Hi,

Video of my relatively 'mild' attack earlier today.START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

When I first started to suffer from Cluster Headaches, the feeling of isolation was terrible. I also felt a little embarassed, I was worried that people might think I was crazy or an attention seeker. I still hide when I have an attack; I can not stand for anyone to see me. However, when I started to read about other peoples experiences, I realised how much it helped me. I would never wish this pain on anyone, yet it helps to know that, although we suffer alone, we are not alone in our suffering.

For that reason, I would like to share a video that I made today of a relatively mild attack. I did not make it to attract sympathy. I made it simply so that anyone new to this terrible condition can, hopefully, recognise the pain and know that they are not alone.

Very artistically done, I really like the title 'Mild attack"

;D

Thanks for sharing, Sean.  Any attack hurts whether it's mild, medium or severe.  I am keeping my fingers crossed and hoping that yours will soon end.

Thank you for reaching out like this.  It is hard to see and yet all too familiar.

The biggest impact I've felt from this site is the knowledge that I'm not alone.  In fact I never was.  

Neither were you my clusterbrother.

-Dennis-

Believe me...no one in this place thinks you're trying to attract sympathy.   Very well done.  


As many times as I have seen Chuck get hit in person at conventions....I still can't watch that video of him for more than a few seconds.  Personally I would have bitch-slapped Luke for holding ME that tightly (as much as I like him)  

ANY and ALL...recognition... as well as educating the public on this condition of ours is a good thing.  Thank you for adding yet another facet to that.

Hi Sean and sorry you had to search us out, but damn glad for you you did!

100% o2 with at least a 15 LPM regulator with a non-rebreather mask with no outside air whatsoever and get on it at the very first sign of an on-coming attack.

This is my #1 abortive and I take Verap as my prevent. I am month 5 into this cycle and still alive!! :D

Others will be along soon.

 Barry

wrote on Feb 25^th, 2009 at 7:36pm:

Very artistically done, I really like the title 'Mild attack" ;D

Well said.......................and with respect I might add.

       Kinder gentler Potter

Thanks for doing the video.

It is wonderfully made and I sympathize with you. Glad that you found your way here and that you had the courage to share such an intimate and vulnerable aspect of your life to help others.

Stick around this joint and share in the phenomenon known as CH.COM.

also... I hope you get a break soon.

with warm regards,
Tony

We know the feeling of wanting to be alone, to not let anyone see us get hit for fear of people thinking we are dying. It still upsets me when I see others get hit and I have seen this many times now.

Welcome to the board and thank you for sharing yourself and letting others see the pain that we endure.

PS. What are using to fight the beast?

Welcome to the board.  Thank you for posting your video.  It's not something I could do--I've spent most of my life hiding my attacks from other people.  I respect your courage.

It's still very difficult for me to watch someone else going through a hit when I KNOW what they're dealing with.

Again, welcome.  Pull up a chair and get to know the folks here.   :)

Best wishes,

George  

I've been dancing with the beast for about 30 years, and I STILL can't watch any of those videos without getting sick to my stomach. I swear I start to get sympathy attacks. :-/

The good news is you are not alone, and will never have to be alone again. You don't have to explain to anyone on this board what a CH is and how much the damned things hurt. We've all been there and know.

Let us know what you're using, what has and hasn't worked for you. The biggest strength of this board is the combined experience of 10,000 CH sufferers. Maybe we can point you in a direction to find more relief. Hang in there.

Joe

Sean,

Nicely done...  Now start using some oxygen therapy and avoid most of the pain.  Shoot me a PM or email if you need any assistance in making this happen.

Take care,

V/R, Batch

Welcome to the insane asylum family!  I am glad you have found us, and joined.

You have been given excellent advise, especially about using oxygen as an abortive.  Many of us consider it to be our life saver.  I know I sure do!

Thank you for filming and posting your hit.  The more we can get the vision out there, the better it is.

I DO have a concern about your video, though.  It is VERY well done, and rather unique in the way you put it out there.  I am just concerned that it does not have the impact, that it could have, if it was in the normal color version, without the fancy treatment.  I don't think it has the full impact, nor does the pain show through.  It is too "pretty" or artsy, in my mind.  

I feel the plain raw footage impacts a viewer more.  All of US know what the pain is like, but those that don't intimately know about them, might miss the total devastation with your clip.  At times, it looks too professional, and almost as if an actor is playing the part.

Can you do another film, but in normal viewing?  Leave the one that you already have done up there, (it is too well done, to remove it) but do another one, and see if it gets more of a kick to the senses.

Those are just my opinions.  Others may feel differently.

Again, welcome, and thank you!

Chuck

I can't watch video's of someone getting hit without getting emotional......and I was almost in tears by the end of your video.

Welcome and thanks for sharing that.  

Beth

I feel your pain brother...literally.  I'm so sorry for what you're going through, but glad you have found this site to get the information to fight it.  There are many of us who are here for you!!

hugs,
melissa

ClusterChuck wrote on Feb 26^th, 2009 at 3:40am:

Welcome to the insane asylum family!  I am glad you have found us, and joined. You have been given excellent advise, especially about using oxygen as an abortive.  Many of us consider it to be our life saver.  I know I sure do! Thank you for filming and posting your hit.  The more we can get the vision out there, the better it is. I DO have a concern about your video, though.  It is VERY well done, and rather unique in the way you put it out there.  I am just concerned that it does not have the impact, that it could have, if it was in the normal color version, without the fancy treatment.  I don't think it has the full impact, nor does the pain show through.  It is too "pretty" or artsy, in my mind.   I feel the plain raw footage impacts a viewer more.  All of US know what the pain is like, but those that don't intimately know about them, might miss the total devastation with your clip.  At times, it looks too professional, and almost as if an actor is playing the part. Can you do another film, but in normal viewing?  Leave the one that you already have done up there, (it is too well done, to remove it) but do another one, and see if it gets more of a kick to the senses. Those are just my opinions.  Others may feel differently. Again, welcome, and thank you! Chuck

 Yep.  It does look scripted don't it?

