Those who do not feel pain seldom think that it is felt. ~  Samuel Johnson LLD MA (1709-1784)

Great quote regarding these CH! I grow quite tired of hearing people around me "oh ya, I have had those" Or, so and so has them. I, we, they just need to find a quite place and lay down they will say. Well, if you can lay down, no, you don't know my pain!

I want to say; Did you ever seriously contemplate washing your mouth out with buck shot? Staring at the drill on the counter thinking hmmm what if.... Nope, didn't think so! Everyone is an expert though. Just ask them they will tell you. I just smile and nod my head anymore.

I know they mean well, it is a simple misconception. I believe they are confusing bad migraine or tension headaches with CH. Also perhaps just trying to make me feel better anyway they know how. I'm sure you and everyone else on this site can relate. It is just frustrating at times. Rant over.

I was once asked by a neurologist "If during an attack I gave you a pistol, would you consider using it?".

They said that they'd never had anyone without CH say they would consider using it. In contrast just about everyone with CH would give an answer indicating that they might or had considered it.

Whilst it isn't a perfect diagnostic technique it is pretty good at evaluating just how painful CH really is.

But I wonder how many people can honestly say they have NEVER experienced pain.  Of any kind.

Mike, I think you have hit on a real diagnostic tool there!  I know what my answer would have been, and am grateful it was not made an option.

Jerr

Here's a quote on pain from a CH sufferer who was only 12 years old...

"Death is a gift when torture is involved!" :'(

-Gregg in Las Vegas (unfortunately my quote)

In my early days of CH before i knew what was wrong with me and not knowing i was going to have to live with the unbelievable pain, i too thought the same thing and so many times i truly thought i was dying and prayed for death to take me...I was 14 and that was 40 years ago....

not quotes...a riff on other replies...the pistol question is the gold standard bar none (been there).....what I would additionally advise a neuro to ask:

"does you hair hurt after a bad hit?"...not many other things cause that impossibility...perhaps a doozy hangover...or to quote Rocky after a tough fight..."even my hair hurts Adrian" (when I heard that in the movie I jumped out of my chair).

...the other...and I've never seen it discussed here..but I bet a lot of clusterheads can relate: "have you ever had to remind yourself to breath!?"

for me...and only a 9-10 kip...during that incredible, unbelievable pain...there have been times when I actually had to REMIND myself to breath. Tell me any other time such an automatic function becomes a choice......

Best

jon

When it comes to pain I feel I'm a pretty tough guy.  I've done extreme sports all my life and other stupid stunts and got hurt pretty bad.  I tell you though, CH pain is so intense and out of the world.  No crash or accident I've ever had was nearly as painful as a CH.  Why oh why cant they find a cure!!! >:(

Dude its just a headache suck it up.

HAHAHAHAHA gets me every time

I don't know what hurts more the CH or seeing my wife dealing with me. Also during an attack my dog doesn't want to leave my side.

lmt.pongo wrote on Aug 11^th, 2013 at 10:53pm:

I don't know what hurts more the CH or seeing my wife dealing with me. Also during an attack my dog doesn't want to leave my side.

Very common to have the loyalty and compassion from a dog to stay at one's side while in pain.  Deserves an extra treat! ;)

-Gregg in Las Vegas