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        New Message Board Archives >> 2004-2005 Getting to Know Ya Posts >> Massage Therapy
        
(Message started by: Joni_D on Sep 28^th, 2005, 7:46am)

Title: Massage Therapy
Post by Joni_D on Sep 28^th, 2005, 7:46am

Good Morning,
First I would like say how happy I am to have found this website. Actually I am the "supporter" not the sufferer.
My husband has suffered CH on and off for the last 5 years, either in the spring or fall. He takes Topomax and Imitrex injections. The injections seem to work unless he gets to the third headache of the night (his only hit after 4:30 p.m and can come in the middle of the night too). Then the injections don't work!
My question is has anyone ever considered massage therapy? I know when he gets hit his neck and shoulders muscles are so tight it's unreal. Any thoughts on this?
And one more thing. His nose is running profusely. We are hopefull that this is a sign we are at the end of the cycle. He is about 14 days into the cycle right now and the last one lasted 20 days. We recall this happening the last time he had a cylce. Has anyone else had this happen? Maybe because we are desperate for it to be over we are grasping at straws!!
Again, thanks for the website, it's so comforting for me to know we are not alone. Our life is temporarily on hold right now as so many of you know. Our friends and family say they understand but we know they really don't. Anyway, hope everyone has a great day and thanks again.

Title: Re: Massage Therapy
Post by AussieBrian on Sep 28^th, 2005, 9:50am

G'day, Joni, and welcome aboard.

Regarding massage, many people get terrific relief from it. Many others are terrified of being touched by anybody or anything during a hit. Best bet is to talk to him when he's absolutely pain free and ask how you can help most.

Please don't try to talk to him about this during an onslaught as he might have other things on his mind at the time and say things he doesn't really mean. Encourage him to sit down with you during a good time, hold hands, and discuss it as reasonable adults.

He doesn't want this atrocity any more than you do.

Of course, if he'd like to talk privately with other CHeads he's perfectly welcome to PM me or pretty much any other victim here. For yourself, there's plenty of supporters who'll happily chat off-line.

Dunno where we'd be without people like you.

Kindest regards always,

Brian.

Title: Re: Massage Therapy
Post by Kris_in_SJ on Sep 28^th, 2005, 7:49pm

Hi and Welcome,

I'm the clusterhead in the family. My daughter is a medical massage therapist. I can tell you that when I'm in cycle, massage makes me feel relaxed and pain-free - only until the time bell rings for the beast to visit. Same time - every night.

I think massage is wonderful, but there is no known cause and no known cure for CHA. However, I think we have to take advantage of whatever makes our cycles shorter, less intense and more bearable. Massage is high up there on the list of things that make my cycles more bearable.

Hugs,

Kris

Title: Re: Massage Therapy
Post by jcmquix on Sep 29^th, 2005, 5:33am

Hi Joni_D...

I am glad also that you found this site.... Its the supporter's like youself that help all of us CHer's make it through all of these HA's... Thank You....

As far as the Massage goes, I Love Them Too... but once the Beast starts waking up in my head, I can not stand to be touched or even seen...

But after the BEAST puts my brain toy away, and he decides to take a nap, I like to have my neck and sholders rubbed, the cycle gets me so tensed up that I am usually all in Knots after a CH attack....

I just Thank God & Supporter's like You & my Wife, the CH's are hard on us, but I honestly think we are alot tougher on our Supporter's....

Again Thank You...

God Bless & PFDAN's
Charlie

Title: Re: Massage Therapy
Post by lionsound on Sep 29^th, 2005, 12:05pm

Massage may or may not banish the pain, but it sure makes me feel better when my head hurts.

I have gone to a massage therapist. You will need to specify that your hubby has CH. It's not likely to trigger, very rare that it does, but there may be some soreness afterword that causes discomfort. You're supposed to drink a ton of water. It was very relaxing and made me feel more relaxed which was something I needed during that PF time for balance.

Welcome!
Be well and PF!
-lionsound

Title: Re: Massage Therapy
Post by Kevin_M on Sep 29^th, 2005, 7:20pm

on 09/28/05 at 07:46:14, Joni_D wrote:

He takes Topomax and Imitrex injections. The injections seem to work unless he gets to the third headache of the night

My question is has anyone ever considered massage therapy?

Our life is temporarily on hold right now as so many of you know.

It sounds like the topomax prevent is not being very effective this time. I went through about six different prevents and many levels of dosage before finding one that helped. Before trying the massage therapy, I'd look at altering dosage or changing the prevent for this cycle, and inquire about oxygen too.
Even though his episodes have been short in the past it's possible they can become more prolonged and a better preventative might help him, and not keep your lives on hold so much during that time.

Title: Re: Massage Therapy
Post by corgon on Oct 1^st, 2005, 9:37am

i have tried massage therapy as a preventative but have not had positive results. I feel great afterwards, but about 2 hours later i return to stiffness in neck and shoulders. sometimes i believe the beast tends to visit more frequently after a massage- especially the night following a massage.

Title: Re: Massage Therapy
Post by Barry_T_Coles on Oct 2^nd, 2005, 10:46pm

Hi Joni

Barry from Oz here.

I found by accident that I could get a lot of relief by using a TENS machine on my neck when getting hit, it can reduce the duration of a hit by up to 80%.
I've had this machine for a number of years now and before I found out about O2 I dont know what I would have done without it.

If you want to know more about these machines PM me and I will fill you in.

Kind Regards
Barry

Title: Re: Massage Therapy
Post by sassy_lady on Oct 4^th, 2005, 5:47pm

Hello Joni,
Nice to meet you, sorry it's over these CH's, Yet you are in the right place!!
My name is Jolene & I'm a supporter too, my husband is jcmquix (Charlie) this is a great site for you, your husband & family !!
alots of info & understanding here!!
has he ever tryed 02? read the site on the left of this screen, alot of info here!! & just keep asking questions!!
Lots of Love & Prayers to you & yours!!
PFDAN
Jolene

Title: Re: Massage Therapy
Post by giffy76 on Oct 5^th, 2005, 12:18pm

There's no way I could sit/lay still to get a massage [smiley=laugh.gif] I do however have a neck wrap that is heated and it vibrates, it's battery powered so it can dance with me :P It helps some times but other times it just pisses me off [smiley=laugh.gif]

Title: Re: Massage Therapy
Post by unsolved1 on Oct 5^th, 2005, 7:43pm

I could NOT handle a massage during a hit. Maybe before or after would be nice. :P

UNsolved