Posted by LARRY ATKINSON (216.145.146.161) on August 27, 2000 at 17:29:59:
In Reply to: Re: CLUSTER HEADACHES posted by Mike VanBuskirk on September 22, 1998 at 21:20:33:
I've had cluster headaches since October, 1969.
The reason I remember when is that I was in the
Marine Corps. I was in ITR and the headaches
started the day after I was in the gas chamber.
MC veterans will know what I mean! It took me
15 years to get them diagnosed correctly!
Over the years I've used every drug and did every-
thing known to Medical Science. Currently I take
480mg of Verapamil a day. And I have a DR. who
will give me pain meds as needed. This has been
a great help for the feelings in-between attacks.
The depression and anticipation was weighing on
me and my family.
Unless you suffer from chronic cluster headaches,
you can't imagine the hell a person goes through.
If it wasn't for a great wife, I'ld be dead now.
People who aren't famaliar with this type of
headache just can't imagine what it's like to be
in that much pain. And that is frustrating when
trying to explain why a person responds to things
the way you HAVE TOO.
Anyone who reads this is welcome to respond and
keep fighting it! You are not alone! I found
that Faith and one other person who understands
can help a lot.