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Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Weird Triggers....
(Message started by: Lebowski on Jan 26th, 2008, 8:52pm)

Title: Weird Triggers....
Post by Lebowski on Jan 26th, 2008, 8:52pm
Anybody have some weird, random things that trigger CH's? A couple of things for me are:
Popcorn. Dont know why but when I am in my cycle and eat popcorn I am guaranteed to get a CH. I love pop corn too  :P

Another thing is if I am laying in a certain position either on my bed or the couch watching a program I will get shadows and fall into a CH.


Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by Linda_Howell on Jan 26th, 2008, 9:26pm

Popcorn has nothing to do with triggering a CH.

 
Quote:
Another thing is if I am laying in a certain position either on my bed or the couch watching a program I will get shadows and fall into a CH.



Most likely it is the relaxing that has caused the attack.  Someone here has, as their tag-line..."never relax...ever"

Linda
   

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by Lebowski on Jan 26th, 2008, 11:39pm

on 01/26/08 at 21:26:59, Linda_Howell wrote:
Popcorn has nothing to do with triggering a CH.

 


Most likely it is the relaxing that has caused the attack.  Someone here has, as their tag-line..."never relax...ever"

Linda
   


Well it sure sends me into one for whatever reason.

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by Linda_Howell on Jan 27th, 2008, 12:10am

By any chance are you having a beer with that popcorn?

  Alcohol is a definite trigger.  

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by billlmack on Jan 27th, 2008, 1:07am
sitting for too long
general tso
sleep
for me

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by George_J on Jan 27th, 2008, 2:42am
Here's a weird one:  Light (and/or heat) in the far infrared.

Some of you might remember this--about a year ago, I test-drove a sauna that used infrared light instead of the usual heated rocks.  Even though I was out of cycle, five minutes in the Box of Death started me shadowing hard.  I bailed, drank a Red Bull, and killed it.  But I will NEVER get into one of those tools of the Devil again.

If you're a masochist, you might want to give it a shot.  I'd be interested to know whether anyone has had a similar experience, or whether anyone else has the huevos to give it a try.

This is ONLY thing I've ever run across that triggered an out-of-cycle visit from the Black Dog in forty years of CH.

Best,

George  

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by Lebowski on Jan 27th, 2008, 3:13am

on 01/27/08 at 00:10:09, Linda_Howell wrote:
By any chance are you having a beer with that popcorn?

  Alcohol is a definite trigger.  


I do not drink when I am in my cycle but I think it has to do with my jaw getting tired. Chewing too long or hard.

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by DennisM1045 on Jan 27th, 2008, 7:40am

on 01/27/08 at 02:42:56, George_J wrote:
Here's a weird one:  Light (and/or heat) in the far infrared.

Some of you might remember this--about a year ago, I test-drove a sauna that used infrared light instead of the usual heated rocks.  Even though I was out of cycle, five minutes in the Box of Death started me shadowing hard.  I bailed, drank a Red Bull, and killed it.  But I will NEVER get into one of those tools of the Devil again.

If you're a masochist, you might want to give it a shot.  I'd be interested to know whether anyone has had a similar experience, or whether anyone else has the huevos to give it a try.

This is ONLY thing I've ever run across that triggered an out-of-cycle visit from the Black Dog in forty years of CH.

Best,

George  

Here ya go George.  It turns out that infrared light can penatrate the skull and shine right into your brain:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/health/healthmain.html?in_article_id=510172&in_page_id=1774

Go figure.

-Dennis-

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by DennisM1045 on Jan 27th, 2008, 7:42am

on 01/27/08 at 03:13:28, Lebowski wrote:
I do not drink when I am in my cycle but I think it has to do with my jaw getting tired. Chewing too long or hard.

Chewing provides me with relief.  One of my stopgaps for keeping the beast at bay till I can get to my 'tools' is to pop two or three pieces of chewing gum in my mouth and chew like it's my job.

You might look at the ingredients on that bag of pop-corn.  It could be your getting triggered by something on that list.

-Dennis-

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by sandie99 on Jan 27th, 2008, 9:25am
I've got hit few times myself after eating popcorn. I thought that it had something to do with the salt I got with them, because my diet at the time didn't contain salt that much.

