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weatherman

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Posts posted by weatherman

  1. Debben and spiny,

    Couldn’t resist checking into the idea of pressure changes affecting the onset of CH.  I too have noticed that these fluctuations seem to be a “trigger-like” mechanism, although in California we get less movement of the barometer when storms arrive.  Airline flights and trips to the mountains have kicked my arse with CH, so it's a trigger for me too.  Besides, anyone checking a barograph (besides us geeks in the weather business) would probably be interested in some of the “gory details”.

    I know for me, it’s not the absolute value of the pressure change, but more so the quickness that the barometer falls/raises, that brings the Beast.  Fall and Winter storms move across the northern US, and especially the Great Lakes region, at much faster speeds than at lower latitudes, even though they can be the same intensity.  They are embedded in the midlatitude jet stream that is climatically positioned (the storm track) along the US/Canada border.  Those Alberta Clippers can move at 50 mph west to east.  Thus, the pressure rises and falls more rapidly.  These rapid pressure changes most likely explains why airline flights are almost always triggers for some CH'rs.  Aircraft cabins are pressurized to about 6000–8000 feet above sea level. Reaching cruise level (say, 35,000 ft), that’s nearly double the pressure decrease of an average storm, in five times the quickness of change.  Unfortunately, there is just no escape from Mother Nature (or airline cabin pressures), unless you move to low latitudes, the Tropics would be perfect.  Oh, and so would Siberia.  Then there is always taking the bus. ::)

    Some barometer changing info, and why this may be a trigger ……..   

    Falling very slowly: 0.1 - 1.5mb in 3 hours  ………….. Typical Daily Fluctuations

    Falling slowly: 1.6 - 3.5mb in 3 hours   …………….…… Weak storm / showers

    Falling quickly: 3.6 - 6.0mb in 3 hours Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…..Â…Â… Strong storm

    Falling very rapidly: More than 6.0mb in 3 hours  ... Intense storm

    Typical Florida storms (excepting Tropical Storms) are weak to strong.

    Typical Wisconsin storms are strong to intense.

    Airline flights are off the scale at over 100 mb changes in less than an hour, or roughly 20 times the rate of change that any storm can offer.  As a comparison, the pressure over New Orleans dropped approximately 100 mb in over 24 hours as Hurricane Katrina made landfall.  That’s over 25 times less severe of a pressure change than an aircraft reaching cruise level.  Still wanna fly?

    Anyway, I've rattled on WAY too long on this .... enjoy!

    PF days to all !!!

    weatherman  8-)

  2. np ..... It's great to hear your have found relief from CH with ANY form of treatment.  Going "outside the box" from western medicine is what has lead long-time CH suffers to some of the wonderfully effective therapies we have now. I hope it continues to provide the initial benefits you are now enjoying.

    I wonder, since the Gerson Treatment is a metabolic therapy based on the theory that disease (and mostly cancer) is caused by the body's accumulation of toxic subsidence's, how can this possibly effect the hypothalamus and distribution of hormones in our bodies?  How is this connected to the Serotonergic System?

    It seems, your CH was not caused by any of the typical biological dilemmas that are thought to lead to this disease.

    Do keep us posted on the progress of your actions.  I don't eat much red meat and haven't been a milk drinker since I was 12, but drinking a dozen glasses of juice, following low-salt, low-fat vegetarian diet and taking 5 coffee enemas a day seems a little Kookie  :D

    If it works, it works ............

    Best of luck and PF days to ya all

    weatherman

  3. My CH seems to have been awoken by allergies.

    I'm 58, and prior to my early 50's I rarely had headaches (usually tension or hangover types) and was NOT allergic to anything.  About six years ago, the allergies started, with Springtime occurrences and light symptoms that steadily ramped-up over the next several years.  Began noticing that alcohol, windy/dusty days and afternoon naps were giving me headaches that also got worse.

    After tons of allergy testing and WAY too many medications, I was ready to give up.  Then (4 years ago after a long airline flight) I was introduced to The Beast while driving to our final destination.  June 20, 2008.  I had taken double doses of every pain reliever known and thought I was surely going to die.  Agitated, crying and acting very Zombie-like, I pulled over and paced the streets.  Then it suddenly went away. :o ... only to return many more times in the next several months.

