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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2003 >> Acupuncture
        
(Message started by: RobinT on Jan 15^th, 2003, 8:20pm)

Title: Acupuncture
Post by RobinT on Jan 15^th, 2003, 8:20pm

Hi

I just wanted to share my experience. I started having distant shadows in the beginning of December. On the 26th, I had a kip 8. I got to the Neurologist 12/31 and began the Prednisone. Went back to work on 1/3 and made it thru the next two days. By then I had stepped down on the Pred. and had full blown attacks again. After firing my Neuro and finding a new one, I am still on 20 mg. of Pred. (getting ready to step down), 80 mgs of Verapamil (I hear is not enough) have 02 (just got, have not tried). Maxalt did not work, not sure about the Imitrex (it was a pill and I don't know if it worked or the attack was over).

This past Monday I had my first acupuncture treatment by my new Neuro. I hate to even mention it, but the last 2 nites I slept thru the nite!!! I wake up with shadows....but who cares???? I can't believe it. She (my neuro) did not think one treatment would be effective. My next scheduled appt is for Monday. I am very hopeful.

Title: Re: Acupuncture
Post by b.bop on Jan 15^th, 2003, 9:02pm

Wow, I posted a message asking about acupuncture a month or two back as I was considering it. It's great to hear that it worked for you, I might give it a go. Keep me posted on your progress with it :) Have a good one!

Title: Re: Acupuncture
Post by rick on Jan 16^th, 2003, 1:27pm

Robin-

I went through many sessions of accupuncture through the course of my last cycle. I would get 2-3 days of relief at a time from the treatments in some instances, other times, I'd get no relief at all. It also cost me a lot of money. I wasn't able to break my cycle, but I definitely did get some relief. I've had success with mushroom therapy, so I'm going to be sticking with that for now. Hope this helps!

-R

Title: Re: Acupuncture
Post by JDH on Jan 16^th, 2003, 1:33pm

Robin,
Please keep us posted on the acupuncture treatments. I have been wondering about this for a while now and would like to try if it helps.
Also, I'd like to know if anyone has ever tried any other alternative treatments such as hypnosis.

Title: Re: Acupuncture
Post by Ueli on Jan 16^th, 2003, 2:12pm

My opinion about acupuncture is exposed in

http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=meds;action=display;num=1036479389;start=0

You won't like it. ;D

Title: Re: Acupuncture
Post by brain_cramps on Jan 16^th, 2003, 4:38pm

Robin

Glad to hear you are getting some relief.

About 15yrs ago, I gave acupuncture a shot. Unfortunately, I didn't get the same results you are. Instead, occasionally I would get a minor break of about 15minutes to 1/2 hour. Usually, in the car on the way home, I would get hit again.

Considering it was costing me $50 per appointment and $25 each way in a cab, it just wasn't in my budget, then or now.

The beast treats everyone differently. Keep us posted.

Good Luck,
Grant

Title: Re: Acupuncture
Post by firebrix on Jan 17^th, 2003, 4:18pm

In desperation, Mopar tried a three month stint at acupuncture and although we felt that the practitioner was well intentioned and doing his very best - he was most interested in CH and wanted to help - there were no positive results.

I did, a long time ago, study a little about hypnosis and I too wondered whether it may have a positive effect; even if all it did was reduce painlevels. I found little on this in Search.

Anyone tried hypnosis by a reputable practitioner?
I actually saw one once to try to quit smoking. What a joke! The man turned up in his Italian shoes and clothes, all teeth gold-inlaid - Knew as soon as I saw him that I'd wasted my $65.00! When he failed to cure my smoking habit I asked him some hard questions but it was by then apparent that this was a charlatan. I am reluctant to try this again without knowing that the hypnotist is for real.

Would be interested if anyone has had success by this method, even tho' it seems unlikely

cynical but still hopeful
firebrix

Title: Re: Acupuncture
Post by Mark C on Jan 17^th, 2003, 5:56pm

If there was an acupunture needle long enough to reach my hypothlamus..........maybe.
For other "non-standard" treatments look here.....

http://www.clusterheadaches.org/resources/non_script_treat.htm

Title: Re: Acupuncture
Post by RobinT on Jan 17^th, 2003, 8:54pm

Here's the latest. Had 3 nites of good sleep and only shadows during the day. Thursday went to the Neurologist (who, by the way is doing the acupuncture so I am only paying a $10 co-pay) and had my 2nd session. It was way more intense, however, I was much more relaxed after having sleep without Kip 10's. (the doctor didn't even recognize me until she read my name on the chart). She used more needles and added electric stimulation. When I left, I felt pretty good (she said some people are confused after treatment and most are tired). When I got home, I started with a Kip 4. Did go to bed and slept until 4:30 a.m. (I get up for work at 5 any way) but opened my eyes with a kip 4 that kept slamming me. Tomorrow I step down to 10 mg's of Pred and plan on uping my Verapamil. Earlier tonight I sucked down quite a bit of 02 and took an Imitrex. I am thoroughly disappointed, but will be keeping my next appt (Monday). Funny how I took those 3 days for granted :'(

More later

Title: Re: Acupuncture
Post by RobinT on Jan 23^rd, 2003, 6:43pm

Update as requested...

Today I have had my 4th treatment. I have only had slight shadows for the last 5 days :D

Don't know if it's the Verapamil, the acupuncture, the combo. or what.....but I am thankful.

My neurologist wants me to try 1 visit next week.

She told me that in China acupuncture is performed 7 to 8 days in a row followed by a 5 day break.

Title: Re: Acupuncture
Post by Clustafux on Jan 24^th, 2003, 1:28am

This Cluster I went to an acupuncturist. I've seen her 10 times since December 10th. While she was unable to stop the headaches, the acupuncture seemed to help lessen the muscular tighness in my shoulderblade through the base of my skull.

I really don't understand how anyone could be sure the acupuncture worked because for the most part it is done in conjuction with several other methods. But at the same time I would never assert that it doesn't have merit, I just wish there was more data. Hey if it seems to work - on-on.

Title: Re: Acupuncture
Post by BobG on Jan 24^th, 2003, 4:41am

"She told me that in China acupuncture is performed 7 to 8 days in a row followed by a 5 day break. "

It must work. I've been at this site for some time now and have never seen a Chinese clusterhead make a post and there are none listed in the "Where we live" section. hmmmmm ;)

Sorry Robin T, just being a little sarcastic. But, I have to go with Ueli on this one.