Sanna

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by hotprestwich on Jan 27th, 2008, 12:34pm
tangerines trigger it for me and i just figured that out this cycle, oh and beer but thats normal,

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by maryo on Jan 27th, 2008, 2:29pm
Sitting with poor lumbar support can trigger a cluster. Alcohol has in the past but this year, which was my worst, I could drink w/out any change in CH (not that I would recommend it, but enjoying a Margarita was like sticking my tongue out at the Beast). For a many years, turning over o to my right side in bed would trigger one. In general, relaxation is a trigger.

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by monty on Jan 27th, 2008, 3:22pm

on 01/27/08 at 07:40:37, DennisM1045 wrote:
Here ya go George.  It turns out that infrared light can penatrate the skull and shine right into your brain:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/health/healthmain.html?in_article_id=510172&in_page_id=1774

Go figure.

-Dennis-


Saw that helmet and thought I should invest - alzheimers runs in the family. I was wondering if the infrared makes it through the human skull, or just the rat skulls that they tested in on in phase I.  Hopefully, more will be known before I have to deal with that issue.

Heat is a big trigger for me. So IR doesn't seem that weird. If it is enough to make me seriously sweat, I avoid it in cycle.

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by ronan76 on Jan 29th, 2008, 9:42am

on 01/27/08 at 00:10:09, Linda_Howell wrote:
By any chance are you having a beer with that popcorn?

  Alcohol is a definite trigger.  


Hi, I had 5 cans of beer on saturday night and didn't have an attack so i dont think you can generalise by saying "Alcohol is a definite trigger" .. from my short experience with CH, it seems to differ from person to person...
I expected the first beer to trigger one for me and it didn't so continued to have 4 more.. :) ... which was a pleasant relief..

at 3am that night i got an attack as ususal but it was swiftly dealt with by knocking down a zomig and a can of red bull..

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by George_J on Jan 29th, 2008, 10:03am

on 01/29/08 at 09:42:34, ronan76 wrote:
Hi, I had 5 cans of beer on saturday night and didn't have an attack so i dont think you can generalise by saying "Alcohol is a definite trigger" .. from my short experience with CH, it seems to differ from person to person...


Certainly--but as far as episodics go, it seems that alcohol triggers headaches in a very large percentage.  

For those of us for whom alcohol acts as a trigger, we quickly learn to avoid it during a cycle--I would drink a quart of motor oil if it would kill a headache, but I wouldn't drink something that triggered one if it was the Nectar of the Gods.  

I'm sure that "a definite trigger" was not intended to mean "a universal trigger".  With CH, almost nothing is universal.

Best,

George



Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by ronan76 on Jan 29th, 2008, 11:35am

on 01/29/08 at 10:03:02, George_J wrote:
Certainly--but as far as episodics go, it seems that alcohol triggers headaches in a very large percentage.  


Hi George,
I am in no doubt that this is true and expected to be "hit" after about half a can...it was a pleasant surprise not to be...

CH is unusual to say the least ... friends of mine cant understand that coffee and redbull abort attacks.. they would presume that coffee would bring on an attack...as most non CH sufferers would..

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by DragonSlayer on Jan 30th, 2008, 1:56am

on 01/26/08 at 20:52:57, Lebowski wrote:
Anybody have some weird, random things that trigger CH's? A couple of things for me are:
Popcorn. Dont know why but when I am in my cycle and eat popcorn I am guaranteed to get a CH. I love pop corn too  :P

Another thing is if I am laying in a certain position either on my bed or the couch watching a program I will get shadows and fall into a CH.


Was the popcorn you ate a micro wave variety?  There could be chemicals in it that could be your trigger.  ( hear of the guy that was eating 3+ bags microwave Pcorn a day for years and got cancer from it?) Get out the pan and do it the old fashion way to see if you still get hit.  Might want to go light on the salt till you figure it out too.

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by Lebowski on Jan 30th, 2008, 7:03am
I make popcorn the good way, on the stove. I really think part of it has to do with my jaw getting tired of chewing but it sure sets me off for a CH when I am in my cycle. Now that I think about it, I put way too much salt on it.