    I again consulted my doctor.  I told her the allergy symptoms were tolerable with OTC Meds, but the headaches were devastating me.  She simply said that it was possibly Cluster Headaches and sent me for a CAT Scan to eliminate physical defects.  That was negative and she referred me to a Neurologist for further guidance.  My doctors are both great people, but have literally been NO HELP since then. :(

    I began researching this “Cluster thingy” and got really scared seeing that I had 10/10 symptoms.  I found ClusterBusters and joined 2 ½ years ago, learning about proper oxygen setups, the dreaded list of pharmaceuticals awaiting me and the potential for relief with Vit M. :D

    Have been Chronic since the beginning and with O2 and Vit M at my side, I can live a pretty normal life with work, my most understanding wife and friends.  I also keep O2 in the car, just in case.  Imitrex injections await my first CH occurrence without these abortive measures. 

    Nothing ever changed with work, diet, residence, spouse or environment.  I have not been able to determine an actual cause, I just got older.  I cannot take the side-effects of other popular treatments.  RC Seeds worked pretty well too.  Seems the natural substances are a good way to go.  I’d only have 10% of this info if it weren’t for all the great people involved in ClusterBusters.  No matter how hard the medical community tries (at least my Dr’s), their hands are tied by the medical business and the shear lack of knowledge about this crappy affliction.

    Wow, my heart goes out to most of you guys/gals that can relate the onset of CH to such tragic situations.  Interesting how most of us can remember the exact day that it all began ..... kinda like an anniversary from Hell.

    PF days to you and everyone ....

    weatherman

  4. It would appear that many of the weather conditions associated with Santa Ana winds could be associated with CH, as they pull many or our "triggers".  I can certainly testify to the synoptic characterictics of these wind events, but can only guess as to their actual links with either causing or intensifying CH.  There are no doubt some interesting interrelationships.

    The Santa Ana is a strong, dry, mostly hot and dusty, wind in southwestern California that blows westward through the canyons toward the coastal areas. When High pressure builds over the Great Basin (Nevada), it combines with strong thermal Low pressure over NW Mexico, creating a large pressure gradient in the lower atmosphere.  The descend from higher altitudes inland to near sea-level in Southern California causes temperature warming in the air due to the pressure increases.  As the air warms during descent it becomes much drier, because no moisture is added to the air mass at this time.

    The pressure drops over Los Angeles, strong winds transport tremendous amounts of dust and pollen, positive ions are created, air temperatures increase, and humidity falls drastically. 

    Some thought-provoking connections might be ......

    It's a seasonal phenomena, occurring mostly during fall/winter, peaking in December.

    Increases in positive ionization in the air may affect the amount of serotonin in the body.  Fluctuations in serotonin, a brain chemical that helps regulate blood-vessel contraction and dilation, are thought to be key in some headache processes.

    Barometric pressure drops are certainly associated with CH (I know mine are).  It is speculated that the effects of atmospheric pressure drops on blood vessels (vasodialation), could explain this link.

    Rapid temperature increases and humidity decreases.

    Huge increase in the amounts of air-borne pollutants and pollens from these strong surface winds (that can reach 100 mph in the Banning Pass).

    If the Santa Ana's came with a cold beer and Chinese lunch, I'd run for the hills when these conditions are forecast.  Wish you PF days and hope this helps  ;)

    weatherman

  5. Hi Moxie,

    Personally, I find it mostly a moral issue.  We all have to bend the rules to get what we want sometimes.  Restricting oneself to a competely legal course of action will often be frustrating ...... like always driving the speed limit, never cheating on your taxes or littering.

    The lawful practice of actions in any situation is often different for each society, each country, each state and even ones own family.  It's your ethical compass that must guide you in the decision to go against any particular law.  Knowing the punishment if you are caught is only the beginning.

    It's interesting that my wife is one of the most "law abiding" citizens I have ever met.  Doing drugs has always been the evil topic of conversation with us and she is as "squeaky clean" in that department as they come.

    When she found out that Psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms) were a potential source for CH relief, she was willing to set up a farm for me.  Schedule 1 Drug .... Hell with that!!  The risk is often justified by the need.  I can't imagine a larger need than finding comfort from the pain of CH.  Afterall, there aren't too many needs that go as far as suicide to attain the objective.

    I'd dodge the draft, dump paint down a sewer, lead a mob to mayhem and pee in public to get a cure for CH.  My compass points to ending this pain for all.

    weatherman 8-)

  6. Hi Tingeling,

    Your post struck a note with me that rang in my head for a long time after meeting The Beast 3 years ago.  I found an interesting answer to this question, about the disconnect and dementia often associated with CH.  There is a solution for finding the "meaning of suffering".

