Posted by georgia on March 29, 1999 at 10:51:28:
I was diagnosed with cluster headaches last Friday, although I have been suffering from what I thought was my normal migraines gone crazy (or maybe a tumor) since December. My neurologist immediately started me on Prednisone, Calan, and Maxalt (Rizatriptan). By Sunday, the pain was so bad, I was seriously suicidal. I ended up in the ER, with three shots of Demoral. The Dr. said it was a combo migraine/cluster headache that was possibly brought on by the Calan. So, I was then given Sansert. I had an allergic reaction to that as well. I have missed three days of work in the past week and am about ready to give up. These damn cluster headaches are taking over my life. None of the pain killers work and the medicines seem to make me worse. I worry about going hiking or shopping or to a movie or anything for fear that one will strike and I'll be trapped in public in screaming pain. I am tired of crying every morning waiting for the pain to start. I've forgotten what it's like to live without pain or constant fear of pain. I'm having 5-6 headaches a day, each lasting from 2-3 hrs. If anyone out there could just give me some guidance and support, I would be most appreciative. Everyone in my life seems to think that if I just lay down for 15 minutes, or take an aspirin, my pain will go away. My e-mail address is gczechow@ps.fmcc.suny.edu
Please e-mail me with any advice or empathetic words you may have. Thank you.