:-/Hi all, it's been a while since I've been on this site, so I apologise for that but I do have a decent excuse.
After pestering my local doc relentlessly about my headaches he sent me for an MRI scan on my head it turns out it was a damn good idea as the hospital found a 10mm aneurysm on an artery in my brain, I'll be going in for surgery very soon. fingers crossed it all goes well. Honestly I'm pooping my pants right now but on the plus side, what ever happens on the operating table (good or bad) at least it should be the end of the headaches. Thank you all and I HOPE to speak to you all again. Toodle pip.

Sometimes bad news is good news!

Your problem is the reason the scans of new CH patients has become more common in the U.S. The actual problems found are quite small in number but profound in potential impact.

This is why this message has been posted here for some months. Proves that Cluster headache is not a simple disorder which people can Dx and treat by themselves.


Link to: cluster-LIKE headache.


Section, "Medications, Treatments, Therapies --> "Important Topics" --> "Cluster-LIKE headache"

Go with God, and I pray the hands of the surgeons will sure and healing. I look forward to hearing from you the happy outcome of all this. God bless. lance

Hello Ger

just wanted to let you know my mother in law had an op for an aneurysm in her brain . She made a very quick recovery and lead a good life for many years after.

Hope it all goes well

God bless

Nigel

Question for Bob, or whomever knows-- I had an MRI several years ago, and again several years before that-- all clear.  Is it possible there could  be ANOTHER condition (not cluster) causing headaches, yet responds to abortive treatment (imitrex, etc.?)

Sometimes abortives will work for some of these issues but key is to get a good diagnostic work-up at the start.


Link to: cluster-LIKE headache.


Section, "Medications, Treatments, Therapies --> "Important Topics" --> "Cluster-LIKE headache"

Thanks Bob,  I read that info off another post you replied on a few weeks back.  My doc is confident I have cluster, as am I based on my own experience and research and test/mri results -- but just thought I'd ask.  I was curious to know if people had good response to both prophylactic and abortive therapies and then find out cluster is not the actual diagnosis. 

I suspect the science is not hard on answering your question. The general rule of thumb is: if a standard abortive works a short time and then stops being effective, it's a clue that that you may not have Cluster.

In medicine it's often a matter of ruling out the competition!

Hi again,

Thanks for the messages of support from all you folks, it's really appreciated at the moment as it's proving a difficult time for myself AND my family.
One of you mentioned, "to go with god", with the greatest level of respect I hope that that I don't, as to me,  it would mean that things have gone rather badly.
I'd rather leave that side of things out of my op and rely on good old fashioned competance and knowledge of my surgeon,
But thanks for your thoughts.
I know that you are genuine and hold religion in high regard and I have a great deal of respect for you and your faith, so with hand on heart.... THANK YOU.
At the moment I'm waiting for an operation date to come through. I've never been so interested in my phone and post man.

Ger,

Hope the waiting period is short. Neurosurgical science is incredibly good.  Can't wait to hear of your successful outcome!

TJ

Praying for you. Hope all is successful and Mr. Cluster leaves you forever.

Don

Joshua wrote on Aug 23^rd, 2012 at 7:42pm:

Question for Bob, or whomever knows-- I had an MRI several years ago, and again several years before that-- all clear.  Is it possible there could  be ANOTHER condition (not cluster) causing headaches, yet responds to abortive treatment (imitrex, etc.?)

I had an MRI for my CH, while having a minor attack, and it also came out as clear.

I recently read that the hypothalamus can possibly show up as active in an MRI if you have CH. Which reminds me, I need to ask my doctor for a copy of it to see . . .

Hi all,
Some of you may remember me.
REALLY sorry for not posting sooner.
My 5 hour aneurysm op went well on the 21st Dec.
I still have headaches but at least I know what the pain is from. By time I had my op my aneurysm was 14mm and was a fusiform type located on the circle of willis, there was a very high chance that I would loose my sight in my right eye due to it's location but due to a very small blood vessel being in just the right place I can see fine.
I can't say that I'm now living pain free or worry free for that matter, if it pops I'll be dead before I hit the floor due to where it's located.
My sincere thanks to all who showed support for me before the op. I can't say that I walked with God but someone or something definatley played a part.

Quote:

Honestly I'm pooping my pants right now...

Don't do that. Then you'll have 2 problems on your hands.