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Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Getting to Know Ya >> Dear Fellow Cluster Headache Sufferers.... http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1256004850 Message started by Lew Price on Oct 19th, 2009 at 10:14pm |
Title: Dear Fellow Cluster Headache Sufferers.... Post by Lew Price on Oct 19th, 2009 at 10:14pm
I'm not a suffer of cluster headaches myself however my father has been suffering from them for quite a while now. I set this account up for my dad who sadly at the moment is in hospital after having a severe Cluster Headache attack.
For about a year or so my father was clear from cluster headaches sleeping normally, until recently when my father who is 61 had shingles which covered his left arm and upper back. When the blisters had finally disappeared, he was left with Postherpetic Neuralgia in which the area the shingles occurred causes the nerves to be on edge leaving the slightest touch causing excruciating pain. This has affected my fathers ability to sleep and usually resulting in waking up long periods at night. However recently my father has been getting up with pain similar to toothache. Unfortunately as my fathers arm has began to get better, the cluster headaches have began to get worse and worse. My father takes an injected drug called Imigran for his cluster headaches when they should arise, within a week he has already taken at least 40 injections. 19th October 2009 my father who has a high pain threshold finally broke down in tears crying and screaming with the pain. It was very upsetting for me and my mother and had no choice but to call an Ambulance. My father is spending the night over in Intensive care at the Hospital in which my father had two following attacks there, I have NEVER seen my father in such pain. Seeing it felt like my father was being tortured by something that I couldn't see. If I could take my dad's pain into me just so he didn't have to deal with it I would do it in a heartbeat. Anyways once he comes out, this will be his account and I'm sure he will be able to tell you his personal feelings more. I know how you lot feel cause I know through watching my father going through the hell. Kind Regards Aaron Price |
Title: Re: Dear Fellow Cluster Headache Sufferers.... Post by ClusterChuck on Oct 19th, 2009 at 10:50pm
Aaron, you are one hell of a supporter to do this for Dad! He is VERY lucky to have someone like you in his corner.
Just because this is set up for him, you don't have to leave! Make up your own account, and join in with the discussions. There is even a special area for special people like you, called the SUPPORTERS area. Join in on the discussions! You mentioned that Dad takes a LOT of Imigran shots. He needs to try to get set up with pure oxygen. When used properly, it can virtually eliminate the need for the shots. AND it has none of the side effects that those shots have. It is also considerably cheaper than Imigran. On the left side of your screen, there is a tab: oxygen info. Read up on it, and it should answer most of your questions about how to use, and the equipment needed. If you or Dad have any questions about oxygen or anything else associated with this debilitating condition, don't be afraid to speak up and ask! Again, thank you for being a great supporter, and welcome to the site! Chuck |
Title: Re: Dear Fellow Cluster Headache Sufferers.... Post by lorac on Oct 20th, 2009 at 8:02am
Welcome Aaron...you are a great son to do this for your dad....can't wait to meet him .
Tell him we are all waiting for him to get up and out of that hospital, so we can answer all his questions. lorac |
Title: Re: Dear Fellow Cluster Headache Sufferers.... Post by Linda_Howell on Oct 20th, 2009 at 11:39am Aaron, how wonderful of you to do the research to find us in order to help him. We will be on the look-out for him and welcome him with open arms. As has been said...40 injections in one week is FAR too much. Imitrex is good for relieving pain quickly but it is dangerous to use it that often and can and DOES cause rebounds. Much safer and effective to use pure oxygen. Read the yellow oxygen link thoroughly and if you have any questions, feel free to ask here. I just thought of something. You used the term Imigran instead of what we, in the U.S. call Imitrex Can you tell us where you live? (no we don't want your address. ;)) The reason I ask is because sometimes getting 02 is harder to do in other countries and maybe we can help you with that. Linda |
Title: Re: Dear Fellow Cluster Headache Sufferers.... Post by Jrcox on Nov 9th, 2009 at 8:15pm
welcome aaron,
I can assure you, you are at the right place. I pray that you and your father get relief. Anyone witnessing the dance or getting these attacks knows pain, even for a minute is too much. Jrcox |
Title: Re: Dear Fellow Cluster Headache Sufferers.... Post by RichardN on Nov 10th, 2009 at 3:28pm
Hi and Welcome to Clusterville
ABSOLUTELY get the 02. I'm 62 and have some artery blockage and high cholesterol so use sumatriptans like Imitrex (Imagran) . . . 02 is my only abortive and can kill the beast in minutes if used early-on in the attack. CH attacks ramp up so quickly . . . a fast abortive is a must, and any reduction in Kip level is a blessing. Read the 02 links and copy pertinent info to take to your doc. Many docs are reluctant to prescribe 02 for some reason, so it's helpful to have recognized (by the medical community) information in hand when getting the script. So glad you found us . . . this place saved my life. Be Safe PFDANs Richard |
Title: Re: Dear Fellow Cluster Headache Sufferers.... Post by RichardN on Nov 10th, 2009 at 3:33pm
Amendment to above
Have artery blockage and high cholesterol so CAN'T use Imitrex . . . sorry . . . fingers got ahead of my brain Richard |
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