Hi Aura,

I think you should count yourself luck that you've bumped into people that thought you worthy of the effort.  Some aren't so lucky.

Having said that, it sounds like you haven't found a good treatment plan yet.  I searched through your posts but didn't find much in treatment history to go on.

If you can find an effective way of dealing with them then you won't have to suffer the questions and prodding of those around you.  It'll just become background noise to the rest of your life.

For me, Oxygen therapy has been a life saver.  In fact I haven't used a preventative in my last two cycles.  Just Oxygen and the occasional jab of Imitrex.  Everyone around me knows what I'm doing when they hear the hiss of the O2 tank.  We all go back to living when they hear it shut off.

Basically, it has become "no big deal" in their eyes.

-Dennis-

Well said Debbie. Welcome to the supporter's board!

For me week two and three can be the worst. Sorry you had to find us this way. But  Welcome and my thoughts go to both of you. I can't even imagine what it would be like to witness an attack on  a loved one.  I think I got it easy being a sufferer.
Jrcox

PFDAN

Hi Aura
Quote:

like Dennis said.

We have the reputations for people not sticking it through.  All you can do is be who you are, and when life is better and you feel better, give a little extra love and care to your partner (and children if you have any).

Quote:

Debbie is right and you Debbie, hang in there Girl, you are a good supporter.  Don't worry too much about what you think he feels and what you should or should not say.  Normality is the key.  When he comes out from a session the last thing he wants is for you to feel guilty because you do not have his symptoms or pain.

Hugs to both of you
Jazz

Angela,

I used to take melatonin when I travelled a long distance between time zones.  Knocked me on my butt for some much needed sleep. I would only take like 2mg. I see on here some CHrs are taking 7, 8 and 9mgs!!  Seems like he would benefit from 8hrs of uninterrupted sleep.  Has anyone had rebound headaches or stronger than normal ones after sleeping for 8 hrs?? I will ask if it might give him at least one good night sleep... Doesn't seem right that he has to go through this thinking all the meds and O2 that he uses is the best he can do... I am learning alot from everyone. Thank You.  HUGE help...

Debbie

Katlin,

You are right. I would rather have him... headaches and all... than not have him at all. He is very honest with me about the pain and frustration he feels. We are seeing alot less of eachother durring this cycle. He prefers to be alone when he has headaches. It took me a bit to understand it all. I am getting a good handle on it. He and I talk about how we both feel. He knows it hurts me to see him in pain.  I know he is frustrated and depressed and pissed off. I would have a million holes in my walls (and a broken hand) if I had to endure what he endures. This is week 3... he says all the years of having headaches it lasts 4 weeks... I am praying for the week to fly by and he can finally get that much needed sleep...

Hang tough,

Debbie

Hi aura,
Actually I want to tell my story connected with that topic. I think that when they care, then it is one of the best things that happens.

When I had my first cycle (last winter/spring) I was in a relationship and my boyfriend was not able to handle this. He was no help at all and left me due to the illness.

But everytime when somebody says "what should I do during your hit?" I say that he or she should leave.
Right now it is hypothetical, as I am in glorious remission.

Honestly, it has never occurred to me to mention my headaches to anyone I meet.  It is way down on the list of things that are important about me.  However, I am a 25 year episodic sufferer...if I were chronic, it might be a different story!  I can't imagine that and feel very lucky.

Welcome Sam - it is great your CH Sufferer and you are on this site. Look around - read what you can - and post to us when you have questions, want to say hi, or if we can help!

Linda_Howell wrote on Jan 13^th, 2010 at 4:07pm:


I've been a supporter for almost nineteen years.  We went through hell before he was diagnosed - I was pregnant with our first child and thought he was going to die of a brain tumor and my child would never know his father.  It was actually a relief to find out it was "just" CH.

Leaving him because of CH has never, ever, entered my mind.  It's no picnic for me watching him suffer, but I'm no picnic going through menopause, either - it all evens out.  The vows we took said "In sickness and health, for better or worse."  I mean it just as much today as I did 27 years ago.

I just want you to know there are people out there who stick.  Who take it in stride and play the hand we're dealt. 

Best of luck to all of you who are still looking.

[i][b]well ive been with my bf for a little over a yr. he never mentioned cluster headaches.. bc he wasnt diagnosed till after we started dating.. weve come across a problem.. he doesnt like to go out.. i mean at all.. leave it to him we would stay inside everyday.. is this common for cluster headache sufferers??? [/i][/b]

My boyfriend and I have been dating for almost 3 years, but am going through the cycle with him for the first time in our relationship, right now. He always told me about his CH, but I didn't really understand what they were or how he would react until now. He had actually thought he had beaten them because he hasn't had an episode in over 5 years (he's in his mid-40s).

Last Wednesday, the headaches started in the middle of the night. I felt him get up a few times, but wasn't aware when he came back to bed. I didn't know until the next morning what was going on. He was able to get in with his GP (he's on an HMO) and get a prescription for Imitrex shots (since he didn't have a current one -- 5 years, remember). He found out that his insurance would only cover 2 shots/MONTH! He used both of them on Friday and then didn't have any more. When he got a horrible one on Friday nite, I just felt so helpless -- he was SOBBING and yelling in the other room. I just started to cry.

I, like many supporters, began reading everything I could on the internet (including the boards, here). It was a way to help calm me down and make me feel like I had a little control (even though I know I don't really have any). I went to the store and bought some 10mg Melatonin. When the hit subsided an hour or so later, I told him what I had read about Melatonin and he took the 10mg pill. He had no more headaches for 2.5 more days! He was taking 10mg melatonin each nite before bed.

Unfortunately, the headaches are back with a vengeance. We are now spending $160/day on shots (since the insurance won't cover any more). His GP won't prescribe Oxygen (or, at this point, even return his calls!) and I've BEGGED him to see a neuro. I even found an "expert in the field" who is taking new patients. But, he's really stubborn and says the doc probably isn't even on his insurance and refuses to call.

It breaks my heart to see him in so much pain. I would do ANYTHING to make him feel better or help him. But, short of just rubbing his shoulders and "being there," I'm not sure what else to do. I'm not sleeping well because I'm so worried he's going to have a hit and when he does, I don't know what to do.

I know he has the worst of this equation, but it's awful to see someone you love so much hurting so much.