     Kinder gentler Potter

Scripted?  IMHO, no.

Well done?  Yes.

Glad you shared it with us?  Hell yes!

Hope you never have another CH?  With all of my heart, yes.

Where did he go?

barry_sword wrote on Feb 26^th, 2009 at 6:34pm:

Where did he go?

one and done?  Maybe he's off making a video of something else.  

       Kinder gentler Potter

It's been just over 24 fukkin' hours. Other people drop off the face of the earth for weeks or months with nary a peep.

Let's not jump to conclusions.

Well, firstly a huge thanks to everyone that took the time to watch the video and leave a comment.
Secondly, I apologise for not replying to anyone since I posted the link. The truth is that I forgot my password and also to be honest when I go through a cycle I very much withdraw into myself and do not much bother with the internet.

I would like to address some of the comments regarding the 'scripted' and 'artsy' feel to my video. The reason I made the video monochrome an added music and cut a few of the scenes was, to me at least, an obvious choice:

I feel almost completely powerless during a cycle and the attacks are so ugly, so disgusting that I wanted to make a video that captured those feelings. There are plenty of videos out there of straight forward no bullshit cluster attacks. It was just my way of trying to make something that is ugly, just a little bit easier to watch and deal with. I also made another video from some of the same footage that is more graphic and without music.

I also made the video in monotone because I wanted to allow myself just a bit of anonymity.

I edited the video after the attack (obviously). Really, all I was doing was trying to take control of one part of my life that controls me. I found it a great help to know that other people suffer from the same affliction and so this was just my little shot at 'empathy'.

All that aside, I am now two whole days without an attack so looks like I am probably gonna be in remission soon for the next eighteen months (if my past history is anything to go by).

Thanks again to everyone who offered some very helpful advice. I take Verapamil every night during a cycle and use Imigran nasal sprays for most attacks.

Oxygen seems to be the way to go from all accounts here. My Dr has been loathe to help me with that though so I will be sure to be better armed next time with all your advice.

Sean

treeoftears wrote on Mar 10^th, 2009 at 2:06pm:

Well, firstly a huge thanks to everyone that took the time to watch the video and leave a comment. Secondly, I apologise for not replying to anyone since I posted the link. The truth is that I forgot my password and also to be honest when I go through a cycle I very much withdraw into myself and do not much bother with the internet. I would like to address some of the comments regarding the 'scripted' and 'artsy' feel to my video. The reason I made the video monochrome an added music and cut a few of the scenes was, to me at least, an obvious choice: I feel almost completely powerless during a cycle and the attacks are so ugly, so disgusting that I wanted to make a video that captured those feelings. There are plenty of videos out there of straight forward no bullshit cluster attacks. It was just my way of trying to make something that is ugly, just a little bit easier to watch and deal with. I also made another video from some of the same footage that is more graphic and without music. I also made the video in monotone because I wanted to allow myself just a bit of anonymity. I edited the video after the attack (obviously). Really, all I was doing was trying to take control of one part of my life that controls me. I found it a great help to know that other people suffer from the same affliction and so this was just my little shot at 'empathy'. All that aside, I am now two whole days without an attack so looks like I am probably gonna be in remission soon for the next eighteen months (if my past history is anything to go by). Thanks again to everyone who offered some very helpful advice. I take Verapamil every night during a cycle and use Imigran nasal sprays for most attacks. Oxygen seems to be the way to go from all accounts here. My Dr has been loathe to help me with that though so I will be sure to be better armed next time with all your advice. Sean

Good on ya for the pain free time. Get the oxygen, it's a life saver.

As far as the video goes ch is ugly, ou are right about that, but a pig is still a pig no matter how much makeup ya use.

      Kinder gentler Potter

Cheers Buddy,

I guess a pig in make-up is a little easier to take to bed ;)

treeoftears wrote on Mar 10^th, 2009 at 2:58pm:

Cheers Buddy, I guess a pig in make-up is a little easier to take to bed ;)

Depends on yer tastes I guess.  What's yer preference?

       Kinder gentler Potter

A pig in a wig that dances a jig.

treeoftears wrote on Mar 10^th, 2009 at 3:47pm:

A pig in a wig that dances a jig.

Whilst eating a fig?

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

Good LORD!  One can find ANYTHING on the net!   Thanks for the laugh, Potter! ;D

Jeannie

The web is a frightening place!!!! ;D

Joe

Your video was so well done. I agree with all of the comments. More pain could have been shown, but for what? This is a very scary thing to winess when you don't understand it. I am a suppporter and have seen some people get hit hard and have seen some intense videos. It doesn't matter what I've witnessed. I have a feeling I can only imagine a portion of the pain. Taking away the color left me with a feeling of hopelessness, when will this end, why does it even have to happen to so many people? I think these feelings are as important as the pain in educating those who don't have a clue.

Last comment....take Pete (Batch) up on his offer for PM's or email for 02 assistance. He walked my daughter through the use of o2 on skype and phone calls and was a true godsend to us. Once we got the o2 down, she began to be able to mange her life again.

Thanks again for sharing!!

Charlotte

Bravo dude, well done.