It's sad to see this happen to a great organization...  OUCH has done so much for all of us one way or another...  and that is comforting...  Well Done!

I suspect we'll still have opportunities to gather...  This thing called cluster headache isn't going away and it's so good for CH'ers to meet others who also do battle with the beast..

Take care,

V/R, Batch

What??? Ouch is no more? 
I must have missed a lot. 
What the heck happened?

Sad to see a much needed organization go.

Lack of interest happened it appears.

This SUCKS!! 

I was interested but my work and mandatory OT hours (10 hour days) prevented me from helping.

Hopefully it can/will be resurrected!

OUCH as an organization may be going away, but we are all party of of a community to deal with and support CH. We can do that here, and at cb.com. 

For the actual OUCH announcement, please go to ouch.clusterheadaches.com.

Thank you to the Boards of Directors who have carried the organization through the years, and all the various volunteers. 

Saw a message on facebook that OUCH was going the way of all flesh. Can't believe that with as many sufferers as there are in the States that no-one could be found to run it. A tragedy.


All the best to my old friends

dolly

Quote:

Can't believe that with as many sufferers as there are in the States that no-one could be found to run it.

I'm sure you didn't mean for that to sound like such an insult to the good folks who have kept it afloat for as long as they have.

Sorry to hear about this. 

My sincere thanks to all who served the organization over the years.

All the best,

George

Not at all, Brew. I remember well when I was on the OUCH Board when it first started that the geographical size of the US always made meetings problematical - so much so that they even had a Brit like me helping out! That problem we fortunately never had in the UK, when meetings are much more easily attended. I watched the video of Peter Goadsby talking to the OUCH conference recently and was genuinely shocked how few people there were there. Not an insult, merely an observation.

I'm well aware that in cycle people can be unable to help, and when out of cycle they often prefer to forget things while they can! Americans generally have less holiday allowance, and I suspect are less willing to use it for conferences etc., especially if they've used it for recovering from episodes. As for myself I was very involved for two or three years, then the energy ran out, so there's no way I would/could criticise for that.

It was a lament, not an accusation!  :)


Simon/dolly

No insult was taken, at least by me.  We hate to have to come to this place, but we had no one step up to help.  We have had people say they want to volunteer, but then don't answer emails.  We had to change the by-laws because we had board members who had to resign for varied reasons and we could find no one to replace them.  I understand finances are tough right now, but we couldn't get enough attendance at Convention to cover the cost.  Unfortunately, OUCH has come to the end of its usefulness.  OUCH has served CH well over the years when there was no other source of information out there, but as other sources have cropped up and as people have become more educated about CH perhaps the need for it is past.  I know I am sorry to see it go, but we could not continue to keep it going without ongoing support.

Speaking for myself, I hope you will continue to support and be behind CH.com and CB.com.  Both websites are doing a great job of taking care of newbies as they come looking for help.  I'm particularly happy about the progress being made in some of the research that has come about because of Clusterbusters and look forward to the day we will have BOL available. 

Meanwhile, although OUCH will be closing it's (virtual) doors, make every effort to meet other clusterheads and support those who are doing the work of running the message boards. 

To those of you who have been a part of OUCH, particularly those of you who have served on the board or on various committees when they were functioning, I thank you very much.  Some of you have donated or have done "In Kind" donations.  Thank you.  OUCH may be closing, but the needs are still there.  It is important then that we as clusterheads do what we can to reach out to others in need.

Some of the OUCH website will be kept going in one form or another.  The Drs list that Bill Mingus has done such great work on will continue.  Keep an eye out for announcements as we determine what is the best disposition for them.  I cannot over-emphasis what Pat and Christy have done in revamping and keeping the OUCH website going.  They deserve a big Thank You from all of us.

Jerry

Well said Jerry.
Hi Simon :).

Years ago when DJ started ch.com and people met others with this malady for the very first time, there was nothing else out there other than a few books and medical papers.

OUCH was formed by members that met each other here from all over the world. And they began to get the word out to many medical organizations and physicians throughout the world. OUCH began to pop up in other countries as well and through that, clusterheadaches are much better understood worldwide and in the medical community.

