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        New Message Board Archives >> 2005 Cluster Headache Specific Posts >> Shawdows and workouts
        
(Message started by: p.r. on Jul 10^th, 2005, 11:44am)

Title: Shawdows and workouts
Post by p.r. on Jul 10^th, 2005, 11:44am

:-/Hi,

I'm a newbie to the site. About a month ago, I started my CH cycle with headaches coming approx. every other day--until my neuro prescribed verapamil two weeks ago. Since then I've experience fewer and less severe CHs, but I have this annoying "shadow" similiar to a caffeine withdrawal headache (2-3 KIP scale) and it won't go away. I talked to my doctor and he instructed me to gradually increase my verapamil dose. Today, I feel pf enough to try and re-start my workout routine SLOWLY which I abandoned a month ago. Although I still frequently experience shadows they are less severe (1-2 KIP scale) . Question: I've read that exertion could induce a CH. I've also read that some suffers actually jog to alleviate the pain during an attack. Any experience or knowledge on shadows during a workout? Or do I risk inducing a more severe headache?

p.r.

Title: Re: Shawdows and workouts
Post by lionsound on Jul 10^th, 2005, 12:00pm

hi p.r,
Welcome !

I think that you will find different answers for each person. I have found that running with a shadow ...isn't that a song?sorry i digressed....makes it go away. And for me it has to be a full tilt sprint for about ten minutes. a jog does work too..some mental chutzpah part of me needs the sprint.
This works very well in the winter because my treadmill is out in the freezing cold barn.

I lift weights too and that has helped a shadow be on its way.

In the summer I swim....same coolness on my head.

none of this works all the time and sometimes i need to listen to my body and Not exercise when I'm totally spent. That's dangerous. And there are a few times it has set my head off too. It's a risk....but I decided for me it's worth it becuase over all the exercise is good for me.

remember to drink gobs of water!
be well and Pf,
lionsound

Title: Re: Shawdows and workouts
Post by BobG on Jul 10^th, 2005, 12:10pm

Hey there p.r. Welcome to the board. How’s everything in Hephzibah?

Verapimil…. You don’t say the size of the dose you’re on but if you just starting taking it is probably low. That’s the way it supposed to be. Start low and slowly increase until the headaches stop. Some folks here are on high doses, 600+ mg. From you description you probably won’t have to go very high. Follow your doctor’s orders on any increases. Don’t do it on your own.

Exercising, exertion, jogging, squats, weight lifting………..some people claim it will stop an attack. Will it for you? Only way to find out is try it. Hope it works for you. Hellavalot cheaper and safer than drugs.

Please let us know.

Title: Re: Shawdows and workouts
Post by wip5150 on Jul 10^th, 2005, 2:50pm

Howdy,

I've found that if I'm in a cycle, physical exertion will most always bring on a Kip 7 or better. HOWEVER, if I'm having a CH, sometimes (and I mean about 40% of the time) physical exertion will help nuke that particular headache.

Not very helpful I'm afraid, but that's my experience. Best of luck.