George, I've taken the liberty of copying your post here about your wife and daughter.  You can send me the copyright bill later, ok?  ;)  I just felt it was the best description from a sufferer of how they need to be supported, that I've ever seen.  Thank you SO much - you don't realize it but your post can help a lot of new supporters learn what their sufferer needs.....

"EJ has seen me get hit--more than once.  In our thirty years together, she's seen them evolve from my twice-yearly cycles to the present pattern of once every three years.  She's seen me come to grips with them, learn to resist them, learn to control my reactions, seen me go from helpless floundering, headbanging, and screaming, to my now-nearly-silent struggles with an invisible monster.  It's still a horror show, but one that she's learned not to attend.  She's learned that I need to be alone with them in order to fight them to a draw.

I know that there are terrible nights when I'm deep in cycle when she lies awake all night, wishing there were something she could do--some way to grant me a little peace, a bit of rest, but she knows that there's nothing she can do.  It's my battle, alone.

There are nights, still, when the thing ramps up to unbearable levels, when I'm covered in chill sweat, and my eye pours tears like a fountain, when I go to her--I cannot help it--and tell her that I wish to die.  She usually says nothing, but touches my head to show that she understands, and to remind me that it will end, and that I have much, much to live for.  

....And so do I have a supporter?  Oh yes.  Even if she never reads the board.  

Recently, as some of you know, my daughter has developed an interest in my "condition", and has explored this board.  I welcome her interest, and I'm touched by her empathic reactions to my own private battles, and the battles of others.  I still do not ever want her to see me take an attack.  I have gone to great lengths to ensure that she does not see them, and I will continue to do so.  I believe that she understands my reasoning behind this, and respects it.  So is she a supporter as well?  One of the best, I think--although she's saddled with an immense curiousity and a powerful desire to see and comprehend things, she will let me be, because being alone is what I need, even if it's not what she needs.  And that is remarkably empathetic, I think.

I am very fortunate to have two supporters.  The best of all possible kinds for me.

Best wishes,

George"  

Hey George,  
    I think that people as you and I are have to be the luckiest people in the world.  We have got the support of the most important people in the world to us.  I din't see how old your children are.  The only one I have at home is 13, and he has been a fantastic form of support
God bless, and hoping for a PF day

Bill

My wife of 25 years, my 22 and 20 year old daughters.....they are what keeps my head on straight through the worst of times. Those of you who met Christy in San Diego know what I mean!

Guiseppi

It is such a blessing to have not only a compassionate supporter, but one that is secure enough to "back off" while you're in the ring...and not take it personally.

My husband isn't physically here with me at the time...and hasn't been for awhile...but when he is he's a gem...and very loving and comforting after Im out of the ring.

He holds me...covered with sweat and all...rocks me...and need not say a word...I can hear his heart.

That he is kind enough to be quiet, and tell others if anyone happens to be around to also keep it down...is invaluable...he can deliver the information in a kind way...I would end up screaming at people during and hit...then have to deal with addional guilt afterward.

I have said this before, but not to supporters...the sweetest times I remember is waking up on the floor where I defeated the demon, with my husband lying on the floor holding me...I can never thank him enough or express my deep gratitude.  That is truly how important you all are...

correction:  I meant "during A hit"...not "during AND hit"...I don't want anyone to think I beat anyone!!!  

Thanks Joe for the kudos. All I can say about being a supporter is I have love him even when he's being a "d*ck". He can't help it. He hurts, or he's afraid of the next hurt. Hell of a way to go through life. It takes alot of love. Nothing I can do for him when he hurts except keep the house cool, quiet, give him the remote and everything he needs by his chair, and then get the hell out of the room. He just needs quiet and to be comfortable til it's over. And then a really bland mild meal later because he will end up with an upset stomach or no appetite.

P A T I E N C E is the key.

Hope that helps someone. - Christy

Exactly Christy.  Though it doesn't seem like it sometimes...because we are scared of having to do a "repeat performance" and that thought alone is too much to bear at times...we really love the hell out of you...continually...and so desperately need you to understand...where would we be without you??  Alone and in pain is where.

So I thankyou from the bottom of my heart for helping "one of us"...   Thoughtfully,  Sherri

my wife is unbelieveable support, my son who is 17 also suffers from clusters,we can relate so well together we know exactly what each one of us needs and it gets done. its weird but my son and i have a special bond because of this fucked up condition.                                                                                         ...........Jack

Yesterday evening my best supporter (my boyfriend) simply sat next to me while I was getting heavy shadowing and crying.