Today if you were to type in clusterheadaches there are a myriad of websites with great information. I know of at least 4 on Facebook as well. Throughout my life I have discovered that everything runs it's course and it appears OUCH US has as well.

Like Simon said, OUCH in the US has always been difficult due to vast size of the country as far as getting things accomplished beyond what is done on most sites. The info is still on the web for those seeking, and the research that we so wanted to try to get going is being done admirably at clusterbusters.

It is sad when one door closes but there are usually new ones that open and sometimes even improves on what the grassroots started.

I applaud all those who were involved in any way. [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

My heart cry reading about this.OUCH and the convention and meeting my clusterfamily was a very importent thing in my life.Thanks to everyone that has contributed so far. :'( :'( :'(

Svenn & Bente

My humble thank yous to each and every member and volunteer who have kept Ouch going over the years. Thank you so much!

Attending the convention has been a part of our plan, and its sad to know that now we cannot make that happen. I just have to bug many of you individually instead. ;)

Sanna

RIP OUCH.  Like in any memorial worth it's salt, the humor and camaraderie should not be forgotten.  As a former newsletter contributor, I can attest to the intelligence and sense of humor that can be found in abundance amongst CH'ers.  I don't know how long the OUCH site's archives will be available, but if you're wandering through the site, check out the April Fool's newsletter from April '07: START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE 

I want to personally thank all who have contributed their time and efforts and resources to OUCH over the years.   So "Thank you".  I feel a great loss and am deeply sad about this.  Bless you all for carrying the torch.   

Patti, that issue was hilarious. I had forgotten about it.

Jimi wrote on Apr 8^th, 2012 at 1:16pm:

Patti, that issue was hilarious. I had forgotten about it.

;D How's that Vibe-O-Matic unit been working out for ya? ;D

Thanks for the reminder of the good times Patti.....

OUCH was the first serious thing of any kind that I found on line and I could never stay away. At first it was curiosity but then I had to meet all of you and attend a few conventions. I just wish I had been able to give as much as I've taken though.

All of you did a great thing and thanks so much.

R. I. P. Indeed.

Charlie

Many, many thanks to ALL clusterheads & supporters who helped to run OUCH. 

Your valuable service was very much appreciated!!!!!   [smiley=heart.gif] [smiley=heart.gif] [smiley=heart.gif] [smiley=heart.gif]

My wish and hope for all of us, is for a PF future, no matter how we get there.

:-*mel

Melissa wrote on Apr 8^th, 2012 at 7:50pm:

Many, many thanks to ALL clusterheads & supporters who helped to run OUCH.  Your valuable service was very much appreciated!!!!!   [smiley=heart.gif] [smiley=heart.gif] [smiley=heart.gif] [smiley=heart.gif] My wish and hope for all of us, is for a PF future, no matter how we get there. :-*mel

could not of said it any better...a very sad day indeed ...:'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(.....Lenny

Melissa wrote on Apr 8^th, 2012 at 7:50pm:

Many, many thanks to ALL clusterheads & supporters who helped to run OUCH.  Your valuable service was very much appreciated!!!!!   [smiley=heart.gif] [smiley=heart.gif] [smiley=heart.gif] [smiley=heart.gif] My wish and hope for all of us, is for a PF future, no matter how we get there. :-*mel

Well said, Mel!

I only ever attended one convention - Milwaukee - where I met so many wonderful people - still in touch with most of them.

It's sad to see the organization have to fold,but it is surely understandable.  Economy is tough - spare time is harder than ever to find.

To those who worked so very hard for the rest of us over the years, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Clusterbusters is saddened by the recent announcement that OUCH U.S. has made the decision to close.

OUCH was formed at a time when there was no organization to turn to for cluster headache support. There was no united voice. Born of an idea to get recognition and help for cluster headache sufferers when it was hard enough to just find ANYONE else with clusters, let alone find a doctor that had ever even heard of the disorder.

Over the years, OUCH members have devoted thousands of hours of hard work dedicated to helping others.  Because of their efforts, lives were changed...lives were saved.  Everyone involved should feel proud about stepping up and making a difference.

The hardest work is done when there is no network to rely upon. To change just one life for the better is an accomplishment of which to be proud. To change the landscape of how the suffering of a subset of worldwide human beings is viewed, treated, heard, and most importantly respected, is not only admirable, but heroic.

