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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2004 >> Cluster Headaches
        
(Message started by: vdelucci on Mar 10^th, 2004, 3:39pm)

Title: Cluster Headaches
Post by vdelucci on Mar 10^th, 2004, 3:39pm

During an attack has anyone else noticed that if you vigerously scratch your head on the left side and accross
the top of your head that this helps relieve some of the pain felt around the eye.

Title: Re: Cluster Headaches
Post by Prense on Mar 10^th, 2004, 3:42pm

No, but banging my head against a door jam (drywall breaks too easily) is pretty effective.

Title: Re: Cluster Headaches
Post by M8895 on Mar 10^th, 2004, 3:47pm

I usually put my head in the freezer and slam the freezer door on it a few times. I find that it is an effective way to divert the pain to another area at least for a little while...

Title: Re: Cluster Headaches
Post by vdelucci on Mar 10^th, 2004, 3:51pm

:( I didn't know there where so many comedians. on this site. I thought I might get some intelligent conversations here but I guess I was wrong.

Title: Re: Cluster Headaches
Post by Tiannia on Mar 10^th, 2004, 3:52pm

I somehow doubt they were kidding. Many of us do headbang litterally.

Title: Re: Cluster Headaches
Post by M8895 on Mar 10^th, 2004, 3:54pm

I was being serious. I apologize. Different people do find different ways of dealing with the extreme pain. Again, I am sorry for offending you and will remove my post if I have offended you.

Title: Re: Cluster Headaches
Post by Rock_Lobster on Mar 10^th, 2004, 4:12pm

On the serious side, any form of other sensory overload tends to take the thought from the HA, albeit for a short time. See the post a page or so down about 'other pain'.

On the non-serious side, I put my head between the jack and the car, then lift the tires off the ground about a foot. That helps a little.

Also thinking of ways to get a six-penny nail into our deformed little hypothalamus's (what is the plural of that word) passes the HA time. A shame it is located at the base of the brain. If it were on top somewhere we would all have a one cluster, then off to Home Depot for a set of forstner drill bits.

Rock

Title: Re: Cluster Headaches
Post by Prense on Mar 10^th, 2004, 4:19pm

on 03/10/04 at 15:51:05, vdelucci wrote:

:( I didn't know there where so many comedians. on this site. I thought I might get some intelligent conversations here but I guess I was wrong.

I damn sure wasn't kidding...

Title: Re: Cluster Headaches
Post by Melissa on Mar 10^th, 2004, 4:19pm

Hitting the CH affected side with my fist DOES take the pain away for a few seconds, that's why I need to do it repeatedly. I'm lucky now where I don't need to do that anymore, because of the imitrex injections. They kick in quick enough for the pain not to escalate to that point.

Title: Re: Cluster Headaches
Post by thomas on Mar 10^th, 2004, 4:19pm

on 03/10/04 at 15:51:05, vdelucci wrote:

:( I didn't know there where so many comedians. on this site. I thought I might get some intelligent conversations here but I guess I was wrong.

You can bet that they are 100% absolutely fucking serious, they are not kidding.

Title: Re: Cluster Headaches
Post by ljd1963 on Mar 10^th, 2004, 5:33pm

I told someone on here that keeping about 3 to 4 pounds of flour ina ziploc bag kept in the freezer and used on the orbital area really really helps me...it seems to work even better than frozen peas!!!

Title: Re: Cluster Headaches
Post by t_h_b on Mar 10^th, 2004, 6:25pm

I try to use the palm of my hand rather than my fist when I bang my head so it doesn't hurt my hand so much.

A good alternative is to wrap a towel around your head and twist it really tight. You get good overall pressure that way.

Those little gel-filled freezer pack things ( mine are "Polar Pack" ) stay cold longer, don't drip, can be shaped before freezing, and soften up while you're using them. They're even better than frozen peas.

There really is a scientific basis for vigorously (scratching, banging, slapping, punching, applying heat to, applying cold to, squeezing) your head. Here's a nice little summary of the gate theory:

http://www.aromacaring.co.uk/pain_gate_theory.htm

I laughed so hard I cried and choked because vdelucci thought Prense and M8895 were kidding! It was the "Frownie Face" that did it, I think. And Tianna was so droll about it: "I somehow doubt they were kidding."

I think he or she got frightened off...

Title: Re: Cluster Headaches
Post by 9erfan on Mar 10^th, 2004, 8:36pm

I've been known to hit myself in the head with a hammer while laying on my bedroom floor.

Title: Re: Cluster Headaches
Post by Tiannia on Mar 10^th, 2004, 10:35pm

on 03/10/04 at 18:25:11, t_h_b wrote:

A good alternative is to wrap a towel around your head and twist it really tight. You get good overall pressure that way.

I laughed so hard I cried and choked because vdelucci thought Prense and M8895 were kidding! It was the "Frownie Face" that did it, I think. And Tianna was so droll about it: "I somehow doubt they were kidding."

I have had my husband sit in a chair behind me while i am sitting cros legged in front of him. He will place his hands on either side of my head and push together. It feels wonderful... Until he lets go. But damn when it hurts so bad, I love even the few minutes that I can get him to just hold my head like that.

