Posted by Margi (161.184.81.207) on October 27, 2000 at 10:45:28:
In Reply to: My dad posted by Kira on October 27, 2000 at 09:05:45:
I'm a supporter too. My husband has had clusterheadaches for 20+ years and I've been there for 15 of those years, so I know what it's like to watch someone you love go through this pain and you feel so totally helpless to make it stop.
My best advice to you is to ask your dad, when he's not having an attack, what HE needs you to be doing the next time he gets hit.
Mike, my husband, uses ice and oxygen to battle his attacks and I make sure we've always got at least three ice bags in the freezer at the ready. It seems a lot of clusterheads prefer to be alone during their attacks but I always stay within earshot just in case. That way, I'm close enough to get him something if he needs it (pain pills, water, whatever) but I'm not there bothering him when he doesn't want it.
It's very hard, I know, but sometimes the best thing you can do for your dad is to do nothing. Yes, sometimes you feel angry, and sometimes you feel scared but just know that these attacks will end and your dad will be ok. Sometimes, because I know how long Mike's attacks usually last, I'll watch the clock and let him know that he's only got 20 minutes to go, 10 minutes, almost done and that seems to help him cope.
If you ever need to talk, please feel free to email me at moxie_miss@hotmail.com. I completely understand how hard your job is, Kira.
:)
Margi