A. Have you been diagnosed with Cluster?; when?, by whom (doc’s specialty). Are there any other medical problems which concern your doctor?

I have been suffering since I was 24 and am now 50. It took about 6 years (from memory) to be diagnosed by a local GP who had actually heard of the condition.

           B. What treatments have you used, or are now using? Med, dosing, duration of each, your judgment of the usefulness.

I get bouts every 3 - 5 years and they last 3 - 8 weeks (again - from memory). Evey time I have had a bout I have gone to my GP but even with a diagnosis the GP I see (different every time) never seems to know about CH and I never get appropriate treatment. I have just entered another bout. This time round I sent a note to the doctor a day before my appointment telling him it was about CH and that in the past doctors have not seemed to know about it. He had clearly done a bit of research before I got there and prescribed Zomig nasal spray (zolmitriptan). I use it at the onset of an attack and the pain goes within about 10 minutes - hooray!! However since I have been using it (about 4 days now) my attacks have gone from 1 - 2 in 24 hours to 4 - 6 and some are even more intense. Could this be an effect of the Zomig does anyone know?? Is it possible that it has disrupted my natural pattern. If so should I stop taking it? I can only use it twice in 24 hours. I am reluctant to stop using it as the relief is fantastic but am also reluctant to keep using it if it is going to cause more attacks.

           C. Have you used or explored any alternative treatments (and ditto)? I have tried Melatonin in the past - taken before sleep. The attacks stopped but i don't know if I had just come to the end of that particular bout anyway. Any thoughts?

I am about to go on what was meant to be the "holiday of a lifetime" to Greece with my 2 children to celebrate my 50th but am now scared and anxious that the CH will impact on it. Any suggestions as to how to best prepare myself. I am currently thinking the Melatonin might be the best option. I am frightened about being in another country, away from home and in pain. My son is 18 so he will be able to loook after my 8 year old if/ when I have attacks but at the current rate of 4 - 6 a day it is going to severly impact on their and on my fun. I am also worried about the flight as I undetrstand that altitude can trigger an attack.

           D. Give a brief picture of the degree of limitations you face because of the headache and any social complications which they cause. How is your social support?

           E. Do you have a good, basic understanding of Cluster and its treatment or do you want sources of  information about these complex disorders. (Because there are many dozens of kinds of headache, and treatment often erratic and lengthy, we would encourage you to start a headache diary.       3. On the main page is a series of buttons which you should explore. Also, read the many messages which are rolling over these pages. You will find yourself in the experience of others, learn from their experience, and appreciate that you are not alone—one of the great survival skills in coping with your headaches.