I have suffered with Cluster Headaches for 4 1/2 years and they got worse to the extent I was getting them every day and the doctor told me this was chronic cluster headaches as it is all year round. I am unemployed at the moment due to the headaches as every job sacks me because I am always tired, and so the doctor wrote me a sickline for the ESA (Northern Ireland). I have a medical next month so the ESA can decide whether I am fit for work or not, but I am worried that if they decide I am not fit then I have to go through the whole in and out of jobs routine again. Is there anyone out there that has cluster headaches and are on the sick or ESA.

While I am not familiar with the procedures in Ireland, the concept of working while in cycle, or as in your case and mine, while chronic, is not new to us. For me, it is impossible to work while actually having a cluster. Not too long ago, for about 3 years, I was getting hit 6 times a day and twice at night. I had to work in between hits and have a backup plan for when I was hit at work. It took unusual levels of understanding and preparedness to just make it through the day or night. My goal was to get the beast under control enough so I could keep more regular hours. That took a new neuro who was a headache specialist, the insights from this website, great support here and at home, and a willingness to try whatever might work. I wish you the best of luck and the highest level of success. God bless. lance

You have an excellent support group which should be able to help you:

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