Hello everyone!
I am so glad I found you. My husband started experiencing headaches just over 3 weeks ago. He told me about them after the first 2 nights when he woke up with severe headaches and we thought it was simply stress at work. The next 2 nights he woke me up (once on purpose and once by accident) and I wanted him to go to the ER, but he is stubborn, so he didn't. After the 4th night I played internet doctor (which I hate to do because you end up scaring yourself with all kinds of craziness) and the only thing I found that really seemed likely was CH. I started to journal his headaches, which increased in frequency and we went to the clinic. My husband had not been to a doctor in years. He was referred to a neurologist and got a CT scan. After about 5 minutes of questioning from the neuro she said "I know what you have - cluster headaches". He said, yeah that's what I thought. I was amazed because after what I had read I was so worried he would not get diagnosed quickly. She's sending him for an MRI just to make sure there's nothing hiding but she is confident that it's CH, so he got a prescription for Zomig & Verap - she also wanted to give him pred but hubby didn't like the sound of the side effects so he nixed that and she did not force him which I think is great.
So...it's a weird situation. I am happy that it's not a brain tumor but I was still hoping for "it's just a really bad sinus infection, take these pills and you'l be fine in a week". I have seen some of his really bad headaches but he says I have not seen the worst and he doesn't want me to. I have been reading lots on the message boards and learning a lot and although my hubby is not the type to post anything or read any of this he has encouraged me to so that I can give him any info I find, or share stories or whatever. He also wants me to be able to talk to other people that are supporters for my sake, because even through all he is going through he wants to make sure I am OK - how wonderful is he?
Anyway, at least through all this I know I can come here and so far it's been a big help to me, and hopefully I can help him any way I can (and let's face it, not much I can do at all). Thanks for letting me have a place to get this all out!

Kit wrote on Oct 5^th, 2008 at 9:31am:

Far be it from me to tell a first-time poster, and a supportor, that she's wrong but here goes.

Kit, you're wrong.

Not much you can do at all?  Lady, you've already done so much and all of it right! You accepted his situation, sought information, agreed with his decisions and maintained poise and control under what can be very trying circumstances.

You're welcome around my beer-fridge any day of the week.

Hi Kit,

I'm married to a cluster head too....for a long time.

You're doing just fine, Sweetie....stay after it.

The more you learn about the condition the more you'll be able to help hubby.  Knowledge is power or read, read and then read some more.

Hang around and ask question, vent, visit, cuss and discuss, etc.  There's always someone around to help.

Welcome & Big hugs...
Jackie

Sorry Cathi.  I didn't mean too, honest.

Hugs   

Jen

Jen, seee the smiley kiss? I am thrilled that you chimed in when you did!

Welcome to the board Kit.  Your hubby is lucky to have you in his corner.

Hello everyone...I just want to vent and I figured I would just continue where I originally posted...
Chris had been PF for over a week, then we had a crazy weekend, a very good friend of ours has bi-polar disorder and had a psychotic episode this weekend, leading hubby to only sleep about 2 hours on Saturday, followed by phone calls & hospital visits etc.. on Sunday & Monday (can't say what's worse, CH or bi-polar disorder, now that I have seen first hand what both can do to a loved one).
Anyway, hubby admitted to me that since sunday he has experienced some low kip very brief headaches and a few shadows. DAMN!
We were getting hopeful that his cycle was over. I know it was probably lack of sleep & stress that aggrivated the situation, but DAMN!
Try to explain to Chris (who is super loyal to his friends and family) to get his rest when one of his friends is in need, forget it. He even said he would gladly suffer from CH if it would mean our friend would be okay (God, I really love this man).
Anyway, so I guess it's not over, I will just keep my fingers crossed that he will not get any worse ones and maybe it will really be over soon. 

Kit wrote on Oct 6^th, 2008 at 7:06am:
Welcome Kit and thanks for being a supporter.  My wife does not come on here, but she is a huge supporter.  She just doesn't like the internet unless she is buying something, go figure, LOL!   As for the smoking, definitely quit.  I have been smoke free for 3 years and I will have to say that my cycles have shortened, the frequency has shortened, the intensity has gone down, and I have not had a sinus infection or bronchitis since.  It will do you both good especially Chris since smoking is a HUGE trigger.  I wish you and Chris the best
and wish him many PF days ahead.

Chad

Coco...
You, my dear, are a GREAT supporter.  A lot about dealing, for both sufferer and supporter, is attitude.  You and hubby both have it nailed.

Wishing you both well.

Thanks for sharing.

Jackie

all you supporters should take a bow.
you all have it down, you take our crap,make the coffee,fill the o2, and fight everything when we can't. it has been said that chronic ch are the toughest i might suggest the supporter of a chronic is pretty tough too.