Just found out about these cluster headaches the other day, and I've had these spells of headaches for a few years now. I'm 28. Didn't really pay much attention to them, and pretty much was told oh.. they're just migraines. But recently, I have really been focusing on what happens to me when I start getting these headaches. I can feel them coming on, almost immediately start sweating when it comes on, 5 mins tops and it's full blown. Sometimes last 15 mins, sometimes 3 hours. And every single day at 2:30pm, boom headache.. without question.  Some days that is the only one I'd get, some days 6:30, then around 9 or so at night. I was visiting my mother the other day at the hospital, and one came on. I was down on my knees praying the pain would release... and to much of my dismay 4 hours of excruciating pain later.. it finally did. I haven't been diagnosed with CH yet, but from the reading I've done, the symptoms are there. Always on my right side, right behind the eye like a hot poker jammed in there and just burning the inside of my head. Runny nose, droopy red eye.  Well I have a Dr. appt. this morning, gonna run it by him and see what his opinion is on it. I've taken Maxalt in the past for migraines, but I've noticed that pills don't do anything for me when I have these headaches.. doesn't matter if I take them or not.. sometimes I take them in hopes it does help. I just hope that it is CH, I know it sounds weird to hope that, but at least I can get some treatment for them, and get through some days a bit better, might help just to know what it is rather than not knowing that something is wrong with me. Well .. today I only had 2 hits from whatever it is I have.. hoping to have a better day today. I have some more reading to do before going to the Dr.

Welcome, Altma! I'm sorry you NEED Clusterville, but so glad you found us!
I'm happy to hear you have a Drs appt, and you are taking literature. Often times, CH'rs have more knowledge of the affliction than their Drs!
You will find Clusterville a great resource for you. Lots of people who have lots of knowledge, after years of dealing. Now their knowledge is available to you, as well.
This place is open 24/7, so feel free to drop in anytime, day or night, for support, help or just plain companionship.
PLEASE let us know how your appt goes, and ask any questions. We'll leave the light on!
Big Hugs for you, Altma!
Cathi  

here is some light reading for ya.
START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE
Check out the links on the Cal-Ouch.org, visitors thread.
START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE
I hate it for ya. I noticed you get hit right after lunch. Dont relax after eating. Try to keep the blood flowing and stay active. Get some caffeine in you at the onset of a HA. Energy drinks work wonders as well.
all the best :)
thebb

Thanks for the great welcome.. yeah.. I actually just got hit a little after my appt. My Dr. said he's seen cases of CH's, so he's got little reason to believe it's anything but CH. So he's going to start treating is as that. I've found a lot information since I signed up here. Got myself a 8 pack of monster chillin in the fridge gonna try that later... I only assume my regular hit will be just around the corner.. *sigh*... at any rate. I'll be around, and at least hopefully I'll start getting some relief.. *SOME*...

Hi Altma,

Welcome to Clusterville!   Sorry you have to be here.  I hope the beast leaves you soon.  

Take care,

Jeannie

hi to all you suffering from this bane in our lives called cluster headaches.
my name is richard and i've been suffering from these painful things for a good 25 years and until recently i found out what they are.
i suppose reading some other suffers stories that i slightly more lucky, in that i only get them once a year and  lasts for a month, but thats no comfort to my partner as she feels useless when i have my attacks.
i had a real bad attack at a friends wedding, which i feel even worse because i felt that i spoilt their day, and what makes it worse is that because i normally get these hideous things through the night my daughter has never seen me curled up in a dark room hitting the floor in pain, until saturday when she ran out the room  crying as she thought i was dying. one day we all have a release from our suffering and get a good night sleep until then my thoughts or with every single sufferer and their familys. well i have another three weeks to go until they stop, sounds like i'm wishing my life away but thats the way it is. good luck to you all

Welcome, both of you.

As the saying here goes: sorry you found us, glad you're in pain.
No, just kidding.
This is the one:
glad ya found us, sorry you're in pain.

Anyway, both, you'll find here a small village of eccentrics who'll be happy to share their knowledge and lend an ear when needed.

Feel at home soon you guys!

Painfree vibes from the Netherlands.