Author |
Topic: exercise/cold water (Read 665 times) |
|
oldsurfref
New Board Newbie
I love YaBB 1G - SP1!
Posts: 7
|
 |
exercise/cold water
« on: Jul 28th, 2003, 11:19pm » |
 Quote  Modify
|
I just finished doing a search on this site. I read all the stuff you guys said about exercise and CHs. It seems that exercise could help some people, and can bring on the CHs.
Is thier anyone out there that does extreme exercise that gets CHs? I am talking about people like tri athletes, marathoners, etc. It appears that hydration is very important, but most extreme athletes I know are totally into hydration and understand how important it is for everything to work in the body correctly.
I know us CH people are extremists, and I was just wondering if it would get rid of CHs for good. IF I got in the shape that a tri athelete is in, while maintaining hydration of course.
I have had CHs for 15+ years, and never went more than 18 months in remission. Usally I get them in late spring every year. As of today I am 3 days without a CH. This is after a 9 week episode. However. This episode came after a 2+ year remission. I usually get them in late spring. I live in Southern California. I worked out 233 days last year as of Jan. I know I wont come close to that this year as its July and I havent even got 100 days yet. Maybe if I worked out 150+ days by June I wouldnt have got them.
The only other theory I have is Cold Water. I surf about 100 days a year, and last year the water temp stayed down in the 50s all the way to late July. While this spring it got up into the 60s by May. Maybe spending 2 to 3 hours in 55 deg. water doing exercise saved me last spring?
What do you guys think? Be honest. Is this just the desperate hope of Cluster Head Surfer. or a potential way out of this hell.
|
|
 IP Logged |
|
|
|
floridian
Guest
|
There is evidence that cold can abort or reduce the final stages of the disorder - the swelling of blood vessels that compress nerves and causes excruciating pain. But the disorder is deeper than just headaches - including disturbed neurotransmitters and changes in brain anatomy. Maybe cold water does trigger a beneficial reaction in the body that helps prevent clusters - at this point, nobody knows. Swimming in cold water probably does a thousand different things to your body - increasing endorphins, changing cortisol levels, altering fat metabolism, changing electrolytes and ATP/cAMP balance, etc, etc. If you have a strategy that is good for your overall health and you think it might prevent cluster headaches, keep with it.
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
kbbogo1
New Board Newbie
Gender: 
Posts: 28
|
|
Re: exercise/cold water
« Reply #2 on: Aug 6th, 2003, 3:50pm » |
Quote Modify
|
The puzzling thing about eposodic clusters is that you can never tell what is REALLY working or if it is coincidence and your cycle just isn't as bad this time. Or, if you are just in remission. ?!?!?!?
All I do know for a fact is that we will try anything to prevent the pain. I normally get ch's Nov-Feb. Last year I was on Verapamil all year (I have clusters and migraines) and my clusters were just as frequent as before, but only to a Kip 1-5. I was so thankful for the meds! Only odd thing was that I always get this bazzare depression and it peaks right when my clusters peak. Even though my pain wasn't bad last cycle, the depression was still horrible. Once my clusters are over, depression is too.
Like most, I hate meds, so as of Feb I started really watching my diet (cut sugar, lots more protein) and I started exercising (walk/run 1-3 miles a day and weight lift 40min every other day) faithfully and drinking tons of water. Thinking if this doesn't help the ch's or the migraines, maybe it will help the depression this time around. Unfortunately, I could feel my ch's coming on a few weeks ago (very early and I am still on the Verapamil). Depression started then and I have been battling it successfully. My ch's are around 1-4 a day - none over a kip 2 - and some just a weird pain behind my eye (vs. the tent stake in my eye). I honestly think the exercise/diet/hydration is helping. Oh, and the best part is that the pain has been so low that I have not woke up with one ch yet! Yah - no Imitrex shots for me so far! (also, migraines have been much less severe and less frequent)
Could be coincidence......then again, maybe not. :)
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
K-MAN
New Board Newbie
Gender: 
Posts: 48
|
|
Re: exercise/cold water
« Reply #3 on: Aug 6th, 2003, 5:38pm » |
Quote Modify
|
I study martial arts during my remission periods and work out three or four times a week. I study under an old-school Chinese master, and the workouts are grueling, lasting from 1 to 3 hours. I absolutely cannot continue any type of aerobic activity like running or jumping rope while I'm in a CH cycle. Sparring practice in the ring is out of the question.