    Viktor E. Frankl writes prolifically on "existential psychiatry" and on finding the "Will to Meaning".  He eludes to the idea that even the greatest suffering, beyond which we can have any control, can still lead have meaning.  He spent years in concentration camps during WW II in Germany and gained much of his insight there. 

    I was directed to Frankl's works by Carter Lee, who spoke at the conference in Las Vegas last year.  After reading "When Jonathan Cried for Me", I had to get in on some of the insight that Carter and others have gained. 

    It's amazing stuff and the answer is different for all of us.  When you find yours, CH can be a much more tolerable place.  Our lives would all be SO MUCH BETTER without it, but at least some betterment can be obtained.  Part of that is just in communicating with fellow suffers and supporting each other.

    BTW, beautiful song.  Reminds me of the music that Tim Robbins was playing in "The Shawshank Redemption" ... 1994.  "Duettino - Sull'aria" from opera "Le nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro)", composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

    Many PF days to you .......... [smiley=happy.gif]

    weatherman

  7. The Great Gig in the Sky

    (Wright) 4:44

    "And I am not frightened of dying, any time will do, I

    don't mind. Why should I be frightened of dying?

    There's no reason for it, you've gotta go sometime."

    "If you can hear this whispering you are dying."

    "I never said I was frightened of dying."

    Intro lyrics from one of the "world's greatest prog-rock bands" featuring "THE greatest female voice".  Waters and Wright knew what pain was all about!

    Since music is the only activity my brain deems worthy of, while busting, Pink Floyd's lyrics never stop amazing me.  GREAT STUFF for the VIT M.

    BOL 149 appears permanently on the back-burner  :(

    weatherman

  8. ruff,

    Hey, I know a funny-dressed guy who used to drop into locals homes with a bag full of hallucinatory mushrooms as presents .......... :D

    Oh wait, that was in July.

    Just kidding.  Great story.  I like the explanation about presents under the tree.

    Thanks for sharing!

    weatherman

  9. Elly,

    You are wonderful, and don't forget it! [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

    Your desire for "venting" is a direct result of how deeply you care and really want to help the CH sufferer in your life.  Oh, we all need someone as understanding, hard-working and capable as you are.  Those of us who do (and I am one of those) are greatly benefited by what you do.  I've seen my wife cry with me, run red lights to get me to the O2 and stand up to the doctors to help me get my way.  You ladies are incredible !!!

    Your efforts and simple acts of "being there" have elevated you to "Angel Status" in my book.  HURRAY FOR SUPPORTERS ...... YOU ROCK! [smiley=engel017.gif]

    The one true freedom we all have is the capacity to create any attitude we wish, about any particular situation.  When dealing with these crappy Cluster Headaches, is all to easy to be ignorant and uncaring, when the sense of hopelessness and pain cannot be avoided.  Those who choose to dig-in and fight with us, can certainly get a little "rant" when they need one.  You are a VERY special breed.

    Thanks for ranting ......and NEVER stop

    Wishing all the days to be PF

    weatherman

  10. Moxie-

    Your observations on the effects of this formidable, sometimes unremitting and severe pain are very true.  It is a powerful influence on our being.

    I attended my first Conference this year in Las Vegas and was really impressed by Carter Lee and his story.  He's overcome some of life's most crappy stuff and gets cluster headaches on top of all that.  I read his book and have subsequently attained several other one's that he recommends ..... mostly Viktor E. Frankl's book on "Man's Search for Meaning".  Mr Frankl speaks directly of the attitudes that we take on unavoidable suffering and what a wonderful ally in personal growth they can be.  His ideas speak directly to your comments.

    All of us CH'rs must ask these questions, and for good reason!  There is meaning and you have already tapped into the strength and knowledge by helping others in this group.  You have no idea how appreciated your efforts are.

    Nietzsche said, "He who has a why to live for, can bear almost any how". 

    Don't be afraid of the freedom, just sit back and enjoy it! 

    Here's hoping it comes for you and all of us with you ...............

    weatherman

  11. Hi All .......

    The Conference was AMAZING!

    My first time and I'd never met another Ch'r in the flesh.  You would not know that most of the people in the room are suffering from such a crappy thing as we do, everyone was just wonderful.

