Hello you beautiful people!!   My name is Nathan, Im 27. Its so nice to know that there are others who can relate to what I go through with my headaches.  It seems like whenever I try to explain why I didnt get any sleep the night before, or why I can't go out for a few beers with my friends, people just don't understand.  It's not their fault.  They just assume that these "headaches" are the same thing they get, and I should be able to pop a couple pills and be fine.  But as you all know...  its just not that easy. 

I've been suffering from CH for a little less than 10 years.  It took me awhile to realize the pattern, and that alcohol was a trigger.  But once I did, I started to do a little research and found out that what I was getting is indeed clusters.  In the past, my cycles would only last for a week and maybe a couple more days.  I would usually  get woken up by it just once during a cycle, and other than that, would only get one if I drank alcohol.  The cycle would pass, and it would be out of sight, out of mind until it happened again.  My most recent cycle though has woken me up around 1am on 4 different occasions, and one of those headaches was the worst one Ive ever had.  I woke up at 1am, and preceeded to pace, squeeze my temples, mash my right eye in with my palm... all the usual things I do until about 4:30.   Getting up for work at 6 was not fun, and it felt like my brain was bruised.  3 or 4 days later, I figured my cycle was over, so I decided to crack a beer and watch the World Series game.  Just as I finished it...  shadow time.   That headache lasted from about 6pm till darn near 10.  I couldn't even focus on the game, and the next day, when I was looking back on the evening, I realized it was a complete blur.   

Im guess thats what finally kicked me in the butt and got me on the computer to look into this more.  Id like to get to the doctor tomorrow on my day off, but I have alot going on already, so hopefully I can make in next week.  In my online searching, I found this site, and Im very glad.  I look forward to learning from and sharing with all of you!

Welcome Nathan,

I have had clusters for 25 years and the first few years mine were sporadic, also.  My cycle has been finished for over a month now and I am still afraid to have a glass of wine yet...alcohol is an enemy for sure!  You do need to get a headache doctor as I don't think you mentioned that.  Check out the medical info and anything that Bob posts on here.  He will probably write to you soon.  Print out the info and take to your doctor. 

You will find much info and support here!  Good luck!
Joni

Nat,

Try to think about like this, you didnt find us, WE FOUND YOU!!!

You know it must be one hell of a headache to have ya looking on the computer for someone who might understand it.

Here is where i focas on not how bad they hurt, But to understand it completely and learn every knook and crany of these clusters.

It is ok to vent here, but be ready to learn how to kick beast ass at the same time, and then share what you know.

                             Peace... Coach Bill