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        New Message Board Archives >> 2005 General Board Posts >> Ping- pong
        
(Message started by: Lost_in_cluster on Feb 26^th, 2005, 11:41pm)

Title: Ping- pong
Post by Lost_in_cluster on Feb 26^th, 2005, 11:41pm

Catchy isn't it. I choose that title because tonight I feel like I am at the center of a ping-pong table and no one asked If I wanted to be there. First I get a really sharp hit on the left side of my head and then a semi sharp answers back but at my right temple. I am so confused it just started doing this the last few days. The majority of the pain is always left though. I failed to think that maybe I was over the hump and every time I do I get his again. I never know what to expect and try enjoy the good moments but find myself deep down wondering when the next one will hit. I know usually evening and early AM. I am working on the O2 issue but till then I have to cope. Like the rest of you all I know. I am fortunate to have somewhere to turn. Especially on nights like tonight. I am just down in the dumps tonight. Work sucked and this on top of it just depressed me that much more. Hope you are all well tonight and are PF

Title: Re: Ping- pong
Post by Miklos on Feb 27^th, 2005, 12:01am

Not pain free. Have some good friends here. Wish you well.

Title: Re: Ping- pong
Post by purpleydog on Feb 27^th, 2005, 12:38am

Have you seen a neuro for your headaches?

Title: Re: Ping- pong
Post by Kim Y. on Feb 27^th, 2005, 12:50am

Saw a neuro. Got started on Verap. and Imitrex inject. along with prednisone taper which did nothing the Imitrex help unsure the Verap. He mentioned O2 but said he wouldn't give me a prescript. Of course he was more worried about discussing Iraq and our soldiers since he knew my husband and I were in the Army. Not to happy with the visit really and went straight for my Dr. since he wouldn't listen to my fear about 160 mg of Verap. when my BP is low to begin with. So I think now that I have others to mingle and compare I will just make suggestions to my Dr. here. Till I live somewhere worth seeing decent Neuro.

Title: Re: Ping- pong
Post by Charlie on Feb 27^th, 2005, 3:27pm

Sorry to hear of your MD troubles. If you pursue it you can probably get O2 info here. Not sure if you want to deal with that though. Here is my thing and if worked for me:

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 (Give it a workout Kim and keep in touch)

Title: Re: Ping- pong
Post by Kim Y. on Feb 27^th, 2005, 6:55pm

:)Thank you for the advise I will try it and see if I get relief. I will keep in touch and keep you posted. PF wishes to you.

Title: Re: Ping- pong
Post by PrettyH8Machine on Feb 28^th, 2005, 1:16am

Finding a good neuro is imperative to proper treatment of CH. Whatever you do, keep looking til you do find a good one.

Peace,
CD