Thank you all for supporting and improving the lives of so many.

Bob Wold
Clusterbusters

Yes, that's a good memory, Bob.

I cannot help but cry as I sit here and read the news that OUCH is no more.   Apathy killed what so many people through the years worked so hard to keep  going.

Thank you to all of you who fought so hard and so long to try and build up the organization and to those who fought to keep it alive.

I wish I had done more.


:'(

Thank you to all who have contributed over the years to such a wonderful organization and member community.

-Gregg in Las Vegas

Just a FYI,  Family Services will go on.   :)

Linda,  [smiley=hug.gif] [smiley=kiss.gif]  (Don't tell my Linda!)

Jerry

Family Services WILL go on!  Linda has done an absolutely awesome job helping clusterheads for many years.  She will continue.

Thank you Linda

Sandy

Ouch had its good points and its bad, looking back I can recall a whole lot of good. This should be a time to look back on what worked, what didn't, and learn from the past, and move on. I personally would like to see OUCH rise from the ashes as a new entity, released from the mistakes and hardships of the past and start anew with a clean plate. To those who put the years of work into OUCH, I say THANK YOU, your service was appreciated and you helped a lot of people, me included.

At last week's ClusterBusters conference here in Las Vegas, I overheard somebody mention that because OUCH is RIP, the July annual conventions will also stop and ClusterBusters will be the only annual convention.  Can anybody confirm this?

I've looked around on this site and can not find the recommended doctor list, is it still available?  If so, I suggest it to be a sticky under the Medications/Treatments /Therapies board.  Does anybody agree?

-Gregg in Las Vegas

START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE the ouch website is still up and all of the information is still there for reference. Rumor has it that the information there will not be lost but reposted on another cluster website. I dont think it proper that I should say what website. I will leave that to whomever that job is. To all wondering as I did..this information should not be lost, as it is a valuable resource. Still wished OUCH was a going concern. :'(
tachead.

There is much work going on saving that info, it won't be lost! ;)

Joe

LasVegas wrote on Oct 2^nd, 2012 at 6:02pm:

At last week's ClusterBusters conference here in Las Vegas, I overheard somebody mention that because OUCH is RIP, the July annual conventions will also stop and ClusterBusters will be the only annual convention.  Can anybody confirm this?

With OUCH going by the wayside there will be no "official" conference in July. Of course nothing is stopping someone from organizing a meet and greet.... We did a January meet for years...last year only a few showed up. Will we doing it again? Probably.....even if it's just a few of us getting together it's certainly better than nothing.....



Quote:

I've looked around on this site and can not find the recommended doctor list, is it still available?  If so, I suggest it to be a sticky under the Medications/Treatments /Therapies board.  Does anybody agree?

The list is still on the old OUCH site.....it will appear elsewhere soon. It will continue.....

RIP OUCH. They helped a lot while I was first learning about this condition.

also that April Fool's Article was hilarious. The sad thing is I've had people suggest Chewing Gum and other things to abort attacks!

Racer1_NC wrote on Oct 3^rd, 2012 at 1:26am:

LasVegas wrote on Oct 2nd, 2012 at 6:02pm: At last week's ClusterBusters conference here in Las Vegas, I overheard somebody mention that because OUCH is RIP, the July annual conventions will also stop and ClusterBusters will be the only annual convention.  Can anybody confirm this? With OUCH going by the wayside there will be no "official" conference in July. Of course nothing is stopping someone from organizing a meet and greet.... We did a January meet for years...last year only a few showed up. Will we doing it again? Probably.....even if it's just a few of us getting together it's certainly better than nothing..... Quote: I've looked around on this site and can not find the recommended doctor list, is it still available?  If so, I suggest it to be a sticky under the Medications/Treatments /Therapies board.  Does anybody agree? The list is still on the old OUCH site.....it will appear elsewhere soon. It will continue.....

Thanks for your insight Racer-Bill  ;)
That sucks the annual July conventions are no longer, however I do agree Meet & Greets are certainly better than nothing.  Any word on something for 2013....date/city/etc?  Is this something we should poll and vote on? 

