I am new to the site.I have had clusters for many years.For a long time doctors didnt know what was wrong.sent me to shrinks.Then I guess I got lucky and found a doctor that did nothing but headaches.She gave me sansert and a betta blocker.as a preventive.and O2 and imt. injections. might not be spelled right? Well anyway I moved to New Mexico to be close to my grandkids while my daughter and husband were in the Air force.The clusters went away.I guess it was the dry air.Well they got out of the air force and moved back to Va. after 2 years. Now the clusters are back.only thing is they are on the wrong side.they have always been on the right side now they are on the left. Same pain just the other side. Is this normal?

Welcome David
    I think there was a prvious thread on switching sides.  I don't think it was all that common but several ch'ers did.  Goin from memory which ain't so hot.

    Were you able to get a good neuro when you moved back to VA?

                             PFD's
                              JPC

Welcome David!

Don't worry! It isn't normal (according to the medical "standards") but it happens.
Sometimes the beast even switches sides in a cycle.

Oliver

Hi and welcome David. Sounds like you finally got a doc who understands something about headaches, that is most of the battle right there.

I have always been a righty, but others have talked about it changing sides.

I use the o2 to abort and take Verapamil to prevent, that is my cocktail and it is working good so far with this cycle.

Sorry you had to find us but you are not alone with these anymore.

 Barry :)

Hi, welcome I have a thread just below you, you've come to the right place. I don't have any personal experience with swithching sides, although I have read where it can happen. How ya' dealin' with everything at the moment? This place sure can be a great deal of support for folks like us, as I'm sure you already know. Many years of experience and willing to share. Meet the S.O.B head on and deal with it the best way you can, we are all in your corner.

LOCATING HEADACHE SPECIALIST

1. Search the OUCH site (button on left) for a list of recommended M.D.s.

2. Yellow Pages phone book: look for "Headache Clinics" in the M.D. section and look under "neurologist" where some docs will list speciality areas of practice.

3.  Call your hospital/medical center. They often have an office to assist in finding a physician. You may have to ask for the social worker/patient advocate.

4. START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE  On-line screen to find a physician.

5. START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE Look for "Physician Finder" search box.  Call 1-800-643-5552; they will send a list of M.D.s for your state.I suggest using this source for several reasons: first, we have read several messages from people who, even seeing neurologists, are unhappy with the quality of care and ATTITUDES they have encountered; second, the clinical director of the Jefferson (Philadelphia) Headache Clinic said, in late 1999, that upwards of 40%+ of U.S. doctors have poor training in treating headache and/or hold attitudes about headache ("hysterical female disorder") which block them from sympathetic and effective work with the patient; third, it's necessary to find a doctor who has experience, skill, and a set of attitudes which give hope of success. This is the best method I know of to find such a physician.

It's rare, but they do switch sides:  START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

Bummer they're back.  Sorry you had to find us, but glad you did.  You're in the right place.  Knowledge is power!

Laurie

Welcome.

Exactly where in New Mexico, should I be moving to?


Paul

Hi, David!

Welcome to the insane asylum family!  I am glad that you found us.

Switching sides is not common, but it is far from rare.  It does happen to a fair number of sufferers.  What you describe is the most common way of switching sides, that is to say, between cycles it switches.  What is more unusual is to switch sides during a cycle, and more uncommon still is to get hit on either side, never sure which side will be hit.

The description that Margi wrote up, that Laurie's link led to, is a list of general traits of the condition.  Margi did a GREAT job to compile and write up such a description.  Just remember, none of those "laws" of cluster headaches are carved in stone.  Virtually every one of them has been broken by one sufferer or another.  So, just because you might see something in there that does not describe your symptoms, does not mean that you have something else wrong with you.  What she describes are the classic symptoms.

Anyhow, keep reading and asking questions.  We will do our best to answer them for you.

Chuck

Ignore Chuck, he lives in a padded room and plays with crayons! ;)

They do switch sides sometimes, we shy away from saying anything is NORMAL  about these things, seems as soon as you get comfy with any facet of the beast he morphs again!

Glad you found the 02, it's been my miracle abort for many years now. Here's hoping you catch a short cycle! Welcome to the board. :)

Joe

Hi david (& all)
It does switch! I don’t know how UNcommon..lol cuz it happen to me. I have chronic CH and it was just on the right side. After sometime (I think 3 years) the attacks were actually switching sides (jumping back & forth) . I have them mostly on the left now but will still get some on the right.
True I have it a bit more extreme but you can maybe take this info and apply …
If this is new news to any one… document it ! :)

I guess with a name like David- the natural name for your beast should be Goliath  …
Keep strong bro!