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        New Message Board Archives >> 2005 General Board Posts >> Newbie from Mt.
        
(Message started by: Lost_in_cluster on Feb 24^th, 2005, 10:07pm)

Title: Newbie from Mt.
Post by Lost_in_cluster on Feb 24^th, 2005, 10:07pm

Hello all just wanted to introduce myself. I am 28 and originally from Montana. Was in the Army and am now an LPN. CH introduce itself to me April of last year disappeared August and slowly but progressively returned end of Nov. and continues as I type. I am tired and frustrated and have some of the ability to do the thing I love because when I try mister nasty puts up the brick wall. My love is running. Well I just wanted to say hello and am glad I have others around me... :-/

Title: Re: Newbie from Mt.
Post by Frank_W on Feb 24^th, 2005, 10:16pm

Welcome to the board. Sorry you have reason to be here, but glad you found us.

I was a medic in the Army from '87-'93, stationed (mostly) in Japan, along with an exciting trip to scoop up Mr. Noriega in '89, and playing in the sandbox in '91.

Again, welcome. Congrats on your nursing degree.

-Frank

Title: Re: Newbie from Mt.
Post by Lost_in_cluster on Feb 24^th, 2005, 10:51pm

Thanks for the welcome. I was also a Medic in the Army from 96 to 2002 that is one of the reasons I went into nursing and CH willing this July I am suppose to start the RN course and do more of the things I could do when I was in the Army. Plus only RN get to work in PEDS and that is my ultimate goal. I went to Africa, Macidonia, Kosovo, was stationed in Germany, TX, and MO, got out here in KS. Take care and thanks again. :D

Title: Re: Newbie from Mt.
Post by Charlie on Feb 25^th, 2005, 12:00am

Welcome to the madhouse and I'm sorry you have to deal with this horror. Stick around and let us know how you're doing. You'll find some good ideas here.

Here is one that I used very effectively:

Dr. Wright’s Circulatory Technique

What follows is a technique learned from a neurologist:
I am not sure what mechanism is triggered by this but whatever it is, at least indirectly helps kill the pain. I do know that this technique has nothing to do with meditation, relaxation, or psychic ability. It is entirely physical and takes some work. It involves concentrating on trying to redirect a little circulation to the arms, hands, or legs. It can described as a conscious circulatory flexing. Increased circulation will result in a reddening and warming of the hands. Try to think of it as filling your hands with redirected blood. The important and difficult part is that it has to be done without interruption through the pain. Do not give up in frustration. It may not work on the first try. Every now and then it will work almost immediately. I lived for those moments. Try experimenting between attacks. You will find that it gets easier with practice.

I was given less than five minutes instruction in the use of method. The doctor, while placing his arm on his desk, showed me that he could slightly increase his arm and hand circulation. After several attempts, I was able to repeat this procedure and use it successfully. I have had about a 75% success rate shortening these attacks. My 20 minute attacks were often reduced to 10 minutes or less. Once proven that I had a chance to effectively deal with this horror, I always gave it a try as I had nothing to lose but pain.

Perhaps it will help if you think of it as trying to fill the arm as if it is were an empty vessel. I used to try to imagine I was pushing blood away from my head into my arm. Use your imagination. There is one man who wrote that his standing barefoot on a concrete floor shortened his attacks. This may be similar as it draws some circulation away from the head. Cold water, exercise, or anything affecting circulation, seems to be worth a try. My suggestion is to not let up immediately when the pain goes. Waiting a minute is probably a good idea. So long as you do not slack off, this has a chance of working.

This technique is very useful while waiting for medication to take effect or when none is available. It costs nothing, is non-invasive, and can be used just about anywhere. It is not a miracle but it helped me deal with this horror. It can be a bit exhausting but the success rate was good enough for me and a cluster headache sufferer will do just about anything to end the pain. It gives us a fighting chance.

I hope this technique is helpful and I wish you the best of luck

Charlie

Title: Re: Newbie from Mt.
Post by sandie99 on Feb 25^th, 2005, 1:02am

Welcome aboard! :)

I am so sorry that you have CH... :(
But I am glad that you found your way to this site. Here you can find lots of info and lots of support.

Best wishes & PFdays and nights,
Sandie

Title: Re: Newbie from Mt.
Post by Gena on Feb 25^th, 2005, 10:07am

Welcome

Sorry you had to find this place but glad you did.

There is a lot of Infomation to the left - READ READ READ.

Good Luck