[Saphyre]

There are so many things that trigger my headaches/migraines. Barometric pressure changes are a huge one for me. Nothing helps those. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_sad.gif Tension headaches/migraines just plain suck the big wazoo. I take a medication called Fiorinal with codeine. Itcontains Butalbital, caffeine, and codeine. Works wonders, but I only take if I know it is tension related. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gifHormone headaches are a real bitch. I agree with RM on the bio-identical hormones. went through that myself. My gal gave me Estrogen patches to use on specific days of my cycle since hormone headaches are caused by a sudden drop in estrogen right before your period. The patches are called Vivelle-DOT. You could ask your doc about those, if you are not already on another form of birth control pill. If you are on a birth control pill and have no desire to switch or stop, you could ask your doc about the Fiorinal. It also can be formulated without the codeine. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cool.gifOne thing that may work if you haven't already tried it is taking a combo of ibuprofen (up to 600mg) and aceteminophen (up to 1000ms). This can only be repeated once every 6-8 hours, no more than twice a day. Hope you find something that worls for you. I can feel your pain, literally! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_evil.gif

[Saphyre]

My order was also minus a screw last month. I would definitely have called but luckily, my hubby is a great handyman and he just went to a local hardware store and bought the set screw. This is the important one that is used to make it static or spinny! Let us know what they said.

[Saphyre]

I bought the X-Pole Xpert. My ceilings are exactly 9' as well. I did not buy any additional extensions. Mine is on carpet. When I installed it, I had to turn the pole a million times before it was tight to the celing. Because of this, there was not much left of the threaded part of the pole inside the sleeve. I was not confident that it was as sturdy as it could be. I went ahead and ordered the 500mm extension. It was not expensive, but I had to pay for more shipping because I did not get it in the first place. Much more sturdy. So, although the description reads that it goes up to 9', I would highly recommend that you you get the 500mm extension for stability purposes.

[Saphyre]

That was so beautiful and inspiring!

[Saphyre]

missgabrielle, I have the same issues. It feels more like a ligament issue on the inside and backs of my knees. One thing that I have found helpful is to massage the area for a good 5 minutes on each side before performing the stretch. I get that same uncomfortable feeling when I first start massaging, and by the time I finish it has subsided. One thing that Veena and others have pointed out is that it is super important to make sure your legs are very warm before you start any of the leg stretching. So, first get them warm by either a warm bath, light body work, or even a heating pad. Next, massage those ligaments. Then you are ready to continue deeper stretching. Miraine is on the money when she mentions flexing (tensing) the feet and quads. This means pointing the toes up towards the knee, not pointed out away from you. Do that first, and if it feels okay, then slowly point your toes. Veena mentions the foam roller. This is what I used for my massage in addition to my fingers. It is very much worth it to invest in one. They are not that expensive. Good luck!https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

[Saphyre]

milkjamjuice, First, I have to say your screen name is intriguing! There are many threads here about breaking in a new X-Pole chrome, but I'll repeat. New poles have a coating on them to lessen damage during shipping.  I used hot water with a bit of dishwahing liquid to clean it. I followed with rubbing alcohol applied with a micro-fiber cloth. It will take some time to break the pole in, so you will still have some slippage for a while. A warm room, warm body, and warm pole helps in the meantime. I pretty much stuck with spins for a while before attempting inverts. I also found that a light coating of hairspray on my hands and the pole helped out, but I made sure to wipe the pole clean really well after I was done. I used an aerosol. Have fun with your new pole!!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif

[Saphyre]

Hi Amanda. I bought an X-Pole XPert 45mm chrome last month. This model gives you the option of static and spin mode. Once you install it the first time, you will understand it well enough to be able to take it down and put it back up very quickly. As in 5 minutes or less. As long as you follow the instructions, you should not have any issues with stability or wear due to taking it down and putting it back up. Ceiling damage would depend on what type of ceiling you have and the quality of construction. I have painted/high quality construction ceilings and I can see a line where the dome sits, but it is not that visible. Unless someone is staring hard at your ceiling, it should not be noticed. The poles sold through this site are authentic X-Poles. I believe Veena might be having a shipping sale right now ? Not sure on that, but check it out. Hope this helps.

[Saphyre]

I also use rubbing alcohol. I wipe with a microfiber cloth.

[Saphyre]

Ooooh, Lyme! Hope it gets better soon. You don't want to mess around with infections!

[Saphyre]

Great job, Lulu! It just goes to show that this sport is for Everyone. You are an inspiration!

