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New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2002 >> Here's What Works for Me
(Message started by: renrob on Aug 15th, 2002, 8:01pm)

Title: Here's What Works for Me
Post by renrob on Aug 15th, 2002, 8:01pm
OK, so this is my first post, though I've known about the site for a long time.  I've been dealing with these bastards for a decade now, been through a lot of meds, banged my head against walls and doors like and old school metal musician and paced a wide groove down the middle of my living room floor.  Y'all know what I'm talking about.
Last year, I thought I'd try something different.  When I'm having a headache, I'm in constant motion, so I thought, "my body wants me to move.  What is it telling me?" So I moved, vigorously.  And what happened? My headache stopped.  Every time I'd get a headache, I'd do squats, run in place, throw my arms around like a mad-man and within 10-15 minutes, it'd be gone.  The really incredible thing was that it seemed to lessen the severity of the headaches that followed, and I got fewer of them.  
As you all know, the cluster adapts, so what works for one bout probably won't work for the next (does anyone else share the belief that this thing is a virus?).  So this year, when the headaches returned, I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to replicate the results.  Got the first one a couple of weeks ago, went to the basement, got on the stationary bike (just had knee surgery, can't do squats!) and pedaled like mad.  13 minutes later I was back in bed and I didn't wake up until the alarm went off.  I've actually been able to abort headaches in as little as 5 minutes!  FYI, in the past I'd have these headaches that'd go on for hours.  Very frightening, very awful.  Now I feel like I'm in control, not the cluster.   And folks, no side-effects like all the drugs I took, unless you count a rock-hard butt and a stronger heart as a side-effect!
One last thing: the effect doesn't take place until I break out in a good sweat.  And if I go about it passivly, it doesn't work at all.  I really, really have to pump those legs and arms before I feel a lessening of the pain.  If you're out of shape, you might want to see your doctor before you go wild!
That's it.  I hope it helps someone out there.  You are all in my thoughts.

Title: Re: Here's What Works for Me
Post by Jaybee on Aug 15th, 2002, 9:17pm
(does anyone else share the belief that this thing is a virus?) ---  I believe it is a demon, but maybe a demon with virus like behaviors.

Title: Re: Here's What Works for Me
Post by Svenn on Aug 16th, 2002, 2:47am
I just wont to add my medications for breaking out of cycle.But remember that i`m not a doc,just another clusterhead from Norway  
 
Verapamil Retard 120mgX5-7/daily during cycle    
Oxygene alone at 10ltm for 15 minutes or combined with imitrex-shots does miracles.The shots should start working in 6-9minutes.a few secons after that you are almost painfree    
Prednisolone in high doze for 10 days 80mg    
then over a 3 weeks periode step down like 60-40-30-20-10-5mg /daily    
   
This is the miraclecure for me,but i`m not a doc.just another clusterhead from Norway


Svenn

Title: Re: Here's What Works for Me
Post by barbee on Aug 16th, 2002, 3:46am


Happy that you found a good abortive.  Could it be that the vigorous exercise makes you breathe deeply, thus taking in more oxygen? And oxygen constricts the blood vessels.  

When I'm having a high Kip HA I find I'm holding my breath.  Deep breathing helps.    

    Keep up the good work, and stay pf

Title: Re: Here's What Works for Me
Post by ave on Aug 16th, 2002, 8:32am
guys ' gals,

I sit as still as I can; takes lots of energy, but as you said, I now feel that I am in control, not the pain.


some break the demon's back by icecold
others by heat
some by vigorous excercise (power lifting, wind surfing have been mentioned),
some go from kip 8 to 10 if they even try.


If it works for you, great!
If not, try the other side...

Title: Re: Here's What Works for Me
Post by Cry-or-die on Aug 16th, 2002, 10:26am
Mine get worse with heavy exertion so I stopped doing that.
BTW, what a KEWL avitar ave!! I like that one!

Title: Re: Here's What Works for Me
Post by Ree on Aug 17th, 2002, 12:02am
Barbee you hit the nail on the head with the oxygen thing... Ave sometimes Dave does that too... It seems like every cure he becomes immune to... at first exercise will work then it wont... Imatrex works then it wont... He has been on it all and done it all... cycle has to peek and go away... thanks Ree

Title: Re: Here's What Works for Me
Post by Georgia on Aug 19th, 2002, 11:53pm

Quote:
...only I do it while wearing my O2 mask...nice long hose.


heh heh

damn ego maniac

:-*

Love,
G



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