Posted by Geo (206.173.17.93) on August 29, 2000 at 12:38:02:
In Reply to: Cluster Headaches posted by R.Washington on August 29, 2000 at 12:16:04:
Because every cluster attack and sufferer is different, what may work for me, might worsen your condition, and god knows I don't want to do that.
When you mentioned hot water though,it brought to mind one thing I've done that at times does give me some relief, and that's snuffing hot or warm water into the nostril. I do this sometimes with hot water and salt and sometimes cold, to try and break the congestion in my sinus, as this contributes a great deal to the pain.
Dunking my feet in cool water has been soothing as well, and I always feel a little- just a little better, when I'm in bed with an attack and touch my feet on the wall, as it's cool.
One thing you should do immediately is get out of your clothes, and try to get as much ventilation as possible. Breathe in very deeply, but not hyperventilating, as this latter kind of breathing I've found, can make things worse, once you stop. Breathe deeply, deliberately, and evenly.
When I'm under siege, I cannot think to do anything, yet I've come to know the pattern of my syndrome well enough to know pretty much what to expect from it, and what not to do to it; so at times just sitting still and massaging the temple will calm it, at other times, going to the bathroom, or snuffing water.
Unfortunately, sometimes, none of this works, and I just have to ride the storm.
There's plenty of 'on the fly' suggestions posted here, if you can get the strentgth, now or later, take a look at them.
Just hang in there, and know that it can't last forever, and it can't kill you.