Posted by Margi on May 19, 1999 at 22:13:42:
In Reply to: Spouse of a CH Sufferer posted by Cathie on May 19, 1999 at 20:38:20:
Oh, Cathie, I hear ya....
My husband has suffered for 20+ years and I've been here for 13 of those years. At first, I dragged him to every doctor I could find but have now surmised that we have found more help right here on the board. We have had big success with the water treatment (do a seach of Water on the button above, read the one called READ THIS!!! for details), inhaling pure oxygen at the onset of an attack, ice bags to the back of his neck or right on his face, and gravol/dramamine to prevent the middle of the night attacks. I know so well what you mean when you feel bad that you don't get up with him in the night. Buddy is so right, you have to ask HIM to tell you what HE wants. My husband will wake me if he needs me but he is more comfortable alone. He meditates if he can to try and "think through the pain" and I would only interfere in that process. He will come and get me if he needs me. I have had to come to terms with that and trust him to tell me what he needs. Every CH sufferer is different and what works for us may not work for you. The one solace I have found is right here on this board. There are VERY caring people here and I've been made to feel very welcome in my role as supporter. You will find so much helpful information here, some possible treatments but most of all moral support for both of you. I have felt at times that I am invading this group because I have never felt their pain but I have lately come to realize that we supporters ARE welcome here. One wife, Pat was her name, put it very well. "When he has a cluster in his head, I have one in my heart". I'm sure you can relate to that.
Hanging in there with you, girl,
Margi
p.s. please feel free to e-mail me directly if you ever need a shoulder.