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by hotprestwich on Jan 30th, 2008, 11:33am
Last cycle beer wouldnt trigger ch for me but this cycle,
well lets just say i didnt have one on new year and none this year to date :'( its okay but its annoying when all ya freinds are having fun getting pissed around you,
and all i can do is drive them home.

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by Lebowski on Jan 30th, 2008, 11:35am
Yah no beer for me as well on New Years. I actually had one about 10pm. Took a Zomig and went way so I was still able to see the countdown.  

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by Whipsmart on Jan 31st, 2008, 10:17pm
Popcorn doesn't do it for me, but gummi bears do.  My jaw gets tired, and I'm soon dealing with the beast.   :-X  No more gummi bears for me.

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by BarbaraD on Feb 1st, 2008, 7:05am
I think what you guys are saying is that you KNOW that some things trigger CH in YOU. Best advice I can give you is DON'T do them when you're in cycle.

I stayed away from BEER (and I love beer) for 12-13 years (while watching my friends enjoy the devil out of it) because it triggered mine (I'm chronic). Then one day (with meds on stand by) I drank one and NOTHING - and now I can drink one occasionally (I still don't push it). The same with MSG. What triggers today may NOT trigger a year from now. This disease is weird! It doesn't make sense and no one has figured it out yet.

Just hang in there .....

Hugs BD

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by msrngtp2002 on Feb 1st, 2008, 8:35pm
I find that chocolate, SOME beers (Labatt blue triggers but Dos Equis doesn't), and when the weather changes from crappy to nice I will end up with CH's every night for 3 or 4 days then they stop.

However this was really weird - I had an MRI on Monday at about 5:30 PM - felt great before, but within about 30 minutes I got a migraine (about an 8) that lasted for two whole days!  Imitrex did nothing for it (took the max dose).  Finally took a double dose of tramadol and drank a pot of coffee and it went away at about 3 AM.

Some time ago there was an article about a device that was supposed to end a migraine using a blast of magnetism - I wonder if the MRI magnets did just the opposite and triggered a migraine?  This was a brand new MRI machine with a larger opening and more powerful magnets.  

Anyone else ever experience this?

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by AlienSpaceGuy on Feb 1st, 2008, 11:08pm
I have a real weird trigger.

For me neither the good, ripe Swiss cheese nor beer (or any other alcoholic beverage) on their own are triggers.

But on two occasions, in preparing for a long TV night, I ate some bread and cheese to my midnight beer, resulting in 3 hour monster attacks.
Some time later I learnt: the presence of alcohol speeds up a hundred fold the uptake of histamines from the ripe cheese. This histamine shock was enough to trigger the 3 hours attacks.

And yes Mom, I don't do it again.


                 [smiley=smokin.gif]




Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by outofcommission on Feb 2nd, 2008, 9:12am
i think the water treatment is kind of weird. i don't know what it is about drinking cold water really fast. maybe it has something mechanical. i know allot of us that use redbull say chug it down as fast as you can. also if i lay down my head has to be pointing strait forward and elevated. that will usually set one of in 15, 20 minutes.

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by outofcommission on Feb 2nd, 2008, 9:42am
a few triggers for me triggers.

in the summer. air conditioned buildings.

any kind of smoke.

the dry heater in my truck.

one time i was cleaning a walkway with some bleach and that started my last cycle.

perfume and aftershave lotion.

when i laid tile i could run jackhammers 12 to 14 hours a day and not get until 20 minutes into my ride home. anytime of day...?????

i used to swear the presence of one wifes friends would set them off. i think it was the way i cringed my face when i had to listen to her squeaky ass voice. i've heard of regular people getting migraines listening to her talk.

of course beer and pot will set me on fire. ( not that i've ever smoked pot ::)

nitrates seemed to do it too.

i used to tell this guy i worked with that his bad breathe would set them off. he was a real prick about my condition so i had to fire back with something.

did any of that occur to you man.... sir....lol. sorry i still make references to the big laboski. let me know if that helps you out dude.

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by 5Almigos on Feb 6th, 2008, 12:46pm
Good morning,

besides dealing with CCH, I also have Lyme and have to experiment a lot with treatments and supplements.
I agree: If you know your triggers, avoid them.  Stress, sleep, showers, loud noises and bright lights set me off. These can't really be avoided, but I have to take a deep breath and tell myself, that I can deal with them.

