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New Message Board Archives >> 2004 Cluster Headache Specific Posts >> driving under the influence of a cluster.
(Message started by: survivor13 on Nov 17th, 2004, 8:22am)

Title: driving under the influence of a cluster.
Post by survivor13 on Nov 17th, 2004, 8:22am
this is something that has happened alot to me! have always been affraid of being pulled-over and trying to explain to a cop why i went over the yellow line. most of the time i make it where i'm going, but sometimes i've had to stop somewhere.

Title: Re: driving under the influence of a cluster.
Post by nani on Nov 17th, 2004, 9:23am
You should definitely pull over if you can. Blasting the a/c at my head works for me sometimes. I once drove 10 miles on an interstate with my face planted as close to the a/c vent as I could and still see the road. Then I got off and waited for it to pass. (Sitting on the shoulder kinda scares me, so I get off.)

Title: Re: driving under the influence of a cluster.
Post by pubgirl on Nov 17th, 2004, 10:08am
You can drive during an attack :o :o :o :o

Shit!

I must be wimp.

Wendy

Title: Re: driving under the influence of a cluster.
Post by ArCane on Nov 17th, 2004, 10:28am
I can be F.U.B.A.R. and still drive better than if Im having a cluster.  I have to pull over when I get hit.  Its a danger to myself and others.  Do what nani said and put on the A/C.  It helps, sometimes.

Title: Re: driving under the influence of a cluster.
Post by Testy1 on Nov 17th, 2004, 10:41am
Yeah, I'll second (third?) that bit with the AC. It helps. Not much, but it helps. I usually chew some cafergot and get off the road until it passes. I have driven myself to the ER a couple of times. Women can't drive in Saudi so there was no choice. Fortunately, it is usually 2 or 3 in the morning so there isn't too much traffic.

Regards

Jack

Title: Re: driving under the influence of a cluster.
Post by don on Nov 17th, 2004, 11:50am
Try explaining to a Statie why you are sitting in the breakdown lane with a needle hanging out of your arm.

I told him to wait a minute. He didn't like that.

Title: Re: driving under the influence of a cluster.
Post by survivor13 on Nov 17th, 2004, 12:13pm
imagine trying to walk that white line too!

Title: Re: driving under the influence of a cluster.
Post by ArCane on Nov 17th, 2004, 12:51pm

on 11/17/04 at 11:50:00, don wrote:
Try explaining to a Statie why you are sitting in the breakdown lane with a needle hanging out of your arm.

I told him to wait a minute. He didn't like that.

[smiley=crackup.gif] [smiley=crackup.gif] [smiley=crackup.gif]

Title: Re: driving under the influence of a cluster.
Post by fubar on Nov 17th, 2004, 10:56pm

on 11/17/04 at 10:28:35, ArCane wrote:
I can be F.U.B.A.R. and still drive better than if Im having a cluster.  I have to pull over when I get hit.  Its a danger to myself and others.  Do what nani said and put on the A/C.  It helps, sometimes.


heh... I'm always fubar.

Title: Re: driving under the influence of a cluster.
Post by Chillrmn1 on Nov 18th, 2004, 5:43am
Great Post - I have always had the same fear: How to explain to the cop what's going on with you? I've envisioned this scenario and would probably request paramedics be requested if the cop was an ass.  Or I could be arrested for being uncooperative. When in court, my condition could be proven, but I'd probably lose for not being fit to operate a motor vehicle while having a headache. Charge: DWHCH.

How do I drive? Barely - With head cocked to the right at a 45 degree angle, right eye shut, hand rubbing my neck, temple, and side of my head. This sight alone is enough to be pulled over down here.

I will only drive without pulling over if I get caught without my Imitrex and still be in control. I have had to get off the road a few times due to the intensity.

Title: Re: driving under the influence of a cluster.
Post by don on Nov 18th, 2004, 7:38am
I teach multiple offender DUI classes in Massachusetts. I've had clients claim they were swerving, etc. because of a medical condition. (UH HUH)

If you are stopped by the police while you are having a cluster and the cop is a jerk, request that he call you an ambulance.

