Hi all,

I'm a newbie to the boards, but have been diagnosed with Cluster Headaches since I was 23 (I'm 38 now).

I've been headache free for almost 3 years now. Unfortunately it looks like I am ramping into another cycle. Started with shadows a week or so ago and I didn't realize what was happening until this morning when a full scale headache hit me hard. Typical for me, lasted about an hour or so and finally subsided. I knew the beast and it knew me.

In the past I've always had success with Inderal and Maxalt. So, I guess I'm back to the doctor to get more meds. Since this was the first full on pacing headache of the cycle I'm completely unprepared.

Funny thing is, having had these off and on for 15 years I consider the past couple of years a real blessing - I know some folks get hit and they never let up. So, I'll not complain.

However, I didn't realize the emotional impact this time. After it subsided and I fully realized what was happening I just went into my office and had a complete breakdown. I can't explain it, but I know you folks here will understand. Once you've been through that hell repeatedly the prospect of doing it again is just too much some times.

So, my cycles typically last only a couple of months. Even with the meds it just takes a while to break it. But it does break eventually and I will break it again. I'm glad I've found this board, because, as you'll all know, trying to describe what you are going through to most people is just impossible.

I've read through the site and I am going to also try the Water X3 therapy. It can't hurt and, like the site says, it's free.

Oxygen is durn near free.

         kinder gentler Potter

All of us who live with some chronic disorder know that "hitting the wall" comes with the territory. But there is a certain kind of relief that follows, No?

It helps so much when we know how to care for ourselves, how to trust in our own judgment.

You might find it worth reflecting on this brief essay on self-trust:

START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

Hi Hippie Fish and welcome!

I am a newbie to the Board, too, and like you, I have danced with the beast for 18 years.  I was just diagnosed last year however; I know, it took FOREVER or so it seemed.  I used Maxalt as an abortive until it no longer worked.  My visits begin with an evening dance after I have been asleep for a few hours.  I have about five minutes to do something or I am in for a long and difficult period as my dance lasts for about three hours.  The second visit starts around 6am and then a third comes around 1 pm.  These hit every spring and last from February through mid-June.  

Last year, my PCP diagnosed me even though I had been suggesting this as a diagnosis for some time.  I have lupus so she thought that the headaches may have been related to that.  They are not.  On the other hand, lupus has taught me how to live with a chronic disease; I thoroughly enjoy pain-free times and make accomodations as I need to so that I can enjoy more pain-free times.  I also believe in "better living through chemistry" and I do not shy away from options that may work.  She  sent me to a neurologist.  After describing the clockwork nature of these attacks, the right eye pounding, closing, and the the nose running only on that side, and my desire to bang my head against the wall to have a reason to hurt, he smiled, diagnosed me, and put me on prednisone and verapamil.  They did the trick and I enjoyed the spring for the first time in 18 years!  I mean, I love spring as a season, the snow disappearing, etc., baseball, BUT the demon.  This year, I've had breakthroughs >:( So... we've increased the verapamil after another prednisone series, added more imitrix and maxalt as needed, and I am going to try O2.  I tried melatonin last night (after making sure it would not create a problem with the lupus) and did NOT have a visit from the beast!  Not sure if it was the melatonin or the increased verapamil but I'll go with the former since I did have the morning visit.

This site has been a godsend!  I don't feel so isolated.  And I love the humor!

There are times that can feel as though I have more than I can handle, however I know that those moments will pass because I have handled this for a long time and managed, somehow, to get through!  Of course, explaining it to other people is a challenge since they talk about migraines and don't really "get" that these are NOT migraines.  I've had natural childbirth and these are more painful and NO baby at the end of them.  Of course, since I am now 51, that is a good thing, too :)

Thanks for letting me share my story with you and thanks for sharing yours...

Welcome and it's worth a shot, but try the O2 as well.

okay your picture about had me wetting my pants!!! ;D

Welcome to the board. I know all too well the depression that hits you, especially after a long remission, when you realize the arsehole is back again. It sucks. :'(

Now go get some oxygen! Been battling CH for 30 years, Oxygen is my first and most effective abortive. I can abort an attack, be completely pain free and happy, in as little as 6 minutes. Read the link on the left, "oxygenInfo" you'll know everything you need to know!

Welcome home, sorry he's back, the good news is you're not alone with him anymore.

Joe

Hi Hippyfish!  Welcome to the nuthouse.

Definitely print out the info on oxygen and take it with you to your Dr. Even if you have no insurance, o2 is pretty inexpensive, doesn't have the side effects of other medicines, and is highly effective for most of us, when administered correctly.

I used to get really really down with my cycles too, but once I learned I am in control of this, not it controlling me,  I can face each cycle with more strength and a better attitude.

Welcome, our new family member!  

Hi Hippyfish,

Your name suggests you might be interested in looking at alternatives such as clusterbusters.com or Kilowatts herbal regime.

Glad you have had some good results from medication. Hope you remain pain free from now on.

Best wishes,

Ellick.

Welcome,
               
              Sounds to me like your ready to kick Beast ass!!  Thats what we do around here. So keep reading and get your weapons in order. Take care.


                     Back to normal.. Coach Bill.  8-)