As for the next large get together west of the Rockies, I would certainly volunteer to help organize with negotiating hotel rates/conference room space/scheduling keynote speakers/auction items/sponsors/etc.

Hopefully the recommended doctor list does in fact become a sticky so we can all easily find it quickly.  I'm sure most would agree that the most relevant board to place this sticky list should go under the board-Medications/Treatments/Therapies.

Thanks Racer-Bill for your past and continued efforts on this list ;)

-Gregg in Las Vegas

LasVegas wrote on Oct 3^rd, 2012 at 9:45am:

Racer1_NC wrote on Oct 3rd, 2012 at 1:26am: LasVegas wrote on Oct 2nd, 2012 at 6:02pm: At last week's ClusterBusters conference here in Las Vegas, I overheard somebody mention that because OUCH is RIP, the July annual conventions will also stop and ClusterBusters will be the only annual convention.  Can anybody confirm this? With OUCH going by the wayside there will be no "official" conference in July. Of course nothing is stopping someone from organizing a meet and greet.... We did a January meet for years...last year only a few showed up. Will we doing it again? Probably.....even if it's just a few of us getting together it's certainly better than nothing..... Quote: I've looked around on this site and can not find the recommended doctor list, is it still available?  If so, I suggest it to be a sticky under the Medications/Treatments /Therapies board.  Does anybody agree? The list is still on the old OUCH site.....it will appear elsewhere soon. It will continue..... Thanks for your insight Racer-Bill  ;) That sucks the annual July conventions are no longer, however I do agree Meet & Greets are certainly better than nothing.  Any word on something for 2013....date/city/etc?  Is this something we should poll and vote on?  As for the next large get together west of the Rockies, I would certainly volunteer to help organize with negotiating hotel rates/conference room space/scheduling keynote speakers/auction items/sponsors/etc. Hopefully the recommended doctor list does in fact become a sticky so we can all easily find it quickly.  I'm sure most would agree that the most relevant board to place this sticky list should go under the board-Medications/Treatments/Therapies. Thanks Racer-Bill for your past and continued efforts on this list ;) -Gregg in Las Vegas

But not in Vegas.

     Potter

[/quote]
But not in Vegas.

     Potter[/quote]

Sin City has a reputation for taking advantage of cowboys ;)

Yellowstone Park would be a good place...
tachead

Quote:

But not in Vegas.

You buy me tea?

Bob P wrote on Oct 5^th, 2012 at 9:53am:

Quote: But not in Vegas. You buy me tea?

If he wont,then i will  :) :) :)...personally i thought it was great to have it in vegas...something for everyone...our company belongs to an assoc. and every year they have an annual convention...each year it would be in a different state or country...appr. 10 years ago they had it in vegas and the turnout was appr. 5-fold...it has been there ever since...

We should have it at Bobs place. He could show us how to make tea the right way. ;D ;D
tachead

Was saddened to see OU.C.H going as well, hadn't been to site for years and when clusters returned was shocked to see it ending.  Many thanks to all whom have been involved over the years.  An amazing organization and was a life line for me and my children and family.  Always an end to Great things, guess that's why CH's stick around for so long.....hummm

Where one leaves off, another will rise....we all need it too!

tachead wrote on Oct 5^th, 2012 at 8:03pm:

We should have it at Bobs place.

If my calculations are correct, Bob still has the OUCH yacht hiding among the boats of the Baywood Navy........ Party time, indeed.

And a fine ship she is!
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And a motley crew they are! (RIP Riccardo)

Nowadays, I'm assuming that a very small percentage of folks here can name the characters.

That was just the West Coast OUCH yacht. 

Years of keeping the location and ownership a secret between them, it was discovered there were two yachts.  Seaworthy Don has the East Coast OUCH yacht.  With nobody to bill now for the expensive upkeep and maintenance, and the endless "mines bigger than yours" game with Bob P...

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Don's stylin' with his own personal babe magnet pleasure craft.


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O.k. I can name all but the 3rd. on the right in grey.  Kinda looks like Charlie, but not really.  Can someone fill me in?

Linda_Howell wrote on Oct 16^th, 2012 at 8:20pm:

O.k. I can name all but the 3rd. on the right in grey.  Kinda looks like Charlie, but not really.  Can someone fill me in?

Linda, that's Don. ;D