Title: Re: driving under the influence of a cluster.
Post by sailpappy on Nov 18th, 2004, 11:22am
;;DHere's what ya do!
     Write down on a peice of paper or print it out with your computer, the facts that you suffer from a Severe Pain Syndrome, State the facts about Clusters and why you might be unable to even discuss it at the moment.
      I carry a laminated paper with me for this very reason, Kind of like a "Medic ID Alert Bracelet"
      If they still have to question you, Puke on them! then next time they will believe you!    Pappy

Title: Re: driving under the influence of a cluster.
Post by don on Nov 18th, 2004, 1:54pm

Quote:
If they still have to question you, Puke on them! then next time they will believe you!    Pappy


I like that idea MUCH better than calling an ambulance!

Title: Re: driving under the influence of a cluster.
Post by Sisyphus on Nov 19th, 2004, 6:35pm
I spent part of my life, thankfully a small part, being a taxi driver. Got hit with an eye smelter but double bubble, had a passanger in the back who just wouldn't stop chattering away. If I stopped I was trapped in the taxi with a chatterer who would want to know every detail of why we had stopped but at least the meter would still be going or if I carried on I would get rid of her and only maybe crash in doing it or I could get out the car and say "You drive". I considered very fleetingly all three and opted to get her where she was going and then pull over for a quick screaming session. Where there any other options?

Title: Re: driving under the influence of a cluster.
Post by Connie on Nov 19th, 2004, 8:23pm
My hubby is a cop and sometimes he has had to pull of the road to suck on 02.  Just picture that sight.  Cop in uniform in marked car off to the side of the road with a mask on and imitrex needle on standby.


Title: Re: driving under the influence of a cluster.
Post by thebbz on Nov 19th, 2004, 9:37pm
To be arrested for driving while blind [smiley=laugh.gif]
Most cops have enough brain power to realize what is going on and would probably have the EMT's on the way after a quick visual. If not, what a good time to vent, like a get out of jail free card. LOL
;;D
BB

Title: Re: driving under the influence of a cluster.
Post by Tetris-addict on Nov 20th, 2004, 7:42pm
hey, my doc knew I was getting hit, and watched me
walk out to my car in the pouring rain.... never tried to
stop me....

and she suffers form migraines...which incapacitate her.

Oy!

i know better, but when given a prescription,
I ain't about to waste time....
I "flew" on angel's wings to the pharmacy,
and that's the only time I "waited."

I really knew better, but I needed the med's.

I just thank god no one was dancing or singing in the
rain...anywhere near the road....
[smiley=jammin.gif]


Title: Re: driving under the influence of a cluster.
Post by Testy1 on Nov 21st, 2004, 12:37pm
I like the idea of a card with the CH facts on it but, just a suggestion, DON'T put it in the glove box or anywhere that takes your hands out of his sight.
The cops might get a bit antsy if the moaning, screaming, crying guy they just stopped makes a lunge for the glove box.
That could turn into one of those really ugly misunderstanding.

Regards

Testy

Title: Re: driving under the influence of a cluster.
Post by BlueMeanie on Nov 21st, 2004, 3:40pm
I've never got pulled over yet and sure hope I don't.

I only get 2 boxes a month so 1 year I have 24 boxes which usually just gets me by as long as I only do 1/2 shot each time.

For me, the only way i can do a 1/2 shot is to use both hands and shoot in the upper half of my thigh. If stuck in traffic when one comes on, i have to pull my pants down to get that part sticking out to shoot the needle. I sweat it everytime thinking I'm gonna get pulled over for being a pervert. Not only that, but it usually works pretty quick so by the time the cop got back after checking my info i'd be back to normal. Not sure how i can explain I just had a headache so I had to take care of it with my pants down. lol

What crazy things we Clusterheads must face in the heat of Battle.

Title: Re: driving under the influence of a cluster.
Post by unsolved1 on Nov 21st, 2004, 7:53pm
There's simply NO WAY I could drive during a hit. I've had to pull over many times and Trex it up. Never had a cop approach me while this happened. If it did happen, the cop would be the last thing I was worried about.  ;)

Unsolved

Title: Re: driving under the influence of a cluster.
Post by Mr. Happy on Nov 22nd, 2004, 12:15am
Just say NO to Auto-Surfing.

