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        New Message Board Archives >> 2007 General Board Posts >> New Year, Same Pain
        
(Message started by: getlit on Jan 6^th, 2007, 9:10am)

Title: New Year, Same Pain
Post by getlit on Jan 6^th, 2007, 9:10am

So, here we all are again, a new year and still taking a back burner to migraine's, stress headaches, etc...
I was going through one of those periods when I thought, "hey, maybe it's gone for good", when about two weeks before Christmas..........................
I'm now in my twoadays, one around 2 in the afternoon, then my favorite, one around midnight to wake me up.
So, has anyone heard of any new research, meds, techniques, etc....????? Is there anybody out there from the Nashville chapter? Is 07 going to be any different than 06 in terms of research? Sorry, just rambling questions to keep something beside the fire hot ice pick from going through my mind. Hope the rest of you are pain free for the time being, or for the rest of your lives for that matter.
Later,
Lit.

Title: Re: New Year, Same Pain
Post by ctygrl1965 on Jan 6^th, 2007, 10:32pm

I don't know what you've tried but my husband just got put on topamax. After three days he's gone from 8 a day to ,so far, just one! Glory be to God!

Title: Re: New Year, Same Pain
Post by Charlie on Jan 7^th, 2007, 1:43am

Rats. Sorry to hear that you are having to deal with this horror but here is something anyway:

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: New Year, Same Pain
Post by getlit on Jan 10^th, 2007, 7:50pm

Wow, that's very interesting. I'll give it a try tonight around 11:30 no doubt!!!! Thanks for the insight and the reply!!!

Title: Re: New Year, Same Pain
Post by getlit on Jan 10^th, 2007, 7:52pm

Tried the topomax. No availe. I'm seriously thinking of trying 'shrooms. Clusterbusters can't be that wrong can they?

Title: Re: New Year, Same Pain
Post by Jonny on Jan 10^th, 2007, 8:07pm

on 01/10/07 at 19:52:23, getlit wrote:

I'm seriously thinking of trying 'shrooms. Clusterbusters can't be that wrong can they?

It works for more folks than not....give it a go, but learn all you can from those dudes before you do!!!!

Good luck!