Posted by Vince S. on June 04, 1999 at 15:32:12:
In Reply to: Margi Uncross:-) posted by Linda B on June 04, 1999 at 13:34:44:
Linda and Margi,
I couldn’t help being reminded (from your cross-postings on Linda’s son) about my own
experiences with my mother, who was a CH sufferer for many years. During my teens I used to
stay up with her at night and rub her neck and shoulders during some of her worst episodes. It
was because of my Mom that I first heard the term “cluster headache”, since she (like many of
us) had every test in the world, and because of her symptoms and negative test results was
diagnosed. Much less was known about CH back then, so they didn’t even have a prescription to
put her on at the time. One of my most enduring memories was a night when I held onto her
shoulders while she was rocking back and forth and weeping, silently asking God “please take
them from her and give them to ME!” I just couldn’t bear to see her suffer like that. Well, I
don’t have to tell you what happened. At age 24, my own CH journey began. And remarkably,
hers ended. Although she’s had brief episodes lasting only a day or two, and usually associated
with sinus or allergies, Mom’s headaches went away forever. And mine......well.......I’ve had 60
to 90-day visits from the Cluster Monster since 1985, with sometimes as long as two-year
remissions. While many of you may be thinking to yourself “be careful what you wish for” ...or
in my case, pray for.....I still have no regrets. While common sense tells me that I inherited the
condition genetically from my mother, and the disappearance of her headaches was the natural
occurrence of aging, I still believe God heard my prayer, and responded accordingly. No matter
how bad my headaches become, I’m still glad it’s me, and not any other member of my family.
I sure as hell hope I don’t pass the same torch to one of my children that my mother passed to
me. Linda, my empathy and support go out to both you and your son. And Margi.....you’re a
beacon of compassion for us all!