A lot of prescription drugs do it also, so I don't take them anymore. Chicken, tomatos, some nuts, ice cold food or drinks and certain enzymes definetely trigger attacks. As far as the popcorn question goes: Corn is a common allergen. Don't eat it. I find the triggered attacks worse than the "scheduled" ones. See, what you can find under "Leaky Gut". I have that, I have to avoid a lot of food in general and detox a lot. Slippery elm powder helps me a lot, because it binds toxins in the gut. I get less attacks, when I only eat, what I can tolerate.
Check your skin products and house cleaners for triggers also. Don't use anything with Isopropyl Alcohol or anything else, that you don't tolerate.

Be better,

Sonja

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by Miz_D on Feb 11th, 2008, 8:13pm
When I am in a 'high cycle' (am chronic but somewhat controlled by massive amounts of meds), alcohol is definately a trigger but I can imbibe at any other times without aggravation.

It's strange, but I definitely have to watch the position I lay my head in at all times. If I am watching tv or reading in bed and my head or, more accurately my neck, is bent at a certain angle, it will trigger a shadow which will usually develop into a full blown HA if I do not correct the position immediately. In my opinion, it has nothing to do with 'relaxing' as I just need to change my position and am still 'relaxed'. Besides which, I spend alot of time relaxing (maybe I'm just lazy!) doing meditation and during yoga...it has never 'triggered' an attack for me. Just gotta watch how I lean, bend or twist my neck is all...

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by kevmd on Feb 11th, 2008, 8:54pm
Everyone talks about caffiene to abort.  I feel caffeine is a trigger for me.  I gave up cafeine my last cycle (4years ago.  So after 3 1/2 years of no caffeine, I start to drink it again.  And the next time I was due for a cycle, it came and is still here.  Cold be a coincidence but why tempt it.  Those from the philly area could attest to a good Wawa coffee.  I hate to give it up but my body tells me otherwise.  If popcorn triggers, then eat some chips.  

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by Gator on Feb 11th, 2008, 9:59pm

on 02/11/08 at 20:13:27, Miz_D wrote:
It's strange, but I definitely have to watch the position I lay my head in at all times. If I am watching tv or reading in bed and my head or, more accurately my neck, is bent at a certain angle, it will trigger a shadow which will usually develop into a full blown HA if I do not correct the position immediately.



There is at least one study which shows that neck movement can trigger/aggravate or, in some cases, alleviate ch attacks.  

http://www.ouch-us.org/chgeneral/neckpain.htm

It has also been documented that neck position can trigger attacks in Paroxysmal Hemicrania.  

http://www.ouch-us.org/chgeneral/chandrelatedha.htm

http://www.emedicine.com/neuro/topic67.htm


Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by Miz_D on Feb 12th, 2008, 2:51pm
Thanks for posting those articles Gator, always appreciate good information!

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by LeeS on Feb 13th, 2008, 12:27pm
This has become a perennial theme, so here's a somewhat larger list of the sometimes wild and wacky triggers reported by CH sufferers over the years (now updated):

Air travel/altitude
Air conditioning
Alcohol/red wine/beer
Allergies
Antibiotics
Antihistamine
Avocado
Barometric pressure changes/storm systems
Breathing
Bright light (strobe lights/shadows/sunlight)
Caffeine
Cessation of stress
Change in seasons (Fall/Spring)
Cheese/strong/ripe cheese
Chewing/eating (too long/hard)
Chlorine (swimming pools)
Chocolate
Cigarettes
Cigarette smoke
Climate change/holidays
Cocaine
Cold remedies/nasal sprays
Cold/cold environment
Coughing/sneezing/nose blowing
Crying
Dairy products
Eggs
Exercise
Fatigue
Flour
Gummi Bears
Heat/warm environment
High altitude
Histamines
Hormonal changes
Hot baths/showers
Hunger
Infrared heat/light
Irregular sleep
Lack of sleep
Laying in awkward positions (non-sexual)
Laying in awkward positions (sexual)
Limey-bird
Long drives
Long lists of things
Loud noises
Marijuana
Mold spores
Mother-in-laws
MSG
Naps
Narcotics
Nitrates
Nitrites
Nitroglycerine
NREM sleep
Nuts/almonds
Outofcommission’s friend’s wife
Peanut butter
Pop corn
Relaxation
REM sleep
Salt
Sensory overload (too much noise/activity)
Sexual intercourse
Shellfish/shrimps
Showers
Sitting for too long
Sleep
Sleep apnea
Smoking
Stress
Strong smells/solvents (candles/petrol/perfume/paint/glue)
Sulphates (sulfates)
Sulphites (sulfites)
Tangerines
Topical steroids
Waking up early
Yeast extract (Marmite)


