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        New Message Board Archives >> 2003 Posts >> New to the board
        
(Message started by: acsooley on Jul 17^th, 2003, 2:40pm)

Title: New to the board
Post by acsooley on Jul 17^th, 2003, 2:40pm

Well here it is Thursday. About 6mts ago I suffered my first one. I didnt know what is was or what to do only go to emergency. I suffered for them for about 2 weeks with at least 2 major ones a day. One at 3pm and one at 6am. Well last night it visitied again. Woke up around 4 and was up till 6 - 6:30 pasing, cursing, doing what I could. Nothing seems to work. The doc game me Macalt RPD wafer to placce under my toung that seems to calm it after 15 - 20 min. I'm just so glad that when I have one I alway have a place to go like here to help me support my way through.

Thanks Everyone,

Adam

Title: Re: New to the board
Post by Charlie on Jul 17^th, 2003, 3:11pm

Welcome to our world but I'm sorry you have this painful reason to make our acquaintance. If you look around, you'll find many good ideas and things to help you manage this horror. Others will have to speak about drugs as my information is out of date. Meanwhile, stick around and here is a technique that was very helpful to me:

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: New to the board
Post by kim on Jul 17^th, 2003, 3:14pm

ascooly,

hi and hope things get betta for ya.

lots of support along with hard earned information. Use it.

Well wishes***

Title: Re: New to the board
Post by vig on Jul 17^th, 2003, 3:23pm

Since I was up at the same time doing the same thing, I presume that's what really makes us members of this club. It was 3am and I was sitting on the edge of my bed in the dark, rubbing my eye, wondering how many others were in the same boat. It feels a little better when you know somebody else is there too.
-p

Title: Re: New to the board
Post by miCHel on Jul 17^th, 2003, 3:40pm

Welcome Acsooley,

Sorry you have to be here. If you haven't done it already, go play with the little buttons on the left. Incredible info in there.

Also, a lot of people on this board have amazing knowledge on Ch and treatments (I am unfortunately not one of them...). They can answer almost any questions or share personal experiences. Very cool place you will see.

Take care!

miCHel

Title: Re: New to the board
Post by Gofishgriff on Jul 17^th, 2003, 5:12pm

Glad you found this place Adam. I'm fairly new here as well and I cannot believe how much easier it is to deal with this thing knowing there are others out there who know...

Well, it's not that easy to deal with it, but it sure is nice to know you're not alone.

Gofish

Title: Re: New to the board
Post by acsooley on Jul 17^th, 2003, 5:17pm

Yes it is very nice to know that I'm not the only one with this. Not that it is nice to have but when I know its not only me going crazy in pain and worring its something else.

Title: Re: New to the board
Post by Edna on Jul 17^th, 2003, 5:52pm

Well hello acsooley,

Sorry to know you have to suffer the pain as we do, but glad you're here now to join us and share with us.

Hope this place helps you out with the loads of info offered here. Many people that can really help.

So, read all you can here. You may end up as I did....learning a whole lot more than I thought I already knew.

Keep us posted on your progress.

EDNA

Title: Re: New to the board
Post by Big_Dan on Jul 17^th, 2003, 7:08pm

... Stick around adam...

... we're all here, fightin' the good fight.... sorry you have to fight it with us though...

-Big Dan

Title: Re: New to the board
Post by taraann on Jul 18^th, 2003, 8:53am

You definately are NOT alone! Lotsa info here and wonderful ppl. I am new to this site also and have found loads of info and support and any question I have asked has always been answered by many offering their personal experiences. Welcome but sorry u have to be here.

Title: Re: New to the board
Post by ZAIRA on Jul 18^th, 2003, 9:03am

You are in the right place... Welcome Adam!! :)

I’m very sorry to hear you are suffering again... You’ll be better, because all things can’t be bad… GO ON and FIGH!!

Best regards, :)

Zaira

Title: Re: New to the board
Post by echo on Jul 18^th, 2003, 9:06am

Welcome to the family Adam. Sorry to read that yet another victim has been selected to dance with the beast. Glad you found us. Sorry you needed to.

Title: Re: New to the board
Post by aprilbee on Jul 18^th, 2003, 9:19am

Welcome Adam!! Echoing all of the other posts so far, sorry you had to find us, but as a newbie also, I can tell you these people are wonderful and helpful, they feel your pain like no one else can!!

One thing that works well for me is take a pill, get an ice pack and a sit in a hot shower!!

PFDAN to you!

april

Title: Re: New to the board
Post by NotH20 on Jul 18^th, 2003, 9:35am

Adam,

Adding my "welcome" along with the rest of my family.....keep your chin up, read all you can and know that you are not alone.

Mia

PS - Vig - I've done that a million times in the middle of the night - wondering if my ch family was getting hit or just getting relief etc.

Title: Re: New to the board
Post by Mark C on Jul 18^th, 2003, 4:25pm

Welcome Adam!

http://www.feebleminds-gifs.com/tweety1.gif

Title: Re: New to the board
Post by cathy on Jul 18^th, 2003, 5:15pm

Hi Adam, sorry your dancing with the beast....welcome aboard.....

Tweetie Pie...don't ya just luv him!

Cathy :)

Title: Re: New to the board
Post by 2late on Jul 18^th, 2003, 7:05pm

welcome aboard Adam! you found the right place, sort thru the bullshit & you will know more than your doc about CH........hang tough 'bro! ..............Jack