    My wife, Callie (WMBRADSLADY) is now totally convinced that my two years of "skeptical Internet support" is not only legitimate, but downright benevolent.  It surely helped sitting next to Dr. McGenney --- don't we all wish we had a neuro like him! 

    In fact, she loved you guys and has joined CLUSTERBUSTERS.  I know she will make a great advocate.  Heck, she even spoke to Todd at length and is getting ready to start a mushroom farm.  Dan's video really blew her away too.

    I gained valuable knowledge, insightful information, complete respect, admiration and made a few new friends in those quick two days.

    I'm anticipating a "busting session" soon and already looking forward to 2013.

    Bob W, you've created something extremely awesome .... Thank you!!!

    Brad (weatherman)

  12. Hey Trypt...

    Jumping in a little late here (just caught your post), but thought I'd add my experiences.

    I work in a 24/7 business.  We are required to do at least two shifts and I get the Day and Swing Shift.  Luckily, I only have to be in the office one day a week and get to work at home the other days.  Seniority has saved me from Night shifts for the last 7 years.

    In three years since being diagnosed Chronic, I've only been HIT once while at the office, and luckily had the Oxygen in the car ready.  It is rare to even get hit while working for me, and we do 12-hr long days.  I explained to my boss and HR (very seriously) that if he sees me run for the door to not chase me, or report me AWOL.

    Out of some 500 CH occurrences in the last 2 1/2 years, only about 4% have ever occurred during a work shift (at home or in the office), usually very early morning. 

    I worked Day and Night shift, rotating every 30 days, for 10 years when I first started this job.  I really thought that must have made havoc with my hypothalamus, or at least helped to increase the severity of the allergies I got prior to all the CH fun.

    I bet an Attorney would have a field day with the contributions that a jobs make (hours, stress, workload, etc) to causing CH.  Seems it can all be related to the hypothalamus somehow.

    Anyway, good luck with your employer.  Explain to them (with documentation and doctors notes if needed) how serious your condition is and that you need to seek relief quickly sometimes.  CARRY THE O2, have it handy and ready.  It's a lifesaver!

    The key is to not let it get to severe while in the company of others.  Someone will surely freak out and call 911.

    PF days my friend........ ;)

    weatherman

  13. You Guys are AMAZING!

    I've worked in meteorology (operational aviation forecasting) for 25 yrs and am also a CH sufferer.  No doubt a sudden drop in barometric pressure or increase in temperature can trigger headaches.  Happens to me every time a front passes, I take a trip in the mountains, airplane ride or the heat wave hits.  We don't get thunderstorms, tropical storms or even strong convection in No California, but I still get the effects.

    Incredible that you have 3-5 day warnings of such weather activity.  Even the computer models can't predict it that well.  The misery must be unending this time of year with all the storms.  I'll never look at a supercell again without thinking of you guys.

    I've read several studies about connecting headaches with weather activity and it is scientifically proven.  They have never been able to explain the link, or what mechanism lies behind it.  Your senses are really tuned-in well. 

    To answer your question, yes, I think its pretty common.  Most people are not quite as sensitive as you are, but the end result is still the same ...... PAIN  :-[

    High pressure wishes for you and PF days......

    weatherman

  14. Jeff,

    I think Big Insurance, Big Medical and Big Pharm just love to screw with us.

    I'd never wish one occurrence of even an average CH on anyone, but sometimes you'd just like for them to enjoy the experience once.  THAT might change some minds!

    I also get my O2 from Apria and I rent their tanks.  The "E" size lasts me 4-5 CH's and I get six at a time.  Never any charge and delivered anytime I need.  I go through Kaiser Medical with no hassles at all.  My doctor has been wonderful.  I'm sure Apria charges Kaiser an "arm and a leg" for refills, but who cares.  Medical insurance is pretty reasonable.

    I own several personal tanks of smaller sizes to keep in the car and travel with.  Filling them has been a nightmare and I've switched companies three times in the last two years.  Now that O2 is a "controlled substance" in California, fewer companies are allowed to help us poor CH sufferers.  Another good opportunity to share the CH experience.

    I go with Kika's thoughts ......... Hate to be without it!!

    PFD's to you,

    Brad

  15. Alex,

    My Cluster Headache experience first began after landing from a 2 hr flight.  I'll never forget THAT trip.  Energy drinks and lots of cold water seem to help now.

    In general, strong pressure changes are a trigger for me.  Flying, driving in the mountains and even storm frontal passage will bring out the Beast.