Interesting that there may be a homeopathic element to many of these i.e. what triggers some people can often be successful abortives for others :-/

I challenge anyone to give up everything above and monitor the outcome ;)

Let me know if I've missed any :)

-Lee

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by seasonalboomer on Feb 13th, 2008, 12:35pm

on 02/13/08 at 12:27:58, LeeS wrote:
I challenge anyone to give up everything above and monitor the outcome ;)

-Lee


If I did they'd have to lock me in a closed room, not even being able to do the thing I like doing when I'm alone.  
;)

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by DragonSlayer on Feb 13th, 2008, 1:54pm
Hey Lee!!!    

You forgot "Long lists of things that trigger CH"

;;D ;;D ;;D ;;D [smiley=bag.gif] ;;D ;;D ;;D ;;D

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by LeeS on Feb 13th, 2008, 2:09pm
No I didn't ;;D

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by outofcommission on Feb 17th, 2008, 2:25am
my wifes friend has been pretty tough to give up lee  :'( but it has helped ;) ;;D i didn't see sneezing on that list but theres another one you can through on the pile.


                                                                  johnny

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by LeeS on Feb 18th, 2008, 6:23am

on 02/17/08 at 02:25:04, outofcommission wrote:
i didn't see sneezing on that list but theres another one you can through on the pile.


It's under "coughing" Johnny.

Good luck with the detox.  Can't you get your friend to divorce her ;) ;;D

-Lee

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by Tr1n1ty on Feb 22nd, 2008, 11:20am
I think somewhere along the way this post has lost its focus! I think Lebowski wanted to know strange triggers not just all trigger so here ya go Lebowski for strange triggers, my Mrs works with perfumes, body lotions, shower gels and candles, most of the time im fine with them and the fragrances but when im on a cylce only ONE fragrance triggers me and sets me off on an all mighty attack and thats Pomegranate, no other combo or fragrance affects me just that one no matter what form, WEIRD HEY!! ;)

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by LeeS on Feb 23rd, 2008, 5:56am
Now that is interesting and weird Tr1n1ty.

Perhaps a long shot, but pomegranate (the juice anyway) enhances nitric oxide, which has been implicated with the pathogenesis of primary headaches, including CH: cue patti :)

If you Google it, you'll find loads of references; here's just one:


Quote:
Pomegranate protects cardiovascular health by augmenting nitric oxide, which supports the functioning of endothelial cells that line the arterial walls. Nitric oxide signals vascular smooth muscle to relax, thereby increasing blood flow through arteries and veins.
Source: http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2007/feb2007_report_pomegranate_01.htm


Anyone ever been hit after drinking pomegranate juice; never tried it personally?

-Lee

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by darknight on Feb 25th, 2008, 12:31pm
LeeS uve just blown me away!!
Brilliant bit of info!!!
I have drank pomegranate juice my mrs loves it but never noticed if it triggers my heads but i will keep a vigil eye out for that!! ::)
Awesome!!!

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by BeckyK on Mar 1st, 2008, 4:49am
I'm new to this message board, it's really interesting to read what sets off an attack in other people - and so good to know I'm not alone (I know that's what everyone says - but it's so true!).

For me, air conditioning - hot or cold - or "false" heating, ie the sun doesn't set off CH and nor does being next to an open fire but sitting next to a radiator does. Weird. Or being in a room without fresh air - my house is always arctic in the winter!

I also have a really bad cold at the moment with blocked sinuses and am convinced that's why I am still in a cycle much longer than usual and my attacks are a lot worse (and during the day when, luckily, I usually only get them at night).