The life you save may be mine,
RJ

Title: Re: driving under the influence of a cluster.
Post by Redneck on Nov 25th, 2004, 10:58pm
I live on the road.
Before 02 or anything else all i cud do was turn up the AC and try to get some place safe because stopping was not an option. Midrin (all I had) was not going to work, so I had to reach a place to suffer.

Ossifer ossifer I aint drunk but get the hell outta my way or lock me up. :'(

Now I look real cute driving down the road with the 02 mask on but WTF who cares what anyone thinks!

Title: Re: driving under the influence of a cluster.
Post by racer241 on Dec 3rd, 2004, 2:44pm
I can't drive, I always have had to pull over get in the back seat and cry it out. I have got a few CH before stuck in traffic and can't make it more than 5 minutes down the road and the pain is too unbearable to to concentrate enough on driving.

I also roadrace motorcyles here in Colorado and I let most of the corner workers and saftey staff know if they see me pull off the track drop my bike and curl up I have a CH and get the ambulance over to me asap. Thank god 99% of the time I only get these in the winter, but there is that 1%

The A/C helps you guys? Anything cold like a breeze really spikes the pain for me. I find more comfort with a hot shower or hot towel wrapped around my head.

Title: Re: driving under the influence of a cluster.
Post by Donna_D. on Dec 4th, 2004, 4:54pm
I spend about half of my work week traveling all over D/FW and the surrounding areas going to doctors offices.  I have learned the following about driving with clusters.

1.  Pay no attention to the people in the car next to you when you are stuck in traffic and cannot get off of the freeway.   More than likely they have never seen anyone bang their head on the steering wheel before.

2.  A small ice chest with a few icepacks comes in handy ( I carry a few most of the time).

3.  It is best to have exact change when going through the toll booth...the attendants who make change always want to ask you if you need an ambulance or even worse, call the police to report you are driving drunk.


Driving with a CH can be possible (for some), but it is NOT recommended.

DD

DD

Title: Re: driving under the influence of a cluster.
Post by kimh on Dec 4th, 2004, 9:58pm
ukindooitukindooitt and YOU CAN DO IT.

You will cock your head to the "pain" side, you mite have yer tongue stuk up yer upper teeth to stop the tooth pain, you will be tearing from the eye and yer nose may run.  You will also feel a level of panic (depending on you the person).  However, you will not crash the car unless you decide to crash the car.  You may decide to "step aside" or you may press on.  I do not think a cluster attack blocks the thought that makes us "survive".  It's a call we make.  I know i am lucid during attacks.  Even if they are at their worst.  I am never far away from my ability to survive, even if i am to some degree on "autopilot".  I know strangers have seen me in traffic crying and head tilted to side and snot running and i'm talking to myself, but i also know i am NOT going to crash the car nor am i going to hurt anyone else.  I do know that I HURT.  

YOU CAN DRIVE WITH A CLUSTER.  YOU CAN PULL OVER WITH A CLUSTER.  MATTER OF FACT, YOU CAN STILL MAKE CHOICES DURING A CLUSTER.

Title: Re: driving under the influence of a cluster.
Post by StanTheMan on Dec 5th, 2004, 7:27pm
I have driven "under the influence" of the Beast.  Once.  (It was about 2 years ago).
Scared the beejeebers outta me.  Most the the area was a contruction zone, so I could NOT pull over.  
Fortunately, I had taken my abortive at the onset, so it didn't go beyond a Kip 6 or 7.  I seriously doubt I could have done it with a Kip 9 or 10.

My 2 cents... pull over.  
By the way... good ideas about carrying some quick info. to give a cop.

Regards to all!

StanTheMan

Title: Re: driving under the influence of a cluster.
Post by Tetris-addict on Dec 5th, 2004, 7:36pm
to the U kan doo it

I may be lucid, or it may be my brain lying to me

but the pain does blur the line of critical thinking

I would not perform brain surgery with this pain,
no would I try to walk a tight rope line over Niagara Falls.

Point is, just because we "can" doesn't make it "right"
or "safe"

Driving while making a sandwhich is possible,
But I prefer that people dont do that.

lol

I have been there, with head leaning on the side,
tears blurring vision.... but it doens't make me proud.
I am ashamed to think that buying milk seemed
so important that I couldn't pull over  for 20 minutes
until the attack passed.

