It's been a long time since we first saw this reflection.
=========

Cluster Sufferer Manifesto
« on: Jun 23rd, 2006, 11:47am »   

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


A sufferer manifesto.

- I will remember that LIFE is lived in-between the “hits”
- I will focus my anger at having this condition on the headaches themselves, not on my family members, friends, or work associates.
- When I say to myself or others, “I would do anything to not have to suffer from these things,” I will look seriously at myself to see if I am or have reasonably tried everything (or anything at all) to not suffer these things in the way I am.
- I accept responsibility for taking my own prescriptive medicine if that is the path I have chosen. If I miss doses that result in me suffering, I own it.
- If alcohol is my trigger, I will either a.) not drink when in cycle, or b.) accept total responsibility for the results if I CHOOSE to drink. I will also accept responsibility for a possible ruined evening if I choose to drink and the result is that my supporter and I have to leave an event early due to getting hit with a CH.
- I will not blame my parents, my family or my god for Cluster Headache. It simply “is” a part of my truth.
- I will remember that each one of us has the ability to change another Cluster sufferer’s life by being a contributing citizen to Clusterheadaches.com. (Think about what all DJ has done, or Pink and Flash with Clusterbusters, or Nani with Kudzu and seeds, or Ben with Clustermasx)
- I will remember that everyone’s pain is their own, it is not my job to define it for them. But I can reach out.
- I will remember all the things I have found (and later discarded) that I thought “worked” for me when I read about what other sufferers have “found”.
- I will take care, when I communicate with others, not to impose my opinions on different treatments or medications, outside of my own experiences and side effects.
- I will not allow my Cluster Headache condition to define me. I am not (your name here), Cluster Headache sufferer, I am instead, (your name here), someone who happens to suffer from Cluster Headaches.
- When I’m not in cycle or not getting hit, and well rested I will prepare for my next cycle by building my ammo (both physical and emotional).
After a cycle I will take a few moments to thank those around me who have supported me. And I will do a thorough review of what worked for me, what were my triggers, what isn’t working and write down suggestions to myself on how I might handle my next cycle better.


I don't always live up to it, but do try.

Scott

Thanks for re-posting that Bob, they are words to live by.   :)

If everyone will follow this simple instruction sheet, we wouldn't need moderators, we'd never chase another sufferer away from here, and we'd sure hurt a lot less. What a beautiful summation Bob, thanks for the repost!

Joe

Once again, thanks, Bob.

You are more appreciated than we bother telling you around here!

Jerry

Guiseppi wrote on Dec 26^th, 2010 at 9:59am:

If everyone will follow this simple instruction sheet, we wouldn't need moderators, we'd never chase another sufferer away from here, and we'd sure hurt a lot less. What a beautiful summation Bob, thanks for the repost! Joe

:)