Hi.  I'm Val.  I posted a few days back asking for preventative advice for migraines and clusters – got a few useful tips and thought a more appropriate intro to me was in order.
I am a 29yo woman living in South Bay Area CA - I've been a migraneur for ~5 years now, 5 progressively worse years… as of October 08, I now have been diagnosed with Cluster Headaches - much worse to bear than migraines.    I don't know how people do it for 20+ years!!!  I am a very self-reliant person – have been on my own since high school, working the whole time and the such.  It has been hard for me to admit that I need help here.  I guess I just jumped into my first post with the relevant info – what I need to know – instead of who I am and the such. ha  
I have been able to keep my job during the meantime, but I have missed a LOT of days - my supervisor understands I am there when I can be.  I do mostly financial analyst work on the computer a lot.  If I didn't have insurance right now I'd be in Tons of trouble - as it is I pay thousands per year out of pocket in medical expenses AFTER insurance!!!!!     My contract might be up at the end of July - we’re re-bidding it.  I might be so screwed and have been reading about the disability possibility for the moment if I’m out Aug 1; I’ve been missing at least 2-3 days a week lately and I know I can’t keep any other job like this.
I am in a committed relationship of 5 years now (knew him since before I was sick tho) and have seen how the constant illness has affected my partner.  He tries to be there for me, but I don’t know what to tell him when I’m hurting so bad and try to walk around in other rooms when he is home. He asks what he can do.  I have nothing to tell him but be patient with me.  He knows by now when I say I’m gonna die that it will all pass.
I have missed tons of school - I am working towards my BA - which I was supposed to get in May - maybe.  Depends on my head and I can’t finish right Now the way things are going.  Started working on it in 2002 - had my AA in 04, would have been done in 06 - had my HEAD not Ruined it all!!!  I am thinking I should withdraw from my classes right now.  As soon as I think things are almost there, I get a kick in the head.
The only trigger I have identified over the years is season/weather.  Alcohol doesn't even trigger my migraines/ clusters.  so strange...
For the first 6 months of my migraines I had only abdominal migraines.  Now I’ve got em all… w/ aura, CH, etc. I’ve been on Topamax and am now taking it with Amlodipine.  This week I tried Imitrex injections aborted the cluster in under 30 mins almost every time - made my jaw tight and clenched - a noted side effect of Imitrex.  And I’m not sleeping much any more this week - wake ~2am and can’t fall back. I am worried.  Makes me wonder if there is something out there that will help.?.  And I am tired of drugs. And I don't know how people do it for years on end, much less months on end.  A few weeks gets me down.  Bounce back when I can do things again, but WOW.
I am hopeful most of the time and know eventually I will find a neuro that will work with me - one that will work on different meds until one works (as much as I hate meds grumble grumble).  You all seem to be so helpful – I got a slew of suggestions last post – O2, Verapamil, Lithium.  I just want to say thanks - - THANKS for reading, for being out there, for replying when you have knowledge/ ideas that can/ might help!  
Val

Hi Val,  Drop by Cal OUCH, as I left you a reply, ok?
You are NOT alone.......now, let this gang help you on track so you can go on with LIFE-which is GOOD!
Plenty for your partner to read here, too, Val, please ask him to go read the supporters threads. I'm glad you have someone to be with you.everyone needs a supporter!
Hang tight, sleep well, and PF wishes!
Cathi

Hi Val,Welcome there is hope.

Iddy

Hey Val..

Reading your post has really given me a better insight on what you're going through and the type of person you are..

My respect and prayers go out to you.. And thanks for your response about the Scuba diving tank similarity, or lack thereof..

I'll pray as hard as I can for the beast to leave all of us alone.. on 1 condition.. that we don't all scatter away from this site, but rather rename it to: Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or coz this is one family that keeps me company while everyone else I know is sound asleep..

Val_ wrote on Apr 26^th, 2009 at 3:46pm: