Posted by Jack (33.2.105.227) on May 15, 2000 at 07:53:29:
In Reply to: Self control posted by sailpappy on May 14, 2000 at 21:03:58:
For introducing this very important topic.
I was on a business trip recently in VA. Stayed at my mother's house. We got to talking about clusters, something I hardly ever do with anyone, particularly family members. I mentioned that I was involved with this organization called OUCH and I got to talking about brain chemistry. She said this " Gee, I always thought your headaches were due to stress." I once again realized how futile it is to talk about clusters with people who do not have clusters. My mother knows me pretty well but when it comes to clusters she doesn't have a clue.
One of the most important discussions we can have about clusters is the effect of lifestyle and/or medications. There are only certain things within our control. Our decisions about smoking/drinking/exercise and medications are the important ones.
I don't pretend to have any answers but I would suggest the following to any one with clusters:
1) clusters do not respond easily to such things as relaxation techniques or biofeedback that other types of headaches might ( headache types such as tension, migraine, etc. )
2) lifestyle choices such as diet, smoking, drinking, exercise may have a profound effect on the course of clusters over a lifetime - it is important to remember that clusters are a disease for life ( if every other disease known to man is influenced by these lifestyle choices why shouldn't clusters - pretty arrogant of us to think that we would be THAT different )
3) it may be true that the medications that one uses effects the course of clusters over a lifetime - it may be that a regimen of maintenance through medications can actually prolong a cycle
Bravo for bringing up these issues!