Posted by Debra on August 26, 1998 at 14:15:06:
In Reply to: The threat posted by Dan on August 26, 1998 at 13:13:38:
Dear Dan:
Sorry to hear you have joined the "club" of us cluster people. As I have had this condition most of my life (almost 30 years now, started when I was a 10th grader in high school, maybe what I have to say may help. It would be easy to let this disease get one down, and belive me I have been there! A person with this affliction learns to be tough if they aren't already. The best thing you can do is keep doing the things you normally do, even when you're fighting the battle against the headaches. (omitting any negatives). My pattern is for the HA to hit me 1 hour after getting up in the morning. I think knowing that I had to get to work inspite of it, helped me to cope with it. How many times I would drive to work with one eye watering! But by the time, I got there, the headache was on its way out and the driving took my mind off some of the pain. My employer understod my problem, and if I was late, was very understanding. If a headache hit in the day, I just went into the conference room and closed the door. I;m currently in the 6th week of a cycle and I havent's missed any work, just late a few times. Sometimes, I'd be shopping and would have to go sit in my car until it passed. I used to take Tylenol w/Codeine for pain but didn't like the low after the high. I tried Stadol only once and could'nt even keep my head up. If you are taking Stadol, I can see why you are withdrawn. Try not too. You can read my reply to "AM I the Only One?" on 8/25 if you wish. I've lead a pretty normal life, brought 4 children into the world, started my own business, built a house with my own hands ( and my husband's too), traveled to Europe and had to deal with cluster headaches while I was there! You will learn to be tough. Knowing alot of other people have the same problem, perhaps will help you. I know this web site is the best thing that has happened to me in a long time! I guess little dose of mind over matter can help, along with medicines. So,
tell yourself I CAN, and you will. There's a better days ahead...keep that in mind. Best Wishes
P.S. It is my experience that the lingering pain doesn't mean another HA is on it's way. I have that alot, especially after a real violent attack. Usually Extra Strength Excedrin with caffeine with take care of that.