Honestly I was not trying to be funny. It just seemed like the best answer, because I KNEW that they were not kidding. I've been there.

Tiannia

Title: Re: Cluster Headaches
Post by flavin on Mar 11^th, 2004, 1:43pm

I lay my head on the cold tile floor in the bathroom or lay my right eye on the edge of the tub. I have also beat my head with a shoe, my fist, and the wall. If i rub my temples really hard that helps sometimes. So as you can see I look like a complete fool when i get one since each one only helps for a short time. But now i have the Shots and I dont even wait to see if it will be a Kip 5 to 10 I just shoot and wait 15 mins and gone.

Title: Re: Cluster Headaches
Post by Margi on Mar 11^th, 2004, 2:33pm

Vdelucci, yes I've seen my husband do that in order to alleviate the pain as well.

He's found, over the years of clustering, that while it may temporarily divert the pain, it also raises the blood pressure and the end result is longer and more painful attacks. He now forces himself to stay as calm as possible through an attack and he has learned (the hard way) that his attacks are finished quicker and he doesn't reach the 10's as much anymore. At first sign of attack, he gets his Oxygen mask on and sits quietly, concentrating on breathing rhythmically (i know I spelled that wrong)....it's made the world of difference for him in how he deals. Yes, the O2 is also aborting the attack, but staying calm isn't hurting him.

Title: Re: Cluster Headaches
Post by CJohnson on Mar 11^th, 2004, 3:04pm

There are different nerve fibers in your head which carry different kinds of pain and touch signals. These fibers send messages to the same part of your brain where they are interpreted. During a cluster headache a certain kind of nerve fiber is transmitting powerful pain signals to your brain. Banging or scratching your head activates different types of nerve fibers which also travel to that same part of your brain to be interpreted. These lesser pain and touch signals (generated by banging scratching, etc...) compete and interfere with the powerful pain signals travelling on the nerve fibers specifically activated in CH. Your brain cannot receive all of the different types of signals effectively, thus a sort of relief when your brain is forced to acknowledge the signals generated by the banging, scratching, etc...

PFDANs
-Curtis

Title: Re: Cluster Headaches
Post by Linda_Howell on Mar 11^th, 2004, 3:08pm

Ya know. I guess he's left, never to be heard from again, but when I read his first post I thought to myself...oh oh...here we go. I just know someone will say something. The bad part of all of this is that we ARE being serious and now he'll never know.

I wish he could see all the black and blue marks on my forehead at this very moment. Good thing I have bangs to cover them up. lol

Linda

Title: Re: Cluster Headaches
Post by thomas on Mar 11^th, 2004, 3:20pm

on 03/11/04 at 15:08:05, Linda_Howell wrote:

Was back today, I sent a pm to try to keep 'em around, didn't answer it yet though..... :-/

Title: Re: Cluster Headaches
Post by DJ on Mar 11^th, 2004, 11:09pm

on 03/10/04 at 18:25:11, t_h_b wrote:

I think he or she got frightened off...

Yep, too late. Frightened is probably a good word for it.... Had this in my email when I got home from work yesterday afternoon... a couple hours after he/she created a profile...

"The people are very rude on your message board. Vulgarity should not be allowed. I have suffered
from CH's since 1989, and their rudness is un-exuseable. I Joined this site to get information and maybe learn something. What a waste of time."

I sent him a message back also trying to keep him around but I think it was blocked by his spam-blocker. Don't know if it ever got through.

Title: Re: Cluster Headaches
Post by cleon on Mar 11^th, 2004, 11:58pm

I have found that massaging, twisting and pulling both ears helps a lot. One ear doesnt seem to work as well.

Title: Re: Cluster Headaches
Post by Rock_Lobster on Mar 12^th, 2004, 7:40am

Ehhh... do not sweat it DJ. If the poor soul believes they have had CH's since 89 and have yet to have laid their head in the sweet sweet freezer or ground their skull across some select element of their homes interior then they are clearly just a misdiagnosed meegrainer. ::)

Closest I came to the freezer thing was rubbing my head on the inside of a meat locker at a hunting camp for an hour way long ago when a doctor was still treating me for 'tension headaches'. Almost froze to death. My cock never did make it back to full size.

Rock

Title: Re: Cluster Headaches
Post by toader on Mar 12^th, 2004, 3:05pm

As mad as he might be, this site is still a gold mine of information. If he hasn't found any answers out there for 15 years ... he'll be back.

It's safer for him to lurk anonymously for a while and then one day maybe return under a new handle.

And Rock - for your "meat" problem - there's this product called XLER-X. Guaranteed to double the size of your manhood within 30 days or your money back. (At least that's what the email said). What me to foward it to ya?

Title: Re: Cluster Headaches
Post by t_h_b on Mar 12^th, 2004, 6:01pm

on 03/12/04 at 07:40:02, Rock_Lobster wrote:

My cock never did make it back to full size.

Caverject is a good choice for ClusterHeads who use Imitrex 'cause we're already used to injections.....