When the shadows finally faded, he only said: "I wish that your every day would be a good as possible."

I cried again.

He's the first one of my closeones who asks questions about ch and wants to know, learn and share the pain. I'm grateful and blessed.

Sanna

My wife often asks if I need any thing (usually a really cold glass of water with lots of ice), or quietly comes in the room and just starts gently rubbing my shoulders (which are usually knotted to all hell) without saying a word. I have told her how much I appreciate the tenderness and understanding she has for my condition. She tries her best to keep the little ones quiet which is not easy to do with a 5 & 7 yr old. If it weren’t for her I’d have been to see Dr colt 45 a long time ago. I really don’t know how some go it alone and manage to keep any sanity at all.

Love ya all! If I write any more about this I’ll probably start crying so that’s all for now on this topic.

PFD&N, and hugs for all the love and support!

Roland. :'(

wrote on Jul 30^th, 2007 at 10:01pm:

My wife often asks if I need any thing (usually a really cold glass of water with lots of ice), or quietly comes in the room and just starts gently rubbing my shoulders (which are usually knotted to all hell) without saying a word. I have told her how much I appreciate the tenderness and understanding she has for my condition.

You just wrote my wifes story Rolo she does the same thing.Even though she knows there is not much she can do she still offers"I'm sorry babe can I get you something""I'm sorry babe what can I do"ect..........She is the best I don't know what I would do without her :-*


Dave

I would like to give credit to my wife also. She does not understand nor does she try to pretend to. She just asks me what she can do for me and she does it. Whatever that may be. Sometimes the answer is leave me alone, sometimes it is press with both thumbs on the back of my head, hold the ice pack on my head. Whatever it is she does.
The one thing I feel most guilty about is the attitude i have between hits during a cycle. I am one irritable son of a bitch. I fear the next one, I know it is coming soon.
Thank God for her, and her ability to cope with me. I could not do this alone for very long. Suicide would become a definite option for me. Today it is not.

My wife usually asks, Are you getting another one?  I say yes and she leaves me alone until its over.  I pace mostly in the back of the house, sometimes coming out to where she is for a brief period and she will ask if it is going down yet.  She seems to understand and does give me my space.  We both know it will be over shortly.

Hello All, I have read most of what you have said.
I am new to this site and I just want to say that I have been a supporter for the past couple of years since this started happening to someone I love. I guess I am just trying to understand his pain. This site helps a lot. Besides turning off all the lights, waiting silently and sitting next to him while an attack comes on, and administering Imitrex shots or waiting with an ice pack, what else can I do to make him more comfortable during an attack and what can I say to give him hope when it's all over? Is this something that can last the rest of a lifetime? He is in so much pain, or contemplating the next attack on a daily basis that I just wish I knew what to do to help more.
can you supporters give me any more advice?

Hi Hopeful....Talk to your sufferer about what he wants you to do during an attack.  Get a plan of action before the beast strikes.  Sounds like you're doing the right things.

Does he have 02?

Reassure him that it will get better...make sure he understands that it is not his fault...encourage him to live his life as normally as possible between hits...make sure he eats (I've always felt that is important...they need strenght to endure)....stay calm and strong for him....let him know how important he is and how much you care.

Study all you can about the condition....education is power.  He may not feel up to a lot of reading so it might be up to you.

As far as lasting forever....who knows?  My hubby was chronic for over 15 years.  Now. he's been in remission for over 2.  Each sufferer is so very different.

Hang in there Sweetie......remember this hurts him like all hell but it's not terminal.

We're always around if you need us....just ask.

Hugs and Good Luck,
Jackie

Thank you Jackie!  :)
I appreciate your reply. It's weird. I don't know about other CH's but his are 4 to 6 times per day every day with no break from them for the past 2 years. It's just frustrating and scary. It would be nice if insurance would cover more than just a few Zomig a month. It's a pain in the ass to get proper medication. I know this is no news to anyone here. Oh well, blowing off steam.
Thanks again.

Does he use 02 therapy?  It's the best and cheapest abortive....

Could you go over to the other board "getting to know you" and post about your sufferer.  Ask questions and ask for suggestions.  There is a ton of knowledge on the board and someone just might hit on something that will help....discussion is a good thing.

