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        New Message Board Archives >> 2006 General Board Posts >> My Observations (Not Advice) of CH symptoms !
        
(Message started by: Caine_607 on Sep 12th, 2006, 7:57am)
Title: My Observations (Not Advice) of CH symptoms !
Post by Caine_607 on Sep 12th, 2006, 7:57am
Hi everyone,

Been a while since my last post but I thought I'd wait 'till I had something noteworthy to contribute before posting.

Actually, I don't know whether you recall my last post but it was basically a summary of little tips and tricks that I'd come across in my ongoing search for ways in which to reduce the time/intensity of a CH without the aid of medicinal intervention (due in part to my reluctance to subscribe to prescribed drugs).

Well, needless to say the research has been 'painfully' slow hehe but here are my latest findings for anyone who gives a snails fart:

1) Resisting my head/face - Pretty plain this one but I have confrmed with some certainty that resisting the temptation to apply pressure to my neck/temples during an assault reduces the duration of the headache and just as importantly the post-attack aura.

2) Keeping my eyes open - Particularly difficult this one seeing as my eyes become uber-sensitive, bloodshot and tired during an attack, not to mention watery but I find that if I try and keep my eyes open and blink a lot during an attack, the headache is a lot less intense.

3) Warm coffee in cheek scenario - Weird one this but an absolute winner in my book. Since a considerable amount of pain seems to target the back molar area of my mouth, I wait 'till my coffee is just cool enough to drink (or sometimes Ice-cold water if out of time) then I fill the appropriate cheek for 10 seconds or so and repeat until mug contents are depleted ! :P

[Edited]

Welp, that's it... I'll keep trying new thigs and if I find anything usefull I'll be sure to post !

Good luck muchachos, keep your collective chins up !

Caine 607
Title: Re: Quarterly Update
Post by BMoneeTheMoneeMan on Sep 12th, 2006, 11:05am
Wow.

I'll have to make a little mental sticky note.

B$
Title: Re: Quarterly Update
Post by Linda_Howell on Sep 12th, 2006, 3:19pm

Quote:
I find that the resulting 4 days of headache-free bliss



   Are you telling us that binge drinking gives you 4 pf days?    :o    If you are, I would say that this is about the worst piece of advice I have ever seen here, and I am even going to take it upon myself to warn any newcomer who may read this, that THIS is not a reccomended tip or trick.

   >:( >:( >:( >:(
Title: Re: Quarterly Update
Post by Caine_607 on Sep 12th, 2006, 3:55pm

on 09/12/06 at 15:19:38, Linda_Howell wrote:
I would say that this is about the worst piece of advice I have ever seen here, and I am even going to take it upon myself to warn any newcomer who may read this, that THIS is not a reccomended tip or trick.
   >:( >:( >:( >:(


Each to their own, I'm only reporting my personal experiences irrespective of whether you approve or not - it may be an unusual case or maybe it's just a temporary physiological abnormality but despite the absurd irony it's still worth stating (seeing as it's CH related and all !).


on 09/12/06 at 15:55:33, seasonalboomer wrote:
I'm sure you're aware that a LOT of CH sufferers find that alcohol is a trigger for a CH for them. And while there are those who are not triggered by alcohol, you are the first person I have ever read that is a proponent of semi-binge-brinking as a treatment as a preventative.


Incidentally, you'll notice I didn't advocate this 'tip' as a universal solution, I would also add that alcohol does indeed trigger CH's for me also but only if I drink during the 4 day 'grace period' - don't ask my why, I have no idea !
Title: Re: Quarterly Update
Post by fubar on Sep 12th, 2006, 3:58pm
Different strokes for different folks... no need to attack.
Title: Re: Quarterly Update
Post by cootie on Sep 12th, 2006, 4:07pm
Last cycle Brad had he was determine'd all this was all about stress.....he doesn't get on here or do research and I can only try to tell him what I learn here.....but he decided a beer or two EVERY nite before bed and relax was the answer. I gave up and let him be and TRIED to warn him. EVERY SINGLE NITE for about a week he got hit within an hour or so....usually rite around midnight. He jus seem'd to think the beer would relax him and be the answer but it was a trigger.....he fineally figured it all out and I did warn him. But yeah....for sum it'd just BRING IT ON quicker and "add" one more attack for the nite Pam

He would get hit TWICE when he drank before bedtime......no fun at the King house !!!!!
Title: Re: Quarterly Update
Post by Caine_607 on Sep 12th, 2006, 4:09pm

on 09/12/06 at 16:03:48, seasonalboomer wrote:
who's attacking?

or maybe this possibility, a newbie who isn't all that thrilled about not being able to enjoy a beer because he has finally realized it is a trigger for him, and is looking for any evidence (excuse) that allows him to have a beer reads this, says to himself "great, I can drink but I have to drink more than I normally would" and gets hit 3 times tonight. i don't like to post stuff that has a propensity to have people get hit by CH more often.

just my thoughts. not an attack.


In view of the unexpectedly dissmisive reaction to my otherwise well-meaning post, I shall take it upon myself to edit the opening post accordingly. I apologise if I upset anyone and I shall be sure to submit posts with considerably more foresight in future.
Title: Re: Quarterly Update
Post by chewy on Sep 12th, 2006, 4:11pm
Ditto Linda.

Ranks in the top 5 of worst advice ever given.
Title: Re: Quarterly Update
Post by Caine_607 on Sep 12th, 2006, 4:17pm

on 09/12/06 at 16:11:23, chewy wrote:
Ditto Linda.

Ranks in the top 5 of worst advice ever given.


