Posted by DaveL (63.11.38.10) on June 01, 2000 at 01:40:09:
In Reply to: Praying to the lord for help posted by JOSHUA KELLER on May 31, 2000 at 16:03:22:
Joshua
It will get better. You will end your cycle and have relief. Hang on to that.
Here are some things that I found help.
There is a oat-filled pad that you can heat up available. Mine is called a bed-buddy and I think it is from walgreens. I pop it in the microwave for three minutes and it warms up. I put it on my eye or neck. I always develope a neck pain, which I believe to be stress-induced. It always came after the cluster headache.
A hot shower or bath worked even better. Unfortunately, this wasn't always convenient.
If possible, have somebody massage your neck or head. At first, you might not like it but don't underestimate the power of touch.
There are 2 pressure point located in the inner corners of your eyes. A chiropracter taught me. She said they were Chinese pressure points. You can find them by placing your thumbs at the point were your eye meets the top of your nose. This feels natural, like it fits. Press for as long and as hard as you can stand, pushing inwards. It hurts alot but try it. The other pressure point is the same location but press up with your thumbs.
FIND A GOOD DOCTOR. THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU CAN DO. I WENT THROUGH THREE DOCTORS BEFORE I FOUND MY DOCTOR. I LOVE HIM. HE DIAGNOSED MY CLUSTERHEADACHES AND TREATS THEM. HE SUPPORTS ME 100%.
I have tried many medications but the only thing that worked was to treat the pain. If I take a vicodin when I feel a headache coming on, I can abort a 10 and cut it down to maybe a 4. The headaches don't last as long.
Find something that works for you, meditation, drugs, massage, just keep looking. What works for me may not work for you.
I will say a prayer for you and hope you experience some pain-free days soon.
Dave L