Jackie

My husband is new to this horrible headache - it's been a month and a half and this morning he asked "is this the way it's going to be forever?" and this is after sleeping all night with benadryl and melatonin - it was even his night for the beast and he didn't come - but he was tickling him this morning at about a kip 3 so he was blue and I started to cry (not such good support) but I haven't been sleeping as well as he has! I took a valium and I'm still having problems sleeping.........maybe I need help - but I keep urging him to take the taurine and benadryl at bedtime and keep rockstar handy and "this too shall pass" - If only I knew when [smiley=huh.gif]

Mybelle wrote on Mar 30^th, 2008 at 3:50pm:

"this too shall pass" - If only I knew when [smiley=huh.gif]

That's a question we all ask ourselves.  Thankfully we live between the hits and don't let this beast rule our world.

It will end eventually.

Contact me anytime you need to vent or talk or just say howdy!

Thanks for the uplifting - and if I need to talk I certainly will come on and look for you guys - you're the best......today was a good day ..only shadows this morning for an hour or so.........nothing all day....

Mybelle

Has he decided to go to the doctor yet.

Without the help from Barry's neuro and this place we call home life would have been unbearable. Thanks to this support group and his doctor we have been able to cope with this.

Hi Mybelle...welcome to the family.
Stick around and read all you can.  There is a ton on information here.  The more you learn and understand, the more you can help your CHer.

Good Luck, Sweetie...
Jackie

Hello everyone! I'm glad I found this place. We've felt so alone for so long.
My husband was first diagnosed with clusters back in 2000, I think. We were 23. He went through the ringer for several months, saw a neurologist, had an MRI, yada, yada, yada, but there was no underlying cause, as you all know. He took Imitrex, but it didn't help. It was a joke, and an expensive one at that!
He went into remission that summer, and has been ever since, until a few weeks ago. He just had a brain tumor removed, and if that's not enough to deal with, the clusters came back!
He chugs ice cold water until he can't stand it, eats popsicles like they're going out of style, and suffers silently and alone. I feel so helpless and I want to do more, but reading these posts, I guess refilling his water, fetching his popsicles, and keeping the kids (5 & 1) out of his hair are the best things I can be doing.
We're seeing a neurologist on the 26th, so I'm hoping to get O2 in the house, but not nearly as much as I'm hoping for another 8 year remission!

My husband found this site for me!  Need I say more? ? ?

Jeannie ;)

It's that time of year again and painful to see my partner in agony and scared of what she knows is coming her way.

Appreciate the posts here, any advice on being the best supportive partner welcomed.

Thanks.

Hi Christine - I guess the biggest thing for me to do when my hubby's in cycle is keep the house calm, make sure we don't go anywhere without his O2 and imitrex, and check his supply of meds.  When he's in pain sometimes he likes ice. His body temp range doesn't have alot of tolerance, so I try to keep the house comfortable.

He doesn't want any pampering. Usually he tries to lay down afterwards, it pretty much wipes him out.

Hope this helps.

Hello Christine...

Talk to your CHer....ask what they would like for you to do.  A plan is important both during a hit and after.

Good Luck....
Jackie

My Husband is the greatest supporter. There is not much he can do for me . But he knows when I 'am getting one by my body language. So he quickly gets me to the bed room. I really can't talk but he gets me a cold frozen pack. A tissue and a washcloth. The on thing he dose do is to keep me informed on how long I might have to go and this is reassuring to me. holds me and makes sure I'm not passing out from the pain and the crazy heart beat. Love him he is the only one that can make me safe. That is so important to have.
If he is not with me. I'm scared

Hi all,

My partner and I have recently got together, he is a long time sufferer. Our relationship began right at the end of his CH season and I only witnessed one attack. We have been friends for a long time so I have known about his condition through a previous season, but only now are we close. After witnessing the attack before I had asked him if there was anything I could do for him during an attack to help or ease him, and he simply says nothing. I read here from sufferers that they feel comforted to be held or massaged, but he says any touch for him intensifies the pain. Also other supporters have mentioned bringing water or ice packs - I wonder whether because he has suffered alone for so long whether he is resistant to help or whether he genuinely would just love me to leave him alone until it's over. He suffers silently and motionless. I have never spent the night with him during a season so not sure what to expect from that. The beast is in remission now, not sure when the next season is due and also don't want to bring up the subject and remind him of this.