I can usually finish about an hour of workout before the attack starts. I can't tell you how many times I've thought I was out of a CH cycle only to be surprised by the Beast. These attacks seem to be more painful than most, so I keep the Imitrex handy year-round in my gear bag.
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
tgardpak
New Board Newbie
Let up for a second and thats where you'll finish
Gender:
Posts: 8
|
|
Re: exercise/cold water
« Reply #4 on: Aug 6th, 2003, 8:53pm » |
Quote Modify
|
This is what makes these things so puzzling, what works for some doesn't work for others. Years ago I used to work in a grocery warehouse, when in late spring my ch cycle would start I begged to work in the freezer as it was the only relief I got and it kept my sinuses draining actually made the cycle bearable. This year I'm in the longest cycle I have ever had, the weather in northeastern ohio has been terrible I think I have discovered something new. These beasts are directly related (in my case) to barometric pressure, the barometer has only climbed above 30 one night in the last 4 months (my only pain free night ) coinsidence? I don't know but man did it feel great to sleep all night. As far as exercise right now that is the only thing that gives me relief, not strenuous just enough to get my heart rate up and boom the pain goes away. May have to run in place or do jumping jacks four times during the night but hey no pain. ???
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
Camerooskis_Mom
New Board Newbie
I love YaBB 1G - SP1!
Posts: 39
|
|
Re: exercise/cold water
« Reply #5 on: Aug 12th, 2003, 8:50am » |
Quote Modify
|
Forgive me, but I needed to jump in here.
For 7years old son who is very active and plays football - my son still cycles like clockwork. Only exception, when we are backpacking in the backcountry he has yet to have an attack - but I am not counting on it not happening. In fact, I think I might have purposely chosen dates to avoid the beast.
Difference might be hydration. We burn a Liter of water per Hour when hiking each (Camelbacks are great!) whereas when playing hard at home, he might not want to be bothered to come in & get a drink. At football practice, they take regular water breaks but I wonder if this enough. But our trail nutrition is very different than at home as well, so that should not be discounted either.
I know this doesn't add much to the debate, but I have seen the beast attack him full on when in middle of hard play and when he is quiet and watching T.V. We are very aware of hydration needs but find he keeps himself hydrated better on the trail when he has that hydration hose attached to his mouth at all times. & yes, cold water is always best 
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
Charlie
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Happy to be here
    
Gender:
Posts: 14968
|
|
Re: exercise/cold water
« Reply #6 on: Aug 13th, 2003, 8:33pm » |
Quote Modify
|
The exercise thing always makes some sense to me. It certainly affects circulation which often affects cluster pain. I'm not certain what exactly takes place or is triggered but for me it makes some sense. Here is my take on it:
http://www.netsync.net/users/charlies/gifs/COOLNESS.png
Good luck in any event,
Charlie
|
|
IP Logged |
There is nothing more satisfying than being shot at without result---Winston Churchill
|
|
|
Alora
Guest
|
I just start getting CH again (after nearly 20 years CH-free). I have to admit that I was always committed to 60 min of aerobic excercise 3-4 times a week for the past 14 years and I have slacked off the past month to maybe once a week. I feel drained from sleepless nights of pain which makes it all the harder to get back into my workout regimen... vicious circle! I'm going to force myself back just to checkout this theory.
To tgardpak... I also live in NE OH & I, too, considered the barametric pressure as a culprit. I think it may play a part in CH.
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
Pokenaut
New Board Newbie
Living with pain
Gender:
Posts: 10
|
|
Re: exercise/cold water
« Reply #8 on: Aug 29th, 2003, 2:39pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Alora....NE Ohio here as well.
When younger, when the headaches began, I was heavily involved in bicycle road racing, and between training and weekend racing was riding over 12K miles/yr, and trust me they weren't easy miles. I don't ride much at all these days (knees shot from some horrendous wrecks), but the cycles still are pretty regular. So...for me, I would say extreme exercize isn't something that relieves attacks. BUT, like LOTS of cluster stuff, what works for one doesn't for others, and what worked today fails tomorrow.
Good luck in your cycles.
'Naut
|
|
IP Logged |
Every time I feel it is like the first time.
|
|
|
LasVegas
New Board Veteran
Episodic CH since 11 yrs old, now 39.
