Posted by Kathi (152.163.194.194) on September 22, 2000 at 09:52:26:
In Reply to: We took the test, looks like CH not migraine. posted by Pete and Mariah on September 21, 2000 at 23:25:10:
I can't say for sure (as I don't walk in his shoes) but he may be making things worse by trying to control his urge to pace. I personally think the body tells us to move during a cluster...maybe it wants the oxygen and adrenaline to fight the pain.
Heat and/or ice can really help...you have to experiment. I usually alternate them on the affected side. Sometimes I switch heat and ice on my neck and temple at the same time. Hot showers seem to help. As does making a steam tent over a boiled pot of water. Breath in the steam slowly through your nose. Sometimes, I put Vicks liquid in the water. he's listening to his body by using the pressure, it's a form of accupressure that has always helped me.
I have tried various meds and just find that by the time they work, I'm past the most horrific part of the CH anyway...then I'm left to deal with the side effects of the meds. I have to be real careful about drugs anyway because I drive for my job...usually about 100-200 miles a day. I wouldn't want to be responsible for killing someone while I'm on meds. Get a script for the oxygen and please...tell him to pace, scream, cry...do whatever it takes. Otherwise, these things can really get to you if you don't feel like youre fighting back
Good Luck
Kathi