Any advice greatly received

hello
sorry to hear! i know when i have an attack i want to be left alone so this seems to be a common reaction! as long as he knows your there is the best thing! good luck and stay strong!

anthony g wrote on Dec 28^th, 2009 at 6:40am:

hello sorry to hear! i know when i have an attack i want to be left alone so this seems to be a common reaction! as long as he knows your there is the best thing! good luck and stay strong!

Thanks for your reply. I will just do all I can to continue life as normal and not let the CH affect our relationship. I know he tries his best to continue life as normal during the seasons, so I suppose I just have to go with do my best to make that happen. I just wish there was something I could do. I know all supporters and sufferers feel the same though.

Sammy99 wrote on Dec 28^th, 2009 at 4:10am:

He suffers silently and motionless.

You said previously that he's a long-time clusterhead.  The above really sounds as if he's dealt with it for quite some time. 

Many of us get less demonstrative as time goes on.  Old-timers tend to approach an attack (below a certain level, of course--severe attacks are a different animal altogether) as if it's a battle.  In order to "win", we need all our concentration and strength to endure the thing, pass through it, and minimize the effects.  It's very difficult. 

I think that's at least part of the reason many of us prefer--and must--be alone during an attack.  We cannot have the distraction of another person around, no matter how well-intended. 

But that's not all of it.  There's also a powerful revulsion in some of us to being touched during an attack (me included).  We can't tolerate it.  "Noli me tangere." 

It's by no means a universal reaction, but I suspect that he reacts in that way.

Sometimes the best thing a supporter can do is to understand what's going on, and provide what's needed when asked for it. 

I know that there's much more that most supporters would do if they could, but when he says that there's nothing you can do, there's really nothing you can do.  He knows what he needs to get past it.  He'll emerge from his "zone" and respond when he's able to do so.

It's tough to do nothing.  I know.

Thanks for caring so much for him.

All the best,

George 

Hello.  I have been with my fiancee', Dave, for 3 years now and have witnessed horrible, gut wrenching, tear jerking, nasuating times of his battle with the beast.  He is not quiet or still.  He has had ch since he was about 13 and just had his 40 birthday.  He went almost 2 years without one, and is at the end (hopefully) of a pretty bad session now.  He is having alot of what we call psyic headache, you know, you get ALL systoms: pressure, eyewatering, neck discomfort... without the psychotic demonic pain. Until last night he had 2, and as usual, went to work this morning. 

I, like everyone else on this site wish, beg and pled to be able to do something to help.  Just being there sounds so fake, but, apprently it is not.  Because, I hear that alot from Dave, he says, just being there for him helps alot. Sometimes I feel ashamed for just laying there when he is battling the worst pain a human can endure.  I feel so sorry for him, sometimes I just cry. 

I have read people talking about ice.  What do they do with it? Dave said he can't imagine holding ice on his head.  We are trying an icepack under his neck right now.  He has pressure and neck discomfort.  All suggestions will be appreciated. 

Loving my CH man
Carrie

I got one of those facial mask icepacks for Joe. I don't think he uses it while he's sucking on the O2 tank but afterwards for the hangover pain. He likes having it. As he's been reporting the last few days, he's trying RedBull for the first time with this cycle. It seems to help him alot too so I go get him that and set it on the table with his icepack. Then I leave the room. He doesn't want me to watch him and I don't want to be a nuisance.  But I'm within hearing range so if I hear him fumbling around I go back in to see what he needs.

What is the redbull for? 

Carrie wrote on Dec 30^th, 2009 at 4:48pm:

What is the redbull for?

Carrie, many CHeads get a good deal of relief from slamming a can of Red Bull at the immediate onset of a hit.  Can't hurt.

Do you know what the ice is for?  Do you put it on your neck? Face?  The doctors office today said to put it where it hurts, are you kidding?  His whole side of his head hurts.

AussieBrian wrote on Dec 30^th, 2009 at 7:04pm:

Carrie wrote on Dec 30th, 2009 at 4:48pm: What is the redbull for?  Carrie, many CHeads get a good deal of relief from slamming a can of Red Bull at the immediate onset of a hit.  Can't hurt.

Thanks for the advice, we will try anything at this point.

Carrie wrote on Dec 30^th, 2009 at 7:14pm:

Do you know what the ice is for?  Do you put it on your neck? Face?  The doctors office today said to put it where it hurts, are you kidding?  His whole side of his head hurts.

