Hi all!

I'm mostly here because its 2:30 in the morning and I can't sleep (not due to the headache (it is gone), but the caffeine in the medicine). 

Unlike many people here, I am brand new to the whole Cluster Headache thing.  On Thursday of last week I got the worst headache of my life, what was weird about it was that it was only on the left side my head (right behind my eye) and my eye started to leak water and my nose stuffed up.  It was so ridiculous that I was concerned that I had a tumor or something.  I went to the emergency room and was immediately diagnosed with a cluster headache and given imatrex (sp?) and ibuprofen.  That did nothing, so they gave me oxygen, when was practically instantaneous in its curative properties.  In the 7 days since, I have had 5 more attacks.  I am currently just taking Excedrin Migraine and dealing with the pain.

Because I am in the Navy, I have access to good medical care and a neurologist, however, research tell me that a diagnosis of Cluster Headaches can result with me being separated from the military.  After 16 years of service, the idea of losing my career and pension are... scary.  I have not yet decided what to do, but I am certain that I can not take this for much longer.  I have no idea how long the cycle is going to last for me.

Other than the first attack, all of my headaches have come while I am asleep.  This is good, because I can manage my day but now I am now afraid to go back to sleep.  Right now I have hours until I have to get up but I am scared that if I go back to sleep I am going to get another one and I have already used a whole days dosage of Acetaminophen and Aspirin.

Anyways... that me.

Welcome readrin,

You must get a confirmed diagnosis from a qualified Primary Headache Specialist, to ensure you have a correct diagnosis and therefore the correct treatment programme.

There are many headache conditions and some mimic the symptoms of others, so diagnosis requires specialist skills.

Admittedly, the effectiveness of the Oxygen would support a diagnosis of Cluster Headache, but it is best to be sure.

Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on.

Best,

Peter.

Hi readrin,
Sorry to hear about your headaches, they sound terrible.
It does sound like they might be Cluster Headaches. If you have been properly diagnosed as suffering from Cluster Headaches, try not to despair as there are things you can do/take to help live with the beast and maybe even become Pain Free -PF-
I wouldn't rush informing your employer if I were you if it means that you could loose your job and pension.
If you have been properly diagnosed with CH, please let us know and we can have a look at your options.
I suffer from episodic CH, but have now been pain free for nearly 4 years thanks to solutions found here that a member has come up with after much research and experience.
There are a few different ways that work so hang around and ask questions. I and many others will be happy to help and pass on what we got from the help of others.
If you have already been properly diagnosed, I am afraid that Acetaminophen, Aspirin and Ibuprofen are not going to touch the headaches. For a start, you could try to get yourself some Oxygen with a non-rebreather mask to abort the attacks. You will need at least 15 litres/min at the first sign of an attack. For more info on O2, click on the yellow tab on the left of your screen "oxygen info".
All the best

Hi readrin
What kind of imitrex did you get.  The pills are useless as they take too long to take effect.  The nasal spray is better, but the auto injections are by far the best - killing off a big one in 5 - 7 minutes.

If you have some other form of headache syndrome the imitrex won't work.  There are many other "headaches" with very similar symptoms, so it's difficult to diagnose, and they all respond to different meds,  so trial and error with the meds is often the only way.

Read up on the vitamin D3 regimen which has helped so many of us.  Send a PM to  Batch - it's creator.  He'll explain it and tell you what you need.

Once you are sure you have the correct meds, it's easier to handle, and there are many people here who have enjoyed long military careers while battling the beast.

Thank You for your service!

Uncontrolled CH can end a career also. The guys are right. We have to know it's CH for sure. CH is so rare that few Dr's or Neuro's understand the best treatments. Be prepared for that.

Don

Hey Michael,

Welcome aboard shipmate. We know what you're going through and the good news is it doesn't need to be that way.

You should have my email by now so let me know if you have any questions.

I'm well aware of the BUMED directive on cluster headache so we need to send the CH beast running ASAP and keep it away like it never happened.  This is very doable.

Keep your power dry until it's needed.  We'll splice the mainbrace when the battle is over and you've declared victory.

Take care, thank you for your Service and please keep us posted.

V/R, Batch