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New Message Board Archives >> 2004-2005 Getting to Know Ya Posts >> Greeting from a fellow ClusterManic...
(Message started by: thinman337 on Apr 14th, 2004, 5:54pm)

Title: Greeting from a fellow ClusterManic...
Post by thinman337 on Apr 14th, 2004, 5:54pm
I am new to the board, so I figured I would start here.  

Hello to everyone that has, or knows someone who has clusters.  I have suffered with headaches most of my life, and up until 6 years ago, I was told that they were migraines.  When I changed doctors, the new doc told me that I didn't fit the description of a migraine, that they were probably "Cluster Headaches".  I have since changed doctors again, and my new doctor believes that they are clusters also, but that they don't fit the "Typical" symptoms.  

My symptoms are as follows:
Sharp pain over one eye, then usually switches back and forth between sides.
Occasional blurred vision on the affected side.
Occasional stabbing pain.
They come on fast, and sometimes leave so fast that I am not sure if its gone or just between stabs.
Runny Nose
My head tends to lean in the direction of the affect side.
Banging my head can sometimes relieve the pain (I know its wierd!
Almost always wake up with them.  Its safe to say that if I don't wake up with it, its going to be a day without headaches.
My headaches seem to last longer than the normal (what I have read to be normal).  They last between 30 minutes to 5 hours, with occasional breaks.

Now that I have bored everyone with details that you have all probably heard before.  I will post this, and browse the board.

Whoever started this board, THANK YOU!  Trying to describe the headaches to someone who doesn't know is like discussing quantum physics with a 2 year old.

See ya around the board,
Paul "Thinman337"


Title: Re: Greeting from a fellow ClusterManic...
Post by FZfan on Apr 14th, 2004, 6:08pm
Welcome Paul. Glad you found this place, it is truly amazing. Read as much as you can from this site and the OUCH site. Read all the info under the menus to your left.

Believe me, your details will not be found boring here. Every detail is important. For example, the symptom you describe about the h/a switching sides is extremely rare for clusters. Have you taken the cluster quiz? Check it out and see if it fits.

What meds are you using? Have you tried o2? Definitely get yourself hooked up with an oxygen tank, a high flow regulator, and a non-rebreather mask. Believe it or not, breathing high flow o2 during an attack is an effective abortive for many of us.

Good luck, let us know how it's going, even if it's boring.

Glen

Title: Re: Greeting from a fellow ClusterManic...
Post by HypnoticFreddy on Apr 14th, 2004, 7:21pm
Yeah, except for the switching of sides, most of the descriptions you mentioned sound like cluster symptoms. You have come to THE best place in the world for info. Read the links to the left and go to the OUCH website.

Read a lot of the Message Board Posts too. Especially the Medication Threads.

Make sure you see a Neuro who knows cluster headaches and other headaches and can differentiate between them.

Good luck and welcome to this dysfunctional group of cluster heads.

                               -Scott

Title: Re: Greeting from a fellow ClusterManic...
Post by Melissa on Apr 14th, 2004, 8:06pm
Hi Paul,

Welcome to the cluster family, although I am very sorry that you have to seek us out, this is the best place in the world for support!  If you ever have any questions or just need to talk, you can email or instant message me if you want.  I hope you either have, or can find something, to alleviate your pain.  No one should have to suffer what we go through.

Take care,
:)mel

Title: Re: Greeting from a fellow ClusterManic...
Post by pubgirl on Apr 14th, 2004, 8:15pm
Hello Paul

Sorry you are suffering so badly and needed to find help, but glad you did!
I'm not surprised the doctors have been confused by your symptoms. They seem like a cross between CH and TN (Trigeminal Neuralgia) but the duration of some of your attacks fits neither!

Is your doctor a neurologist specialising in headache conditions?
If not, sounds like that's what you need.

Wendy



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