Posted by Jamy (216.161.92.221) on October 06, 1999 at 14:46:18:
Three neurologists, four doctors and finally a trip to Baltimore to get diagnosed with a disorder that has no known cause, no exact cure, a gazillion possible medications and no end in sight, is not what I thought I would be doing at this point in my life. When the diagnoses was made, my ex got on the internet and found this sight for me. I made a few contributions in the beginning, then slacked off and then came back with, what I call, "The Magnet Mess". Now it is the, "Do you really belong here and if you don't, GET OUT, saga". I understand like being with like, but you never know where new information can come from. As far as I'm concerned, anybody who can offer anything in anyway is welcome. This is not a closed society of elitist pain sufferers. I was at a water aerobics class, no jokes please, when I was struck blind by my head. No warning. I am an excellent swimmer and was able to make it to the side of the pool and just burst out in tears. I managed to get out of the pool, sit on a bench and feel like I wanted to die. The instructor and lifeguard both came over to ask me what was the matter. I told them I suffer from cluster headaches. The instructor said, and I know we all have gone through this, "Oh, something like migraines". How we refrain from hitting half the known world is a wonder. The lifegaurd came to my rescue and said he has friends who have migraines and he has never seen anything like this and doesn't think there's a comparison. Duh. The pool is in a hospital and I was taken to the er and fixed with the ever helpful demerol. An hour later a rebound, toradol and demerol, then toradol and finally peace. The lifeguard was stunned. I suggested he come to this site on the web if he cared to learn more. I have made this suggestion often. I know my mother looks in from time to time and does not post, but reads. I want as many people as I can to at least look here and gain any amount of information as to WHAT THIS IS. The immediate world really does not have a clue as to the utter debilitation connected to this our nemesis and I welcome all to learn. Now I'm done. Jamy