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        New Message Board Archives >> 2004-2005 Getting to Know Ya Posts >> newbie looking for advice
        
(Message started by: mmartin6 on Sep 23^rd, 2005, 10:55am)

Title: newbie looking for advice
Post by mmartin6 on Sep 23^rd, 2005, 10:55am

Hello all,
I was so pleased to find this website after searching the web for some information regarding my recent battle with headaches. I a looking to receive some advice about my symptoms. The past couple weeks I have been getting extremely painful headaches at night. They first began around 9pm at night, right before bed, but have recently changed and are now waking me up at least once a night, usually between 12 and 2. They are always behind my right eye and usually last about 1/2 hour. I am a 29 year old male. Based on the information from this site it sounds as if they are of the cluster type.

Should a seek medical attention? Is there anything else I should be concerned about? The headaches are causing me to loose sleep, and dread going to sleep at all. I am also concerned throughout the day wondering what may be causing this. Any advice is greatly appreciated, Thank you all in advance.

C

Title: Re: newbie looking for advice
Post by nani on Sep 23^rd, 2005, 11:07am

Welcome C and sorry you had to find us.

Quote:

Should a seek medical attention?

Yes, preferably with a neurologist that is very knowledgeable about headaches.

Quote:

Is there anything else I should be concerned about?

A good neuro will help rule out any other possibilites.

Quote:

The headaches are causing me to loose sleep, and dread going to sleep at all.

We all know how that feels. :-/

While you wait for your appointment, start keeping a headache diary. Record times of day, duration, intensity, etc. Also, read all you can here. Your symptoms would lead me to suspect CH, so the more you know....the more you can assist your dr in diagnosing you. Look on the Medications board for threads on Melatonin. It helps many with those nighttime hits. Keep us posted, OK?
pain free wishes, nani

Title: Re: newbie looking for advice
Post by Bob_Johnson on Sep 23^rd, 2005, 12:31pm

You will find this a good way to learn about clusters.

HEADACHE HELP, Revised edition, 2000; Lawrence Robbins, M.D., Houghton Mifflin, $15. Written for a nonprofessional audience. Highly recommended.

Once you have a firm diagnosis this will give you a good tool to discuss treatments with your doc.

Here is a link to read and print and take to your doctor. It describes preventive, transitional, abortive and surgical treatments for CH. (2002)

http://www.brightok.net/~mnjday/chtherapy.pdf

Title: Re: newbie looking for advice
Post by lionsound on Sep 24^th, 2005, 9:02am

Hi C,
you could also tak the "cluster quiz" on the vertical bar over to the left and bring those results with you to your doctor. It is very important that you do see a doctor for proper diagnosis. read a lot around here and gather info too.

Non medical stuff to try when you head is hurting: ice(frozen bag of peas is great) on your head/neck or heat. Different people prefer different things. Sometimes getting in the shower and going from hot to cold water on your head helps too. Breathing steam from a sink full of hot water is another. Or coffee... drinking a strong cup of coffee.

Please let us know how you are doing..
Be well and PF!
-lionsound

Title: Re: newbie looking for advice
Post by unclejake127 on Sep 24^th, 2005, 1:27pm

Hi C and welcome
take the cluster quiz and use all tips at lelt
go to nero

good luck :D jim