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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2003 >> Attacks Aborted!
        
(Message started by: MAugust on Nov 25^th, 2003, 11:37am)

Title: Attacks Aborted!
Post by MAugust on Nov 25^th, 2003, 11:37am

I don't know how many of you have tried this, but I'll share it here in hopes that it helps someone.

I have been a cluster patient for about 17 years. I feel like I have tried all the drugs and nothing works. Pain relievers, blood pressure medicines, nothing!

During my last series (I get them every 20-24 months) I read somewhere that intense physical activity can sometimes abort a cluster attack. So I tried it. And it works every time.

What I do when I feel an attack coming on is go outside and run until I can't keep running. Then I walk until I catch my breath. By that time, the attack is usually gone or receding. Sometimes I may have to run again, but that usually does it. When I let the attack progress further towards peak before running, it might take a little longer to abort it.

It's no fun when you have to get up in the middle of the night and go run, but the alternative (severe pain) is less desireable. And, I'm not paying any money for drugs or medical advice. None of my attacks in the most recent series have gone full blown.

I'm not a doctor, but it seems to me adrenaline and oxygen play a roll in this treatment.

Title: Re: Attacks Aborted!
Post by thomas on Nov 25^th, 2003, 12:04pm

That technique does work for some, myself included. But for others it can bring an attack. Thanks for sharing.

Title: Re: Attacks Aborted!
Post by MAugust on Dec 4^th, 2003, 11:34am

I have a friend who is a medical professional and she tells me that what is happening by running is that I'm producing beta-endorphine, a natural pain killer, and it goes directly and immediately to the problem area.

Hope this works for others because it is quick and free! ;;D

Title: Re: Attacks Aborted!
Post by Bob_Johnson on Dec 5^th, 2003, 3:17pm

Clusters may not be fun but we can never complain about a lack of variety! Exercise as trigger or as an abortive; meds that work and then stop working; docs we love, docs we hate.

There is a marvelous artist in Iowa (??) who does a series of cartoons with rather arresting captions, one of which goes:

"Most people don't know that there are angels whose only job is to make sure you don't get too comfortable & fall asleep & miss your life."

(Must be a bit of devil in our angel.)