    If you ever find a solution for that trigger, I'd sure like to know it.

    Best of luck and PFD......

    weatherman

  16. M-Girl

    I get some relief from chugging very cold water, putting ice cubes in my mouth or eating ice cream.  Works pretty well when the O2 isn't available.

    Brain Freeze + Brain Pain = Total Bummer  :-[

    weatherman

  17. Whoo,

    Sorry for the late reply.  I've kept a fairly detailed journal (more like a calendar) for 3 years now, ever since being diagnosed Chronic.  It all started with getting allergies, then severe allergies, then the headaches.  Did every medical test in the book, no answers.  I thought I could figure it out myself by finding what I was being exposed to and causing these freaking HA.  It's not a waste of time, but the results have been somewhat disappointing. 

    I track:

    Weather Data ..... Mostly extremes of hot/cold, windy and pressure trends.

    Time of Day and Duration

    Intensity of HA ...  Using the KIP Scale

    Triggers

    Days of work and days off

    Exercise regime

    Anything else that might be of value

    Honestly, after crunching the data for the first two years, there were no significant  discoveries (greater than 75% correlation) between all these factors and getting a HA and how strong it was.  There's been days when I've hit 4/5 of my worst triggers and nothing happened, then days of NO triggers and getting slammed.

    It's like living in a bad neighborhood and trying to figure out when you are going to get mugged.  Just keep the O2 handy and prepare for the worst.  It sux!

    Wish you all the luck in the world, and PF days.....

    weatherman

  18. It all started with allergies at about age 50.  Never had them before that.

    Progressively worse and worse for several years.  After the moderate headaches started I went for allergy testing, with negative results.

    Then one day at about age 53 I took an airline flight, rented a car and was driving when the first K-9 hit.  Same as some of the other folks ..... pulled over, rocked and screamed, then puked.  Thought I was dead.  I had never experienced that kind of pain.   Headache disappeared shortly afterwards.

    When my doctor said CH, I too was dumbfounded.  After a CAT scan to eliminate the worst, I looked it up.  Wow, 10 out of 10 symptoms I had.  "Cluster Headache" had now entered my vocabulary.

    ******* Then I found Clusterbusters ********

    Chronic ever since (I'm now 57), prevent with small doses of Lithium and abort with O2 (that works excellently).  K-3 to K-4 several times a week thereafter.

    Pressure changes, alcohol and bad allergy days still kick my @$$

    Best of luck and pain free days to all ............

    weatherman

  19. Triggers.......

    Alcohol (95% occurrence)

    Daytime Naps (80% occurrence)

    Rapid changes in Air Pressure (Airplane flights, cold fronts, driving in Mts) (60%)

    Severe allergy symptoms (70%)

    Keeps 'em away .........

    Work (99% of the time)

    Eating regularly and plenty of fluids

    Regular sleep schedule (8+ hrs/night)

    Abort with O2, cold water.  I also take 300 mg Lithium/day

    Hope this helps  ;)

    weatherman

  20. Hi All,

    Started at age 50 with first signs of allergies.

    Congestion morphed into these mind-blowing headaches over several years that seemed to be tied to the seasons and air quality (Spring/Fall).

    Probably about 52 when first attack occurred (after airline flight) when no allergy symptoms were present.  Had to be a K10.

    Became Chronic at age 53 with several per day, afternoon and very late evenings.

    Spent 2 years suffering, testing and praying.  Mostly K6-8.

    Diagnosed at 55 with Chronic CH.  Found ClusterBusters and O2  :)

    No Migraines

    Exercise has no effect

    Always unilateral stabbing pain, now K4-5 only.

    Most effective abortive .... DEFINITELY OXYGEN @15 lpm

    Most effective preventative ..... Lithium 300 mg/Day

    Interesting that 88% of my CH occur on days off and rarely on work days.  Only one occurrence in 3 years while I was actually at work.

    Worst Triggers .... Daytime napping, Alcohol and sudden pressure changes

    Have been Episodic for about a year now.  Winter is worst time with 4-6 per month.

    Clusters never last more than 1/2 hour and usually 5-10 min with quick O2.

    I almost got religious when going the first week without CH.  Changed my life.

    Have kept a detailed diary for 3 years noting time of day, intensity, weather, air quality and potential triggers.  My Neuro wasn't the slightest bit interested in seeing my charts and diary's.

    Enjoy the stats, PF days to everyone  ;)

    weatherman

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