Oh yes, the cruelest one for me that has been a trigger on several occasions over the years - crying. The effect is very similar to my current blocked sinuses, I think.

And re alcohol, I found sometimes it did, sometimes it didn't so now I don't risk it at all.

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by AussieBrian on Mar 1st, 2008, 5:05am

on 03/01/08 at 04:49:08, BeckyK wrote:
...And re alcohol, I found sometimes it did, sometimes it didn't so now I don't risk it at all.

Does that mean there's heaps left over in the fridge that needs a good home?

Welcome home, Becky.

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by outofcommission on Mar 2nd, 2008, 3:03am
hi becky. being outside in the cold air will suppress them as long as i am in it. soon as i come inside I'm on eggshells. would like to know what kind of beer brian drinks that helps his headaches. as much i love to drink beer it will set me off fast. maybe it's just american beer that sets them off. i'm glad that works for you brian. wish it did for me.

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by Becky on Mar 2nd, 2008, 5:25pm
Bright sunlight and heat will set me off. I took my daughter to the zoo, got halfway round and got hit with the headache from hell. We had to stand in the castle shop, because it is stone it was cold, we stood there for 20mins I swear the staff thought I was a shoplifter ;;D ;;D. I now keep my head covered at all times when I am out in the summer. Hello Becky from another Becky.

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by cyberone on Mar 3rd, 2008, 9:10am
some triggers. well for me..

paint...sux cause my hobby is painting....lol

annoying noise...like air con and the like in the background...

beer...but with this its very strange...like most have said is kinda hit and miss...half a beer and it could go either way...could be f#$%ed or if not im cool for the night or when a normal hit is timed to come. one strange thing ive noticed is that if i can and do drink that the next day is usually a very mild day if i had drank alot...anyone else had this?? for me drinking can help to give a little break for a day...still get hit but never as hard after...strange..but it seems to be true for me.

flashing lights and loud sounds....sux living in tokyo...lol

bad weather...storm/typhoon in summer is always a rough week

cheap japanese food...msg?

perfume..i once had a house mate who had a girly girlfriend...everytime she walked in the do the beast would strike..

REM sleep is a sure fire.

going to the movie theater...strange...now im thinking its the popcorn...lol

swimming pool.

flying is n super no go even when just finished cycle..

theres more but i cant think atm...lol




Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by superhawk2300 on Mar 3rd, 2008, 6:36pm
There is a catagory or workout suppliments that are listed as "hemodialotors" whihc help one get all pumped up by opening the blood vessels.

Those do me everytime.

So does working out. I have to quit working out when I am in cycle. This year is sucked because I was "coming out of retirement" for semi-pro football this fall. Not anymore with the shape I am in.......I don't think there is a postion called "chubby-back" or "round-end".......

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by Langa on Mar 9th, 2008, 12:03pm
When i'm at the peak of my cycle...pretty much everything can be a trigger....for sure no alcohol, no chinese food, chocolate and no naps, watching tv, etc.  No rhyme or reason with these things.  I do lose weight when in cycle because eating a meal will bring one on.  Whatever it is I eat.  So I neat a small meal daily.  And that brings one on too.

Langa

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by echo on Mar 12th, 2008, 3:06pm
Using Lees list, these are mine

Air travel/altitude
Barometric pressure changes/storm systems
Bright light (strobe lights/shadows/sunlight)  
Change in seasons (Fall/Spring)
Chardonay Wine
Climate change/holidays
Drastic temperature changes - usually 30 degrees or greater over 24 hours
High altitude - above 31K ft
Lack of sleep - (caused by CH - it's a downward spiral)
MSG
Narcotics
REM sleep
Stress
Strong smells/solvents
Time zone changes 2hrs or more




Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by debOUCH on Mar 12th, 2008, 5:02pm
hmmmmmm.since still new @ this, i basically can only say the vino, thus havent had any in wks......... >:(. however, my FEH ( future ex husband!!!) stopped  by this morning to get the tax papers for the accountant, and he proceeded to say"you are getting a flat tire"..............and GOT IN HIS CAR & DROVE AWAY!!! WTF    LMAO.........now!!!!needless to say i have been in pain all day........btw, this is a man i would be married to 4  27 yrs who told me 1 1/2 yrs ago he hasnt loved me for 10 yrs, wants to date..and just waited for our youngest to graduate high school............as much as i resent him, i would still never ever wish this on him................................[smiley=finger.gif]

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by luckylady on Mar 12th, 2008, 8:28pm
My biggest trigger is perfumes and colognes.  You know, you can't go anywhere without getting hit by some sort of perfume.  It's in hair products, shampoos, detergents, etc.  I can't go to indoor functions and have had to request that my coworkers not use any sort of fregrances.  I can't even smell the "flavor" of the scent.  It's like getting hit onn the right side of the face with a wrecking ball.  