(sigh) It wasn't advice, it was a well-meaning observation of my own experiences but don't let me interrupt your bandwagon...
Title: Re: Quarterly Update
Post by drivin_blind on Sep 12th, 2006, 4:18pm
Beer=hammer into the side of the head. End of story. I can't even remember what it tastes like!
Title: Re: Quarterly Update
Post by seasonalboomer on Sep 12th, 2006, 4:21pm
caine, thanks for editing. i've removed my criticism's where i could. i understand it was well meaning and not advice but could be construed by someone as something new to try (as that's what folks come here for).

scott
Title: Re: Quarterly Update
Post by Caine_607 on Sep 12th, 2006, 4:30pm

on 09/12/06 at 16:21:20, seasonalboomer wrote:
caine, thanks for editing. i've removed my criticism's where i could. i understand it was well meaning and not advice but could be construed by someone as something new to try (as that's what folks come here for).

scott


Understood Scott, in retrospect it probably wasn't a very smart  move - I just wanted to contribute something to the CH community in the hopes that it might be of some interest to enlightened researchers seeing as CH's have all but ruined my formerly stable way of life.
Title: Re: Quarterly Update
Post by JeffB on Sep 12th, 2006, 4:30pm
I really don't know what to say on this one. But I will continue to put pressure on my neck as it seems to work just fine when fighting the pain. I would very much like to see anyone have control over what they do with their eyes at a kip 9-10. As far as drinking wine or beer during a cycle, I'd say thats just f_cking insane. IMHO. I don't remember seeing anything from you last quarter, do you go by fiscal years or traditional, perhaps mayan?
Title: Re: Quarterly Update
Post by Caine_607 on Sep 12th, 2006, 4:44pm

on 09/12/06 at 16:30:59, JeffB wrote:
I don't remember seeing anything from you last quarter, do you go by fiscal years or traditional, perhaps mayan?


It was an optimistic guestimate, in truth, I can't remember when my last post was but it 'feels' like a quarter.

Incidentally, just in case you missed my previous responses in your enthusiastic scrutiny, these are personal observations NOT advice - seeing as it's unlikely that your personal symptoms represent the entire community it's always worth floating experiences for the sake of further knowledge on the subject.

As for pressing your neck, congratulations... I'm glad it works for you. The eye observation was one I've made over the past 6 months or so, so it's not entirely unfounded but then apparently you don't seem convinced that I suffer from any intense symtoms anyway, perhaps  just pop a few aspirin and go merilly on my way.

Cheers
Title: Re: Quarterly Update
Post by JeffB on Sep 12th, 2006, 4:55pm
Not trying to start anything, but if I were someone who just found this board and your post was the first thing I read I would be really worried. And words like tips, tricks, and latest findings are a bit more than observations, again, imho.
Title: Re: Quarterly Update
Post by Caine_607 on Sep 12th, 2006, 5:00pm

on 09/12/06 at 16:55:12, JeffB wrote:
Not trying to start anything, but if I were someone who just found this board and your post was the first thing I read I would be really worried. And words like tips, tricks, and latest findings are a bit more than observations, again, imho.


Thread Title ammended !

p.s. Sod it, how do I delete this entire thread - is there an admin that can do it ?
Title: Re: My Observations (Not Advice) of CH symptoms !
Post by chewy on Sep 12th, 2006, 5:08pm
Amended and edited.

No harm no foul.


Quote:
keep your collective chins up !


My collective chin is usually buried in my chest. Cant pick my noggin up during an attack.
Title: Re: Quarterly Update
Post by BobG on Sep 12th, 2006, 5:20pm
I've said it before and I'll say it one more time

You can't out-drink a clusterheadache!


on 09/12/06 at 16:07:35, cootie wrote:
Last cycle Brad had he was determine'd all this was all about stress.....but he decided a beer or two EVERY nite before bed and relax was the answer. EVERY SINGLE NITE for about a week he got hit within an hour or so....usually rite around midnight. He jus seem'd to think the beer would relax him and be the answer but it was a trigger.....

Relax my ass!
Never relax. Stay stressed. It's good for ya.

Nobody ever listens to me!

If ya'll don't start listening to me I'm going to hold my breath until..........uh........hmmmm.......until.........until I break out
with a migraine.
;)
Title: Re: My Observations (Not Advice) of CH symptoms !
Post by cootie on Sep 12th, 2006, 5:45pm
Yer 'rite BobG' and Brad KNOWS that now......a few conventions under his belt helped change his mind on things. He needs to read up more cuz he is gettin all his info SECOND hand from me. He jus needs REMINDED once in a while. Preacher Pam  8)

Oh man I hope you ACCIDENTALLY deleted yerself brother Caine....ya did nothin to go and "technically" kill yerself over here..........
Title: Re: My Observations (Not Advice) of CH symptoms !
Post by pattik on Sep 12th, 2006, 5:50pm
I seems as though he wanted to delete the thread and deleted himself instead [smiley=huh.gif]
Title: Re: My Observations (Not Advice) of CH symptoms !
Post by Charlie on Sep 12th, 2006, 6:30pm
             Dr. Wright’s Circulatory Technique:

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.

Charlie      
Title: Re: My Observations (Not Advice) of CH symptoms !
Post by mynm156 on Sep 12th, 2006, 8:41pm
Hey Caine Thanks for the report.  Keep us posted and what ever works for U man Works for you!

Good Vibes ALL

MYNM156
Title: Re: My Observations (Not Advice) of CH symptoms !
Post by cootie on Sep 12th, 2006, 9:09pm
Wouldn't it be FUN if we could delete bills and anything else BAD in our lives.....like pain for instance ? I'm free tab Pam  ;;D
Title: Re: My Observations (Not Advice) of CH symptoms !
Post by andrewjb on Sep 12th, 2006, 9:13pm

on 09/12/06 at 18:30:52, Charlie wrote:
             Dr. Wright’s Circulatory Technique:

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.

Charlie      

:).great idea.i will be trying this .


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