Posted by Bobby G on May 30, 1999 at 02:33:52:
I was watching the Discovery channel one night because it had a program on pain. It was pretty good. Of course nothing on cluster headaches. But one thing I did notice it said was that the reason we tend to rub near a traumatic injury (used a multiple fracture for exampl , was that it released mild endorphins at the site of the injury. Now, it was my understanding that most endorphins are released directly in/from the brain and they are the most powerful. I am not sure I remember correctly but I also thought the program said that the release of the milder endorphines stimulated the release of the more powerful endorphins. If anyone saw this I wish they could confirm it. Can someone make sure that I have this straight if they saw the program too?
If what I said above is right, could it be that head bangers are using a primitive means to release more endorphins in the brain? Sort of an unconcious protective mechanism.
As you can see CHers look for anything to find answers. I do certain "superstitions" that work for me. And what I mean by that is, if it seems to work, no matter how ridiculous it is, I will use it until it no longer works. I don't have to tell you, that since I saw that show I am concerned that I am going to rub myself bald in some spots!
As far as head banging, never did that but did and still do try (try is the operative word, I do as long as I can during an attack) to hurt myself with exercise. I figure if I am going to have through some pain I will try to get some good out of it. I also get on my wieght machine (K-Mart Special) and work till I can actually feel the pain in my arms. NO I don't look like Arnold S You can only do it in the ascending stages to begin with. I have made to a platuae (whatever, sorry about the spelling I am tired and am in the ascending stage of the Headache) but it takes a lot of focus. It is not anything but the change in focus I am seeking. Philosophically speaking, the pain is like the medusa, If I can look somewhere else, I am a lot better off if you get my drift.
So, Drummer, Barb, Margi (who wanst to know my secrets), and DJ who have asked me how I get things done. It is simple, when it comes to CH I am a sissy. I can't handle the pain. I try to put myself in a self-insposed state of denial about having them. I usually don't talk about them at all. I get things done because if I didn't do something I would have to sit down and cry while waiting on the next one. THANK YOU GUYS, up until now this philosophy has led to a fractured life. Fractured because I was spinning my wheels. Now I can work on this project for my therapy. You see I am doing this for me as much as anyone else.
I really believe that the quality of life as a CH sufferer depends on the quality of your thoughts about a myriad of things. for me as a ch sufferer (getting hard to concentrate) When I found this place the quality of my thought improved dramatically. I have about things I haven't thought of for a long time. But one thought crossed my mind, what do others do as they are getting the headache. Not medicines and such, what are they thinking? Decided I would tell you and then have you tell me sometime. Someone has to go first.
Time for BC powder, some caffiene, cigarette (not what you think, another time), lidocaine 4% for nose, orajel for teeth and gums, and lots of rubbing, don't know if I can handle the exercise this go around. Hot baths, etc. May have to wake my wife up (hate shots) for DHE. I have tons more tricks of the trade I will share sometime. Oh, and by the way, I am on 40mg of prednisone down from 100mg (six days with no headache, needed the vacation) Started back at 60mg. Headaches are not as intense as they will be soon. Don't kid yourself, I am nothing special, I could not do this 4 days from now as there are a lot of things I won't be able to do as well. That's why when I am awake with no headache, I am working for us..
Be STrong Bobby