#cefaly

[itsdetachable]

I got this thing bc my mom and I get nasty migraines and so far my mom hasn't tried it but I have and I think it's helping.

It has a "daily prevention" mode that's a 20 min session, and a "need help now" 60 min session. I did read up a bit on it and it sounds like the research is sound? Either way it feels really nice once you get used to it, like a literal massage for your forehead, and I personally do feel like it helps with my headache and migraines.

It's pricy though and insurance doesn't cover it. I took the leap because I have had migraines that meds have not helped.

[themigrainemermaid]

Interesting article from Cefaly.

How to Work When You Have a Migraine | Cefaly

Completing office tasks with a migraine can be extremely difficult. Here are six tips to help you get work done despite that aching head.

[bedbugbiting]

Cefaly pros: Actually works. It feels like getting a weird, aggressive massage once you get used to it. The literature says that it increases your migraine threshold and it seems like it diverts the pain in some way. My mouth, cheek, and temple don't hurt at all when I use it. My doctor recommended the 20-minute preventative setting, but I actually prefer the 60-minute acute setting.

The relief seems to last a few hours but I can't say how it is long-term.

Cons: Not only is the dual-setting model $500, but the electrodes are a continued expense. They are supposed to last up to 20 times, but in my experience they seem to lose their adhesive quality in approximately 5 uses. I don't know if I can use some sort of medical tape over the whole thing to help. The electrodes cost about $10 each, so that's disappointing. I wash my face every time. Perhaps I am just a sweaty, greasy person.

The electrodes and their lack of stickiness make it a little difficult to wear it while doing things, but you can wear it while sitting or doing mild activity.

I have decided that it works well enough for me to keep it. I'm mostly just annoyed by the cost of electrodes. They're even expensive on eBay!

@akamuffintop you were interested in my thoughts on this

[creativeronica]

Update

I’m sorry my presence on Tumblr has been sporadic lately... I still love you all, truly!

I’ve been dealing with several flaring illnesses (migraine, constant headache, painful hot flushing, fibromyalgia, small fiber neuropathy, inflammatory tenosynovitis in my shoulder, coccdynia, nerve pain in my back, IBS), and much increased pain overall. 

I’ve started using Cefaly for my intractable chronic migraine, in addition to continuing Botox and triptans as needed. For me, it hurts to use Cefaly. I am going to stick with it for at least 60 days, though. I’m praying it works, and I haven’t been going through daily torture for nothing.

I’ve been doing tons of research and graphic design work while rebranding my handmade jewelry and accessories shop, TrueImage Treasures. 

I would love it if you all would check out my shop, even if you can’t buy! I’d also love to hear anyone’s thoughts on my art and suggestions for new products--I love making people happy! trueimagetreasures.storenvy.com

I’m rooting for all my fellow spoonies out there, and I want you to know you are all in my heart!

[fortunesque]

Cefaly so far

It’s too early to tell if the unit has helped on the way of prevention. I average about 9-10 migraines a month, so I have to take a look at that on Migraine Buddy to really know for certain. I think I’ve had it about a week. (Side note that I’ve noticed the ingredient “lactic acid” even if it is plant derived, is a massive trigger. Goodbye, cheese substitutes!)

BUT I have used it when I have a migraine and it has reduced the pain by about 4 or so points. In that regard, it is incredible. Right now, we have people installing hardwood floors in the house, and it’s as loud as you’d expect. Cefaly, fioricet, and a judicious use of earplugs have helped with this. I have the US unit that only has one setting, but I think it works about the same as the other units might. 

I have no final verdict yet, but what I can say is it is a pleasant sensation (for me) and that it seems to help on the way of lessening migraine pain. If this is successful, I’m looking forward to trying a Quell. The big drawback to both, of course, is the big out of pocket cost, though both do have a 60 day money back guarantee. 

[bedbugbiting]

The headache specialist wrote me a prescription for a Cefaly, which is a device that uses electrodes on your forehead and makes you look like a Borg. It's $500 and not covered by insurance. I guess that's a thing I will be spending money on. I tried it in the office and it definitely did something and I am desperate at this point.

I would appreciate input from anyone who has one.

[creativeronica]

Does anyone who has used Cefaly experience pain from it?

[fortunesque]

I have a migraine today

Averaging 10 a month, thanks to easy tracking with Migraine Buddy. I’m certain that I’ve got medication overuse headache from fioricet (which, by the app’s estimation, is somewhat helpful 45% of the time). 

I have to keep reminding myself that it’s a bad day, not a bad life. 

I’m at the end of medications; there is nothing else I can try. When I go in for my next tramadol refill, I’m going to print out some info on Cefaly for my doctor to see if he’s willing to write a script for me.

I can’t help but feel a bit bitter though that it seems like conditions like migraines and fibromyalgia are tossed aside for conditions that people can see and recover from. It’s like if you’re permanently ill and will not get better, research and charity don’t care about you because you can’t inspire them with your struggle.

Anyway, enough of that. I’ve got a mindless crochet project in my lap and a backlog of youtube videos I can watch on half-brightness. The migraine will end whenever it feels like it.