Title: Re: Cluster Headaches
Post by FZfan on Mar 12^th, 2004, 7:06pm

As a newcomer/outsider looking in, my only comment is,

I would think anyone who had suffered these since 1989 would be thicker-skinned than that.

I saw nothing inappropriate in any of the responses, and in fact further responses explained the entire phenomenon of spreading out the pain that the original poster was asking about. Very helpful information - especially to those who wonder if whether or not they are hurting themselves during their private version of the dance.

Title: Re: Cluster Headaches
Post by Mark C on Mar 12^th, 2004, 7:20pm

Maybe we do come off as "callus" sometimes....maybe because we are! My head is sore the whole time during an attack. Maybe if they would just read the Welcome page (http://www.clusterheadaches.com/newvisitors.html) some of this "misunderstanding" would not happen.

I do know there are not too many words that could appear on this screen to run ME off. There is a greater chance than there used to be simply because there are quite a few of you who I like and respect...like family, who COULD hurt me now...if I let ya! ;;D

I wish folks would lurk a little and get to know us before rushing to judgement....geez... :P

Not going anywhere (except Nashville) soon!
Mark

Title: Re: Cluster Headaches
Post by brewcrew on Mar 13^th, 2004, 10:53am

How many of us have had our mom or dad say, "What are you crying for? I'll give you something to cry about." Or, "If you think that hurts, wait 'til you feel my boot in your ass."

It's all a matter of distraction - one sensation replaced by another, pleasurable or painful.

vdelucci should try to keep in mind that everyone experiences both pain and pleasure (or relief from pain) very differently.

"Hey BC, why are you hitting yourself in the head like that?"

"Because it feels so good when I stop."

Title: Re: Cluster Headaches
Post by miapet on Mar 13^th, 2004, 12:30pm

D has hit, pounded, rubbed, pushed, omg . . .the list goes on for the things he has done to his head . . .now, he attempts to stay calm (the o2 has really helped there!) and not do any of the head-banging stuff anymore.
As for y'all being rude, or offensive . . .how WRONG is that??? I've found nothing but kindness and understanding . . .unquestioning help . .anyway . . .I'll step off my soapbox . . .and thank everyone for being who you are!!!!
miapet

Title: Re: Cluster Headaches
Post by Superpain on Mar 21^st, 2004, 1:08am

There's something very suspect about his posts...
First, the title "Cluster Headaches", then to ask a silly ass question like that, then to get hurt feelings over nothing... I can't imagine what the motive behind making a contrived post like that could be, but it just doesn't seem real to me.

And there is no fucking way he has clusters. Because if he did he would understand #1, and #2 scratching your head does not work! [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=finger.gif] [smiley=crackup.gif]

Title: Re: Cluster Headaches
Post by FZfan on Mar 21^st, 2004, 11:49am

Hey very pissed Freddy,

Never threaten a clusterhead with attacks to the eye. Sorry, the beast beat you to it.

Maybe you misunderstood my post. I was refering to myself as an "outsider" because I am new to the board, NOT because I have no idea what it's like to suffer from clusters.

I still stand by my statement. Anyone who has had cluster headaches for that long, would in no way be chased away from a support group just because of a few posts they didn't like.

But, if you feel you must insult me anyway, go right ahead. I can take it. I've only been suffering with clusters since 1995 and my skin is so thick you can hardly penetrate it with an imitrex needle.

I wish nothing for you but PFDAN.

Sincerly,

The not very nice person eating shit.

Title: Re: Cluster Headaches
Post by FZfan on Mar 21^st, 2004, 12:59pm

No prob Freddy. Like I said, I really don't mind. In fact, no apology needed. I have no doubt that many posts are read and made during attacks that maybe read differently when you're not being attacked.

That's one of the beauties of this board. It's also here for ranting/venting even if it's during an attack. I completely understand.

Of course, that doesn't mean I cut so much slack that I won't respond. ;;D

Now I gotta ask, how do you manage to read and type while being hit? I can't do it.

On the other hand, maybe it's because my hands are busy pressing my o2 mask into my face. Come to think of it, I've never tried being online while being hit. Whenever I get hit while online my immediate reaction is to disconnect (i have dial-up) and then commence the battle. Do you find that being online helps during an attack?

Peace

- Glen

Title: Re: Cluster Headaches
Post by Superpain on Mar 21^st, 2004, 1:19pm

on 03/21/04 at 12:59:17, FZfan wrote:

Now I gotta ask, how do you manage to read and type while being hit? I can't do it.

On the other hand, maybe it's because my hands are busy pressing my o2 mask into my face. Come to think of it, I've never tried being online while being hit. Whenever I get hit while online my immediate reaction is to disconnect (i have dial-up) and then commence the battle. Do you find that being online helps during an attack?

Peace

- Glen

No way... Can't read. Can't type. Can't do anything.

Title: Re: Cluster Headaches
Post by FZfan on Mar 21^st, 2004, 4:55pm

report back to us on the movie! Looks good, but that don't mean anything. I sure wish someone would've clued me in to Lost In Translation before I bought the DVD. What a piece of crap that movie was!