A wierd trigger for me is one of the fake sugars.  I have eaten a yogurt and drank a couple of drinks that have fake sugar in them and within 5 min. I am heading to the maxalt.  Don't know which one and don't intend on doing a survey to find out.  3 times is enough for me.

Finally, saw the note from the guy about drinking cold water.  I have a nurse friend that suggested to me I drink something really cold at the onset of an episode.  She claims that if you can cause a brain freeze, it counteracts the Cluster or Migraine.  Icees do it for me if I have one just starting.  An airconditioner full on, directly on my face, will eleviate the swelling in the eye and sinus and affords some relief.

Hope this helps.

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by jon019 on Mar 12th, 2008, 10:25pm
Aspartame.....

Jon

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by Superdave on Mar 14th, 2008, 5:09pm




To me all triggers are weird, this whole cluster headache thing is weird.

 Ever since my ch started over 5 years ago it has always been about never getting any rest, never getting  any sleep, and never getting any piece of mind. I’m a chronic ch’er, so my experimentation has never been about ending a cycle, only about avoiding the beast.

 Laying in bed with my head in an elevated position watching TV is how it all begin. At the end of the day time to chill think about my life and what to do tomorrow. Before I fall asleep my brain catches on fire. No doubt to follow, more hits in the night.

 Napping, no way, you think the beast would let me chill out in the middle of the afternoon. Bad move.

 Sit on the couch with a friend eat popcorn and watch a movie, no can do.

 I work outside in Texas on the gulf coast  it’s  HOT the summertime, and for me miserable. Numerous times I have been in the middle of a 100 degree plus afternoon sweating my ass off wishing I had learned internet technology instead of  the construction business.  Suddenly on the horizon, I see a thunderstorm making it’s way in my direction. Ah.... the sun goes behind the clouds, cool air starts to blow in, Instant relief from the heat. That’s all the f#%$er needs, and left side of my head begins to fry before I can enjoy the fresh cool air.

 I race my motorcycle for a hobby, nothing like the ride home with your buddies after a day of racing. It’s a tradition with us, relax, enjoy and share the excitement of the day. No way Jose’ It’s time for a cluster attack from hell, with a 4 hour ride home in the truck, the sun going down in my eyes and no where to hide.

 I’ve read this entire thread it seems to me most of the triggers you see have something to do with relaxing. The post started with popcorn, well Libowski where are you eating popcorn? For me it’s usually found in a bowl on the couch in front of the TV trying to relax. Good cheese and beer trying to relax, on an aircraft trying to relax for a long journey. Chocolate has got to be one of the most relaxing foods there are. Some people even eat their meals in a relaxing environment with wine, candles, soft music ect. Perhaps it’s not what we’re eating that’s the trigger. For me, I don’t drink much but when I do It’s more than likely at some big event, lots of people around, activity, dancing, talking, music, girls, never sitting still. If I were to just start drinking beer at home sitting on the couch , I would certainly be in for a bad round with the beast.

 In my uneducated but experienced opinion, this thing is about my brain changing gears, slowing down for me, cruising mode. Maybe for others it could be when your brain speeds up, I don’t know. We are the only ones that can put our finger on the problem. I think the answer to this question is in this thread and on this board.

WHAT ARE THE COMMON DENOMINATORS?  :o

Superdave 8)

 


 

Title: Re: Weird Triggers....
Post by Mr. Happy on Mar 14th, 2008, 5:31pm

on 03/14/08 at 17:09:51, Superdave wrote:
most of the triggers you see have something to do with relaxing.

I'm pretty sure Bob G's signature goes something like

"Never relax. Ever."



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