Grasping at straws: Has anyone tried, or knows... - PMRGCAuk

PMRGCAuk

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Grasping at straws

Ventdunord profile image
19 Replies

Has anyone tried, or knows someone who has tried, using a VR headset as a way of trying to kick start the adrenal glands?

For example yesterday on GMB tv a reporter at the top of The Shard building who donned a headset to simulate sliding down a helter skelter on the outside of the building. Or perhaps navigating your way through a haunted house in the dark?

Just a thought . Maybe a nightly visit from a Bat Moth for some people!!!

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Ventdunord profile image
Ventdunord
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19 Replies
SnazzyD profile image
SnazzyD

Hmm. Well, if chronic stress on the system was a good, there would be lots of people brought out of adrenal sluggishness, judging by the life events that they have gone through reported on this forum. The risk of using an acute shock is sending an individual into an adrenal crisis. Perhaps there is a perfect level? Anyone willing to be guineapig to find the optimal shock? Bungee jump? Shark cage? Traumatic removal of chocolate stash?

Interestingly, for me anyway, was when I fell recently when on 19mg Pred, so probably no adrenal function at all. It wasn't at the end of the day either when Pred levels would be quite low. For hours afterwards I kept getting crashing blood sugars and the shakes, followed by fatigue later on a bit like a massive adrenaline rush.

Ventdunord profile image
Ventdunord in reply to SnazzyD

I was not advocating recreating chronic stress situations. As I understand it, unlike bungee jumping or shark diving etc . with a VR headset you can take it off within a few seconds if you don't like the experience or select a subject to create a more pleasant one.

SusyTe profile image
SusyTe

Have never thought of doing that. I have looked at an Adrenal Fatigue Diet book 'though - thought maybe nutrition could help.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to SusyTe

Nope - bit more complicated than that!

SusyTe profile image
SusyTe in reply to PMRpro

Yup - I thought so when I read it.

AnneP01 profile image
AnneP01 in reply to SusyTe

Hi SusyTe

I have a VR headset and have had a ride on a rollercoaster and sat on the back of a pterodactyl flying round an island both were fun but I havnt noticed my adrenals waking up. However if you fancy a headset get one they are very cheap now (even cardboard one can be bought) and see what you think.

SusyTe profile image
SusyTe in reply to AnneP01

Wow, Anne! My hubby is tech mad - if we got one of those I would never get a conversation out of him!

Ventdunord profile image
Ventdunord in reply to SusyTe

Hi Suzy, some wives might consider that to be a bonus.

SusyTe profile image
SusyTe in reply to Ventdunord

Ha ha! My wonderful hubby keeps me sane with the voice of loving reason. 😍

Ventdunord profile image
Ventdunord in reply to SusyTe

Good for him! I tend towards the Victor Meldrew persona,

according to my wife anyway.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

Why should that kick start the adrenals?

SusyTe profile image
SusyTe

Maybe Vent is thinking that forcing an "adrenaline rush" might kick-start them or something? I don't think it works like that - might put the adrenals under too much stress?

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to SusyTe

It isn't adrenaline you are looking for - it is cortisol...

Estellemac profile image
Estellemac

I would try anything once if it didn't involve moving much. Don't know anyone who has though. VR could help with all sorts of fears phobias and maybe OCD so why not pain or like you say kick starting hormones in to working properly. Though a virtual Bat Moth experience might trigger a coronary.

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane

I can't decide if your tongue is firmly in your cheek or you are being serious. You may have hit on something though the body can definitely be fooled.

Ventdunord profile image
Ventdunord in reply to SheffieldJane

You never know. Placebos have been known to work for some people, faith healing for others. Just as acupuncture works for some and does zilch for others. Everyone is different. I just find it hard to comprehend why Pred should be the only medication that works for PMR.

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Ventdunord

Because it's cheap and it works, so no drug company is going to spend millions trying to find an alternative. Plus it usually affects the older generation so there's no Kudos for individual scientists in finding a cure(!)

Ventdunord profile image
Ventdunord in reply to DorsetLady

You are probably right DL, our generation is not a priority any longer as we are mostly 'non productive'.

Pred is just one of the drugs prescribed to keep us pecking away until we fall off the perch.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Ventdunord

It's the only thing that successfully manages the symptoms - and they can't develop something to "treat" PMR until they know the mechanism that causes it.

Things will change with regard to us all being over the hill when we get PMR - younger patients are developing it and the retirement age is rising. By the time it reaches 70 it WILL matter. And they'll look more closely for better ways of managing it like there are for RA - but even there, nothing is perfect.

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