Sorry a bit slow getting back to you, Carrie. Many CHeads use an ice-pack directly on the side of their face, on the front, or at the back of the neck. (There's a saying around here, "Frozen peas are my friends".)

Others are horrified at the thought and use heat-packs just the same way. I personally use both at the same time switching them around every few minutes. Figure if I can't beat the bastage, I can confuse him enough he'll go.

I well remember hanging my head under the shower once turning the water from boiling hot to cold and back, accidently scalded my scalp and half my hair fell out. Didn't even realise until morning.

Cheers from down under,

B.

My best friend and mom are both CH sufferers. My friend has been chronic for six months with no relief. I want to help both of them, but i am seven hours away in college. It's terrifying because I never know what is happening from not only day to day but hour to hour. Sometimes I feel as if I should be at home to help them, but honestly I'm not sure if there is anything I could do for either of them. Right now I am my friend's outlet when venting. It is breaking my heart, but I can't even pretend to understand his pain and I am willing to be that outlet for him. I just don't know if there is anything more I can do. When things get really bad he shuts me out completely, and I think that is harder than his angry outbursts. My mom on the other hand regards me completely as her daughter, and tries to hide her pain from me. However, I somewhat know what she is going through because of my friend. I just want to help them, but I don't think there is anything I can do. Suggestions?

You're already doing a lot. Most of us just want to be left alone when we're getting hit. It's a very "intimate" time for us and we don't like peoiple to see it. Continue to read the board and learn as much as you can about CH and its treatments. Then compare it to what they are doing. Most docs know nothing about CH and it breaks my heart to see people needlessly suffering for years because their docs are clueless about all the treatments currently available to reduce the number and intensity of attacks.

Send them BOTH the link to this board, and encourage them to join. Or at the very least get them to just read the board and see how much is available to them.

Bless you for taking this step to help them. We love our supporters around here. [smiley=hug.gif]

Joe

Well first I would like to say "thank you" for this site. I am a supporter to my boyfriend of nearly 10 years and he has suffered with these terrible beasts for nearly all but two of them. We are both at are wits end and i find myself in tears thinking how can this be what life has in store for us?  He has tried so many medications and treatments and we both feels so hopeless. I am happy to read about the role of the supporter because there are nights I lie awake in bed listening to him pace the floors, rock in the chair, cry, get in and out of the shower, turn on and off the O2 etc and wonder...why can't i do anything for him?  I am a nurse  and I can take epidurals out of peoples spines, give highly controlled medications and save peoples lives but I can't help him? What is happening?  Lately he's been complaining of a "bee buzzing in his head" feeling. Does anyone know what this is? Is it just part of the clustering.....letting him know he's going to get one?  It goes on for days when he's clustering and the Dr.'s can't seem to expain it.  I feel so alone...I am so glad I found you!
Gmdanaher85@netzero.net

Carrie wrote on Dec 30^th, 2009 at 7:14pm:

Do you know what the ice is for?  Do you put it on your neck? Face?  The doctors office today said to put it where it hurts, are you kidding?  His whole side of his head hurts.

Carrie- I know that my boyfriend prefers hot on the back of his neck....very hot. He gets in and out of the shower and he puts a hot pack on the back of his neck when he's not in the shower...he prefers this instead of ice but everyone is different.

Go to the medications section and check out the post "123 pf days and I think I know why". It's a D-3, Magnesium, calcium, zinc and fish oil daily supplement regimen. Pennies a day, good for you even if you don't have CH and MANY on the board who try it are showing favorable results, including complete remission. No guarantees mind you, but cheap and worth a try.

Then review this link and make sure he's getting the maximum benefit from the 02:

START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

Bless your heart for being a supporter. If my wife hadn't googled the original CH streaming board I'd still be chewing aspirin and crying for 90-120 minutes at a time.

Joe

edited cuz i can't spell today!!!

Joe- Thank you for the information here...I will def. check this out. Were willing to try anything at this point. :'(

[quote author=6D46444C4E42270 link=1159993470/14#14 date=1204920426]
Study all you can about the condition....education is power.  He may not feel up to a lot of reading so it might be up to you.

Hi Jackie,
It has been up to me to read this important and helpful information on CH and I get frustrated that my husband does not take a more pro-active approach in researching his own condition.  I know it's because he doesn't feel like doing a lot of reading, but some days I don't either. 