IT is still a 2,000 pound hunk of metal that will take
more than a few feet to stop.
and our reaction time does suffer....

so just be CAREFUL out there.

hugs to all.
TJ

Title: Re: driving under the influence of a cluster.
Post by ToddTodd on Dec 7th, 2004, 1:16pm
I laughed when people were talking about a cop coming up to the window and seeing a needle sticking outta someone's arm.  hahaha

I've actually had an encounter with a cop while I was having a cluster.  I was on my motorcycle on the highway and it hit hard.  Pulled over, curled up in the grass along the road and just kept rocking/whimpering/kicking.

Then I hear this voice asking me "whats your problem".  All I could do was roll over so my face was in his direction and put out my hand and say "ill be fine", which probably sounded like "msefsef sdgh set".

He kept trying to ask me questions like, "are you hurt", "are you on drugs", etc etc..  I just ignored him for the most part and tried to deal with everything as best I could.   Then about the same time it was fading away was when an ambulance showed up.

I explained everything to them as best as I could, but they were pretty clueless and seemed to not believe me.  Then the cop gave me one of those 'follow my finger test' things, followed by a million and one questions and let me go on my way.

Title: Re: driving under the influence of a cluster.
Post by kimh on Dec 7th, 2004, 1:29pm
Optimum circumstances it ain't - agreed.  And i agree that stopping for milk mite not fall into a priority circumstance  .....that is why i AGREE that we must make a choice and why i stress that we CAN make a choice.  The times i drove during an attack happened at rush hour in NY.  Pullling over was just as difficult as pressing on just a bit more.  I hate that i was the brain behind the pain but that is how it worked out.  What i was trying to say was that if for some gawdawful reason an attack occurs in a tite spot - we still have a degree of control.  I feel more than most elderly drivers and more than someone having epilepsy.  You CAN think and exercise "critical" thinkin.  Absolutely.  It is difficult to say the least but possible.  Will i go out to dairy barn during an attack?  No.  Have i been the monkey in the middle?  Yup.  It's doable.  Not wanting to confuse the issue.  Driving during a cluster is dangerous for sure.  But i want to clarify that thinking (yes, even critical thinking) is possible albeit strained.

Title: Re: driving under the influence of a cluster.
Post by lilbitintn on Dec 11th, 2004, 7:17pm
I first off want to say thank you to all my new friends that have helped me the last few days .... For the 1st time in my life 6 weeks ago i started having CH...God Bless u all ... I would give my arms to have my normal life back .... 2ndly Karen thanks for your tips you got me through last night ...I had the worst attack I have ever had and hoenstly i think it scared the shit out of me ....Short and to the point story had an attack about 11:30 last night was getting ready to drive home from my moms...Bam eye pain , brick hit the front of my head , nose stared pouring , eye drooping , my damn tongue even felt weird ...i started panicking ran inside ....I though my mom was going to have a heart attack ....Hyperventilated , Boy am i mess ....Ambulance came of course by then attack was almost over and the ylook at you like your retarded or something .....I just wanted to say thank you guys for showing me IM not alone ....Hugz to everyone.......
Christie

Title: Re: driving under the influence of a cluster.
Post by Bandette74 on Dec 12th, 2004, 3:03am
i drove, kip 9, to emergency clinic. bad idea. won't do it again. they helped kill some of the pain, but the drive was scary. i was alone in the house, and i would have done anything for the pain to end, so i went for help. again, bad idea.

Title: Re: driving under the influence of a cluster.
Post by CC2004 on Dec 16th, 2004, 10:47pm
I used to drive half way across Sydney to get to my osteopath - the logic was the pain wasnt any worse so might as well try to get some relief.  Couldnt imagine doing it now though - too reliant on my hot water bottle!
I did however get one coming on a couple of weeks ago when I was passenger in my mother's car crossing a 'small' NZ mountain - I got her to pull over because I knew if I had the activity of driving, being more active, I could stave it off better - it worked.
But as Dustin Hoffman said in Rainman - "Im an excellent driver" ...! ::)

Title: Re: driving under the influence of a cluster.
Post by kimh on Dec 17th, 2004, 11:34pm
it's 3oclock and i'm  goin to k-mart



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