[Saphyre]

Glad you found something that works for you!!!

 

[Saphyre]

Candycoated, I love your animated, barfing emoticon!

[Saphyre]

Instead of a one time fix, go for long term. Step 1) Exfoliate – Soak hands in warm water for about 10 minutes. Dry hands with towel. Use plain old sugar mixed with a little olive oil to make a paste. Rub hands together vigorously for 3-5 minutes. (Add more oil if it starts to get too dry) Rinse with warm water and pat dry. 2) Moisturize – Apply a good quality hand cream. I use Bliss High Intensity Hand Cream. It costs about $18.00 at Ulta or Sephora. If this is done right before bed really slather on the hand cream, cover with cotton gloves and hop into the sack.  Exfoliate every 2-3 days. Try to use the hand cream/gloves every night. Paraffin wax teatments at a salon work wonders. You can even purchase your own at Sephora, Ulta, or even Target.

[Saphyre]

I agree with Pegasus. CO2 tightens the skin, but does not cause fat loss. This is a dermal treatment only, meaning it only affects the skin. If anything, it could stimulate collagen growth which could give more fullness, but generally there is no affect. Pigmentation issues can be an issue. It does affect darker skin more than lighter skin. There is a laser treatment that is somewhere between Dermabrasion and full on CO2. It is called "Fraxel". This is a multiple treatment process. I had this years ago, before CO2. I absolutely loved it! It does not go as deep as CO2, but it certainly sloughs off dead skin cells and is great for fine lines and dark spots. Do some research on it. Good luck!

 

[Saphyre]

Hi Pegasus. I had Deep FX CO2 which is fraxellated. I was in twighlight /general anesthetic, thank God!! I looked like a burn victim when I was done. I have photos and it is super scary to look back on. Out of all the procedures I have ever had, including an appendectomy, it was the most painful. Putting any kind of liquid on my face whether it was warm, tepid, or cool was pure agony. I did not show my face in public for at least a week, but it may have been longer. My face remained pink for probably 2 months, but was able to use dermablend and mineral powder to cover it up. This was pretty tough for me as I only use a little bit of mineral powder. I hate foundations. So, 3 years later I look pretty good. Back to using powder only. I get mistaken for being in my 30's, so I would say it was worth it. I guess it's like childbirth. Very painful, but you get over it. (I don't have kids, just heard the stories!) I do have some fine lines on my forehead, but Botox works like a dream!

[Saphyre]

Sorry for all of the spelling errors!! Yikes!

[Saphyre]

I am 47 and have had quite a bit of stuff done. I had CO2 laser resurfacing in February 2009. Super painful, but results were amazing. I use botox around and between  my eyes for crows feet. I just started using it in January of 2010 and I absolutely love it!!!! There are many types of fillers and what is best for you will depend on where you need it and what your doctor/dermatologist recommends. My main man uses Radiesse for my nasolabial folds. Here is a quick and dirty rundown:

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: These add volume and hydration. Good for surface wrinkles and concave scars. Common HA's are Juvederm, Restylane, and Perlane. All last about a year. Juvederm is also good for the lips. Results are immediate.

Customized Collagen: These also fadd volume, but also stimulate your own collagen. Usually used for deeper lines and to add volume to mid-face. Common products are Radiesse (what I use) and Sculptra Aesthetic. Not a good choice for around eyes or lips as the microspheres can sometimes be felt or even see as small bumps. Can last a year to 15 months. Results are immediate. Sculptra is the same as Radiesse, but with a significant difference in how it works. This is a gradual process that requires multiple treatments. Usually 3-5 procedures over 3-5 months. You may need a local anestheti for pain. This filer can last up to 2 years or longer. Even up to 5 years. The results are gradual. Not good for eyes. This is a great way to go if you can afford it and can wait longer for results. Sculptra can be combined with a faster acting filler, but that would be really pricy!

Expect some brusing if you bruise easily. Arnica Gel is fantastic to use for a week before and after. It can keep the brusing to a minimum.

As mentoned above get references, and do your research. This is an art form and should be performed by someone who has lots of practice and is certified. Not sure where you are exactly in California, but I have names in Napa, Beverly Hills, San Francisco, and Coronado.

Good luck and remember. Once you start getting fillers, it is hard to stop!

[Saphyre]

Thanks, everyone! I have been given some very useful information. Hopefully, the issue will resolve in the next few weeks. 

