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        New Message Board Archives >> 2006 General Board Posts >> Hello I'd like to introduce myself.
        
(Message started by: artonio7 on Dec 20^th, 2006, 8:45pm)

Title: Hello I'd like to introduce myself.
Post by artonio7 on Dec 20^th, 2006, 8:45pm

Hello everyone. My name is Anthony and I'm filled with gratitude for all of you; you're empathy, compassion and effort. Thank You!

I am a 50 year old male living in Western Pa, USA. For the last 3 years I have been living with Cluster Headaches, at their onset they were episodic and have become chronic. In August of this year I found this site and I share the appreciation that so many of you have testified to in knowing we are not alone.

In 1996, after an extreme depressive episode, I was Diagnosed as being Bi Polar I Depressive although I have had it's symptoms for as long as I remember. Dealing with manic and depressive swings make life a roller-coaster ride to both heaven and hell.

I have hypertension and high cholesterol and have recently been told that I may have a form of arrhythmia (sp.) which may require a pace maker (my heart rate isn't speeding up properly. I don't mean to go on and on about all of my afflictions without making a point and perhaps asking for info.

It appears that everything I've mentioned about my conditions excluding High cholesterol seems linked to my Hypothalamus. Am I off the mark? Are there any current studies which link all of these symptoms to a genetic defect or some other anomaly of the Hypothalamus?

Or are my questions best left for another Topic?

Title: Re: Hello I'd like to introduce myself.
Post by Jonny on Dec 20^th, 2006, 8:51pm

on 12/20/06 at 20:45:36, artonio7 wrote:

Or are my questions best left for another Topic?

No dude......your questions are way valid.

Sorry your here, but welcome aboard....where everyone knows your pain.

Welcome home!!

Title: Re: Hello I'd like to introduce myself.
Post by E-Double on Dec 20^th, 2006, 8:56pm

[smiley=wave.gif]

Title: Re: Hello I'd like to introduce myself.
Post by Charlie on Dec 20^th, 2006, 10:13pm

http://smiles.ru/coll/major/druzja.gif

Welcome to the fold but sorry that you are dealing with this horror. Stick around as you'll find some good ideas here.

Western, PA? I'm in Jamestown, NY. Close or not?

Here is something that worked for me:

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: Hello I'd like to introduce myself.
Post by georgej on Dec 20^th, 2006, 10:28pm

Welcome. :)

Glad to make your acquaintance. Pull up a chair.

Wish I could help with the specific question you have. It's a good one.

Best wishes,

George

Title: Re: Hello I'd like to introduce myself.
Post by FramCire on Dec 20^th, 2006, 11:08pm

Welcome aboard. Sorry you are here, but glad you found us.

Title: Re: Hello I'd like to introduce myself.
Post by artonio7 on Dec 22^nd, 2006, 1:49am

Thanks for the homecoming welcome! :)

Johny I appreciate your reassurance.

Waves back to E-Double.

Charlie I'm in New Castle which is about an hour north of Pittsburgh and 18 miles east of Youngstown. I'll definitely try out Dr. Wright’s Circulatory Technique. I do this other thing which; is clasp my left palm over my left eye, ( the gate of hell is behind my left eye) and while rocking I use my right palm to make figure eights over; the back of my left hand and the right and left side of my head. (I'm afraid that the head banging will cause damage.) I also take long deep breaths and with each exhale I try to relax my body.

Sometimes it works! My two dogs and two cats are at least entertained.

I'll practice Dr. Wright’s Circulatory Technique as a stand alone and then try to incorporate it into my routine.

Hi GeorgeJ and FramCire Thanks for the welcome.