Some days he won't take his medicine because when he keeps getting the CH's regardless and then he says the meds don't work (which is logical).  He hates pills and he hates going to the dr.  I have to get on his ass about both and it can be exhausting.  Today, my attitude is, "It's your head, it's up to you what you want to do about it."  I know this sounds ugly.  Today is not one of my best.

Some days I am strong enough to handle this and other days I'm not.  I know I need to be patient and that he is hurting beyond comprehension, but I'm also trying to help his brother who has stage 4 bladder cancer.  The combination of these two horrible medical conditions is almost more than I (or he) can bear some days.  Today I am feeling more frustrated than hopeful.  I know it's really "the beast" that I am mad at. 
Oh well, thanks for listening.  What doesn't kills us makes us stronger, right?

Any more advice is most welcome.

The only other advice is make sure the caregiver is getting sufficient care.  [smiley=hug.gif] That's a full plate you're running with. What doesn;t kill you DOES make you stronger but don't get killed in the process. Whether it's here on the supporters board, your church, inner family cirlce, close friends, make sure YOU have a leaning post too. ;)

Joe

sldrswyfe wrote on Jul 13^th, 2007 at 1:32pm:

It is such a blessing to have not only a compassionate supporter, but one that is secure enough to "back off" while you're in the ring...and not take it personally. My husband isn't physically here with me at the time...and hasn't been for awhile...but when he is he's a gem...and very loving and comforting after Im out of the ring. He holds me...covered with sweat and all...rocks me...and need not say a word...I can hear his heart. That he is kind enough to be quiet, and tell others if anyone happens to be around to also keep it down...is invaluable...he can deliver the information in a kind way...I would end up screaming at people during and hit...then have to deal with addional guilt afterward. I have said this before, but not to supporters...the sweetest times I remember is waking up on the floor where I defeated the demon, with my husband lying on the floor holding me...I can never thank him enough or express my deep gratitude.  That is truly how important you all are...

This is a lovely post  :)
A lot of people I have seen posting about cluster headaches say they want to be alone, but I find that my partner being there just to put a hand on my head or wipe it with a cold towel helps. When I have a bad attack when I am alone I will moan and groan and hit my head and take fast shallow breaths.  >:( but if he's there he tells me to relax and breathe deeply. It helps that someone is there to calm you down I think...even though sometimes I snap because I can't always breathe deeply and stay calm.  ::)

That's why, perhaps i am the opposite of most people where when the headache gets more intense I shout him to come and sit with me.  ;)

There is also a half way point too. I like my supporter to be around, making sure I've got my O2 going but just letting me get on with it. During the CH I don't want to be fussed but I don't want to be totally alone either.

What a great place...just got done reading all the posts.  My husband doesn't like doing research~~because he is dyslexic he finds reading and big medical terms hard to understand.  Some stuff I read on here I don't understand~~But I do relate with so many of you. Bob hates to be touched while fighting the battle. He like his o2 and peace and quite.  This last cycle after 2 1/2 years remission has been his worse by far, they came back with a bang.  Like other posters here I ask what I can do or get him then remain as quite as possible.  He has never moaned like he has in this cycle.  I went away to be with family for 3 days.  I was so worried about him it was hard to enjoy myself and I finally broke down in front of my family.  I know he is hurting and hurting bad but seeing him going through this is also hard on me.  Thanks for letting me let my feelings out.  I can't believe it's taken me so long to find this site.

Glad you found us.
There is a ton of helpful information on this site.  Read all you can...knowledge is power.
There are a lot of helpful people here and there is always someone around to help.
Welcome.... :)

suzycue5722 wrote on Jun 19^th, 2013 at 2:48pm:

Some stuff I read on here I don't understand

If there is stuff here you don't understand, just ask!

I cried reading the message by 'George.  I am sitting here in the dark living room by myself as not to upset the rest of the household.
Living with clusters and living without support is misery.  For me, each aspect compounds the other.  I am so very thankful for finding support here.  This is truly the best one out there.
As a sufferer, I made sure to provide a detailed history of my attacks and symptoms therein.  I utilized this site as well as others in an attempt to educate potential supporters.  I am sorry to say it was and is so far not working.  Feel blessed those of you like George who have loved ones being so understanding.  I shall continue my effort of education for those around me.  I realize it is very disturbing to watch a cluster attack but I could use all the support and kindness I can get.