[Saphyre]

Hi Sanbar! I am an avid gardener so I can appreciate your dilemma! I usually try a few things. First, I rotate my outfits. On days I need to be on my knees a lot (insert joke here) I wear longer, but lightweight pants. No tan lines there. I wear a tank top or the top of a tankini and try to remember to move the straps around. If it's too chilly, I start with a tee and roll the sleeves up once I work up a little body heat. If it's really warm, I will wear shorter pants or shorts. No avoiding the tan lines. If I'm working in my backyard where no one can see me, I wear as little as possible!! The shoes are a bit more of a challenge. I have gardners shoes that I wear with socks, so I get the dreaded white feet. The belly is always whiter too. I have found that a good self tanner is an absolute must. I do not tan my face, so I use the self tanner there anyway. I use it on my feet and it works great. You can also use it on your belly. Just make sure you exfoliate really well before applying. Then, when I am ready to get out and soak up the sun for real, I don't feel like a piano! Good luck!

[Saphyre]

Wow, Trailblazer! I appperciate such a thorough reply. I did suspect that the combo of my vacation (time off the pole) and then getting back on the pole again had something to do with this. I invert from the left side of the pole, so my right side takes the brunt of the force. I knew my age would come into play at some point and I think this is my "beware" moment.  I am very in tune with my body so everything you mentioned below makes perfect sense to me. I have an awesome massage therapist and she has all of the pertainent certifications. I did try to use a tennis ball and even a foam roller, but I will take your suggestion and use something softer. I am pretty good with my diet (right at my target weight) and drink loads of water. I just really need to concentrate on the stretching and once healed, conditioning. You have some great suggestions, and Veena is also looking at what she has in her lessons that may help me. Again, thank you, thank you!!

 

[Saphyre]

Thanks, aweagle. Nice to hear from someone in North Carolina. I lived in Charlotte for 2 1/2 yrs when I was in my 20's and my hubby and I bought some property in Stony Point for a retirement home. I will ask my massage therapist about those techniques. She did do something where she presses her elbow into the area with a pain level at 5-6 for about 30 seconds. It's one of those hurts so good moves. Not sure if that is one of the techniques. Funny you should mention your pocketbook. I think I messed it up while walking around the hills of Nashville, TN with a too heavy purse on my shoulder! Then I had a pole class 4 days later. I took it easy, but I think it might have been learning the thigh rest that pushed it over the edge.

Thanks also to Elektra. I believe I already strained the muscle and then made it worse by learning a new move without being 100%.

By the way, I've only been poling since November and I'm 47. I really have to start doing a lot more conditioning so I don't get hurt again!!

[Saphyre]

I am a menopausal woman, so I know all about sweat! I use Dove Clinical Protection on my underarms once a week. I started poling in November and am experiencing the same issue with my hands. I thought , why not try the deoderant on my hands! Before I get into bed, I use a thin layer on one hand, then rub both hands together. Do not wash your hands until the morning. It worked like a dream for my class that night! The only thing is that you cannot use any other form of product on them, as it will not penetrate the barrier created by the deoderant and can make your hands too soft. I can use a non-greasy lotion on them without a problem though. I have not tried it on my thighs yet, but I find that a good non-greasy body lotion works fine for that once the pole and I have warmed up to each other.  Like someone mentioned in the string below, what works for one doesn't work for all, but it is worth a try!

[Saphyre]

Thanks, Trailblazer. The pain is the most intense on the right side of my spine at about bra strap level, maybe just a bit lower. It continues striaght upward to about the middle of the right scapula, perhaps a bit higher. I have some referral pain under the scapula. Low back is good, traps are fine. Did a bunch of spinal stretches yesterday, but still have the "crunchiness" and pain. I've been taking ibuprophen and icing. Next massage isn't until Friday, next pole class is Thursday. Any help you can offer would be great!

[Saphyre]

I agree with Organic Angel. I started taking Biotin about 2 1/2 weeks ago. I am already noticing that less hair is heading for the drain. I take 8mg two times a day. I buy it at a compounded pharmacy (no script needed) because it is more natural and contains only what I need.

[Saphyre]

I am 47 and can't believe how much I love pole! It is the best upper body workout I've ever done. I have some issues with forearm injuries, sore shoulders, weak wrists, etc, etc..but that hasn't kept me down. I am easily the oldest in my class, but I feel that I can keep up with them. At least for now. Just started in November so I'm sure there will come a point where my age will hold me back. Doesn't matter. What I can do is enough to make me feel strong, sexy, and confident!