Posted by R Holden (165.69.2.244) on June 12, 2000 at 10:11:38:
I am not a sufferer, but I am suffering nevertheless. I discovered this site tonight and it has left me feeling more helpless than ever. My (32-year-old) wife has been diagnosed with cluster headaches. Until I read your description of the symptoms I was hopeful there was another (curable) cause - but she is clearly a classic chronic sufferer. She began experiencing these excruciating attacks at all times of the day and night eight months ago - three months into her first pregnancy. Prior to this I can't remember her ever suffering a headache of any significance. All the medical experts could tell her was it was hormonal and recommended she take Panadol (paracetamol) when required. She wouldn't take it as often as she needed because she feared its affect on our baby. She was hospitalised last November and a neurologist conducted a CT scan. It was him who put a name to this pain. Our daughter is now two months old and the symptoms are as severe as ever. They are affecting my wife's ability to enjoy our beautiful child. The accompanying depression is frightening. We have tried everything - physiotherapy, a chiropractor, acupuncture, aromatherapy but nothing works. Our GP has now referred her to another neurologist for further tests, but your Website tends to suggest the only hope is a lifetime of chemical assistance. Until tonight we were not even aware there were any medications which might assist. Is there any alternative to medication? Neither of us smoke, nor drink excessively and are both otherwise, fit, active, sporting, professional people.
R Holden
South Australia