Gender:
Posts: 206
|
|
Re: exercise/cold water
« Reply #9 on: Sep 18th, 2003, 5:40pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Afdter reading these posts, I will jump into my cold swimming pool at 3am when I awake with a CH every night at the same time. It's worth a shot.
Gregg in Las Vegas
|
|
IP Logged |
Wishing all a Pain Free 2008!
|
|
|
Bob P
New Board Hall of Famer
Shut up Bob!
Gender:
Posts: 3436
|
|
Re: exercise/cold water
« Reply #10 on: Sep 19th, 2003, 10:45am » |
Quote Modify
|
You are confusing regular exercise routines (which can trigger cluster attacks) with short duration, very streneous exercise at the onset of an attack (which can abort the attack).
Those that say exercise stops their clusters are saying that if, when they feel an attack starting, they run, bicycle, do jumping jacks, or any streneous exercise that really gets them winded, it will stop the attack, sometimes.
One guy reported that hypeventillating stopped his attacks which makes me wonder if it's the exercise or just the hyper-oxygenation of the blood due to sucking so much air.
Maybe it's a combination of extra O2, endorphins, circulation changes.
|
|
IP Logged |
Mrs. Barlow, I never, and I repeat never, ever pissed in your steam iron.
"SHUT UP HUB!"
|
|
|
oldsurfref
New Board Newbie
I love YaBB 1G - SP1!
Posts: 7
|
|
Re: exercise/cold water
« Reply #11 on: Sep 19th, 2003, 12:32pm » |
Quote Modify
|
The main point of my post was not how to make them stop while weve got them, but how to make them never happen. My theory is that people in excellent aerobic health may not get them. Especially people who are outside in the elements, and keep themselves well hydrated. For example tri-athletes, marathoners, long distance bike riders, swimmers. Im not talking about us 3-5 day a week recreational work out types. I am talking the hard core people. The guy that surfs for 4 hours in the morning and then runs/lifts weights in the afternoon. You know those two a day 6 times a week people that are in extreme aerobic shape. The fanatics, do they get cluster headaches?
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
seasonalboomer
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
If I think hard enough maybe it'll go away.....
Gender:
Posts: 2248
|
|
Re: exercise/cold water
« Reply #12 on: Sep 26th, 2003, 1:55pm » |
Quote Modify
|
As a marathoner (not an elite marathoner) I am always hopeful that my activity will help, (and maybe it does limit what I do get to short two to three week episodes), but I still get them seasonally. Usually one episode in the spring and another in the fall. Always triggered by exercise/running workouts.
This can definitely affect the motivation to do a run workout! 
|
|
IP Logged |
-----------------------------------------------------
seasonal boomer
-----------------------------------------------------
|
|
|
Ozuser
New Board Newbie
I love YaBB 1G - SP1!
Posts: 6
|
|
Re: exercise/cold water
« Reply #13 on: Oct 5th, 2003, 6:04am » |
Quote Modify
|
I first started getting CHs when I was 16yo, 21 years ago. At the time I was boxing 3 nights per week, training for football 2 nights per week and playing football on Saturday. I was in PEAK condition and that is when they started. That was a shocking year for me. No one understood the pain except my mum...god bless her lol. Exertion to the point of increased heart flow does most times work to get rid of an attack for me, but look out if it doesn't..the beast in all its fury.
Like probably all of you I have many theories, tricks and traps for new players on this topic that I won't bore you with now.
I once walked in on a friend who was having a CH attack to find him with a sash tied tightly around his head and looking desperately insane, clenching his fists and crying  . It was amusing to think that that is exactly how I must look to people.
If anyone is interested look up Myofascial Trigger Points for an interesting take on muscle and reffered pain. I find that any part of pain pattern can be replicated by manipulating different muscles.
Cheers for being here!
Joe
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
kissmyglass
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Don't Mix Triptans
Gender:
Posts: 1398
|
|
Re: exercise/cold water
« Reply #14 on: Oct 5th, 2003, 10:36am » |
Quote Modify
|
A 7 year old Clusterhead?? OMG...we need to do something about that folks....
Kev
|
|
IP Logged |
"It does so fucking look like her" - Picasso
[img][/img]
|
|
|
|
|
|
Home
Help
Search
Members
Member Map
Login
Register
Reply
Notify of replies
Send Topic
Print
Remove
test rss