^th, 2003, 10:13am

Hi Cheyenne,

Welcome to the nuthouse!! Read all you can and take the advice of people here. We've all been through it before, and in jonny's words "it will end" (hope you don't mind me quoting you jonny ??? ???)
Anyway, hang in there Cheyenne :D :D
Ross

Title: Re: Hi cheyenne
Post by cheyenne on Apr 18^th, 2003, 8:45pm

Hi gang,

Well...my doctor gave me a shot of something that really helped yesterday. He also gave me oxygen, hooked me up to an IV and gave me saline. He had me go in for an MRI and prescribed me Prednisone and sent some oxygen home w/ me. I didn't get a ch last night - first time in a long time. It's great having you guys here to vent and just knowing what I'm going through helps soooo much. I've increased my water intake in hopes that will help too. I'm praying that the demon and beasts will suddenly go away - this is my 8th week - I need to get my life back. How do you guys keep a job and social life? Even if I don't get a ch - I'm always terrified that one is on it's way. YOU GUYS ROCK - THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!! IT HAS MADE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE TO ME!!

Title: Re: Hi cheyenne
Post by Frank on Apr 18^th, 2003, 9:05pm

Well it looks like your doctor has started you on all of the right cluster meds. I hope the O2 works for you, and hopefully the prednisolone will start to do it's job in a few days. Let us know how it goes.

Title: Re: Hi cheyenne
Post by Charlie on Apr 19^th, 2003, 4:46am

Yup. Welcome to our ward. Lots of people here who know your story, and lots of brain damaged goofs like me. Give this thing a try. It works if you work at it a bit:

Dr. Wright's Circulatory Technique

This is not transcendental meditation, imagery, relaxation, or anything psychic. It's entirely physical and takes a lot of work and concentration. Give this method a good workout. It’s not a miracle, but it’s been helpful to many.

When I was diagnosed, my neurologist said to treat this as a vascular problem. I was told to concentrate on “redirecting” blood circulation in order to retard flow to the head. This is done by trying to “send” blood into the arms and hands or other extremities. When properly done, your hands will become warm and redder with increased circulation. I also found it easier to concentrate on one hand.

This relieves just slightly, the pressure on the affected vessel, which indirectly causes our pain. We all have this ability but it can be exhausting. I was often able shorten my attacks from about half an hour to no more than a few minutes. Sometimes, when awake, I could entirely abort the attack IF I KEPT AT IT. Often, I would suffer only minor discomfort instead of excruciating pain. Do not stop just because your hands are warm or redder. Keep this up until you are sure it's subsided. If you let up or lose concentration, it’s very hard to restart this process. It may take some time but when this works, the relief is almost immediate.

I learned this from the doctor in a few minutes. He simply told me to try to keep blood away from the head. He thought it easiest to concentrate on the arms and hands but any place that works for you is fine. He said to think of it as "filling your hands" with redirected blood. It’s important to keep at it THROUGH the pain. This will be difficult, but it’s the only way this technique will work. Don’t let up until you are sure the attack has ended.

This will not always work, but I think it will always have at least some effect on the severity and duration of the attacks. It can be useful between medications or while waiting for some other drug to take effect. All it takes is a little practice. It was fairly easy to learn and what I'm writing here is more than I got from the doctor, as I've drawn from my own experience.

When awakened in horrible pain, it’s very hard to focus, but I think it’s always worth a try. This costs nothing but hard work, is harmless, non-invasive, and it gives us a fighting chance.

I wish you the best of luck - Charlie Strand

Title: Re: Hi cheyenne
Post by eileen on Apr 19^th, 2003, 5:56pm

Hi Cheyenne Sorry you had to find this site.

Cheyenne is my 7 year old Daughters name, it is so beautiful.

I hope you find some peace of mind here and some Pain Free Days ....

Happy Easter......

Eileen
Pain Free for 13 days....