Posted by Brian W on May 30, 1998 at 08:19:21:
In Reply to: Cluster Triggers? posted by Sue on May 29, 1998 at 22:33:07:
My feelings on the trigger question are that the trigger
may be internal. I have observed that it only takes a change
in pace to trigger a cluster. Oh, we do seem to be able to speed
up well, but it's the slow-down part that seems to be the trigger.
Whatever happens with body chemistry/hormone balance is a complicated
balancing act that may be out of balance.
It feels to me like the rest of the body manages to relax but
the pain area is still in fast mode. I have wondered if this behavior
may be similar to a 'shock response' where high volumes of blood are demanded
to a certain area to affect repairs. (Such as in a major wound or trauma)
Too bad that being a sufferer of this pain doesn't automatically make us expert in it.
The common thread here for triggers would be anything that might make us relax
would set the stage for the cluster condition to appear. Sometimes natural hormones
would make us relax and sometimes external sources such as alcohol. Relaxation triggers
vary from individual to individual. Some of us manage to stay painfree by not speeding up
or getting tired therefore not needing the slow down or relax time.
These are just my thoughts on the subject as a sufferer. There is no science here and
also no wish to offend anyone. The monster is tricky and variable. It's incredible to me
that a drug that has worked in the past will no longer be effective. There has to be a variable
factor and the most variable factor would be the human that is suffering.
Just some food for thought, hope it helps,
Wishing everyone a painfree day,
Brian