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        New Message Board Archives >> Jan-Mar 2003 >> Hi all, guess why im here :)
        
(Message started by: modestmelon on Mar 10^th, 2003, 6:32pm)

Title: Hi all, guess why im here :)
Post by modestmelon on Mar 10^th, 2003, 6:32pm

Just wanted to say hi to everyone..

I started getting cluster headaches about 3 and a half weeks ago. Since that time iv'e had 4-5 days without headaches.. but they always return after a day or two. I hope that they decide to go away for a longer period of time though.

Iv'e read the posts here for a couple times during the past week or so.. and it seems like a great place to be, with alot of nice people. So i'm glad I found this place.

And I now know to well of this "beast" you speak about.. the one that wants to go for walks at 3:00am.. and occupies my thoughts (almost as bad waiting for the pain as actually experiencing it..)

So, yeah.. Hi!

-=Modestmelon=-

Title: Re: Hi all, guess why im here :)
Post by jonny on Mar 10^th, 2003, 6:38pm

Hey Dude,

Have you been diagnosed?

What meds you on?

.............................jonny

Title: Re: Hi all, guess why im here :)
Post by modestmelon on Mar 10^th, 2003, 6:45pm

Hey jonny,

At this point they say it's cluster headaches.. I had them for two weeks before I actually went to the doctor (was hoping that they would go away). Iv'e read ALOT of material and I have pretty much every symptome associated with your basic cluster headache. The doctor told me to write a diary of my headaches and see them again in two weeks (so this coming Friday). They did not put me on anything yet (though they said I could try your basic tylenol and what not... which is laughable).. but we will see what they decide this week.

I find that (from a msg. I read here) if I drink alot of water throughout the day that it will tone down some of the headaches.. other then that it's hold my eye and swear...

Later..

-=Modestmelon=-

Title: Re: Hi all, guess why im here :)
Post by jonny on Mar 10^th, 2003, 6:53pm

A diary is a damn good idea, make sure you write down what your doing, eating and drinking when you get hit.

For your sake I hope it aint CH.

Be well

.............................jonny

Title: Re: Hi all, guess why im here :)
Post by Opus on Mar 10^th, 2003, 7:50pm

Try these until you can get some meds.
http://www.clusterheadaches.org/resources/non_script_treat.htm
I got my ice on now, Time to make more coffee. Opus :P

Title: Re: Hi all, guess why im here :)
Post by farmboy on Mar 10^th, 2003, 7:56pm

Yes . it is a good place to be even when having an attack. i seen to find that it helps me keep my mind occupied trying to read and know that others are in the same boat. URLURL

Title: Re: Hi all, guess why im here :)
Post by 2late on Mar 10^th, 2003, 8:02pm

welcome aboard, if it is ch pull up a chair, tons of info & good people, have you had a catscan or m.r.i.? i found out here m.r.i. is best, are you seein' a PCP or a neuro? good luck! .........Jack

Title: Re: Hi all, guess why im here :)
Post by modestmelon on Mar 10^th, 2003, 9:57pm

Hey, great to hear from some people!

2late: No m.r.i yet. But I plan on asking for one if they
don't suggest it. And at this level im still just
seeing your average doctor (still early in the
game.)

opus: wow.. that page has a ton of things to try, thanks.

farmboy: :)

Later all!

-=Modestmelon=-

Title: Re: Hi all, guess why im here :)
Post by Charlie on Mar 10^th, 2003, 11:33pm

Welcome and stick around. Lots of good stuff here. Here's my thing:

Dr. Wright's Circulatory Technique

This is not transcendental meditation, imagery, relaxation, or anything psychic. It's entirely physical and takes a lot of work and concentration. Give this method a good workout. It’s not a miracle, but it’s been helpful to many.

When I was diagnosed, my neurologist said to treat this as a vascular problem. I was told to concentrate on “redirecting” blood circulation in order to retard flow to the head. This is done by trying to “send” blood into the arms and hands or other extremities. When properly done, your hands will become warm and redder with increased circulation. I also found it easier to concentrate on one hand.

This relieves just slightly, the pressure on the affected vessel, which indirectly causes our pain. We all have this ability but it can be exhausting. I was often able shorten my attacks from about half an hour to no more than a few minutes. Sometimes, when awake, I could entirely abort the attack IF I KEPT AT IT. Often, I would suffer only minor discomfort instead of excruciating pain. Do not stop just because your hands are warm or redder. Keep this up until you are sure it's subsided. If you let up or lose concentration, it’s very hard to restart this process. It may take some time but when this works, the relief is almost immediate.

I learned this from the doctor in a few minutes. He simply told me to try to keep blood away from the head. He thought it easiest to concentrate on the arms and hands but any place that works for you is fine. He said to think of it as "filling your hands" with redirected blood. It’s important to keep at it THROUGH the pain. This will be difficult, but it’s the only way this technique will work. Don’t let up until you are sure the attack has ended.

This will not always work, but I think it will always have at least some effect on the severity and duration of the attacks. It can be useful between medications or while waiting for some other drug to take effect. All it takes is a little practice. It was fairly easy to learn and what I'm writing here is more than I got from the doctor, as I've drawn from my own experience.

When awakened in horrible pain, it’s very hard to focus, but I think it’s always worth a try. This costs nothing but hard work, is harmless, non-invasive, and it gives us a fighting chance.

I wish you the best of luck - Charlie Strand

Title: Re: Hi all, guess why im here :)
Post by Mark C on Mar 11^th, 2003, 9:03am

Welcome Aboard MM,
Here is a HA diary if you ain't got one..
Good Luck,
PFDAN's
Mark

http://www.headaches.org/professional/educationresources/PDF/headache_diary.pdf

Title: Re: Hi all, guess why im here :)
Post by modestmelon on Mar 11^th, 2003, 10:45pm

Hey Charlie, Thanks for the tip! seems like a good idea, i'll be sure to try it when I feel a headache coming :)

And Thanks for the link to the diary Mark C, it will be quite helpfull. :)

Thanks for the tips! (such friendly people :D)

-=Modestmelon=-