Posted by Gordon on November 03, 1998 at 16:30:48:
I'm a 43 year old male, and have been a clusterhead for 20 years.
I'm episodic, and the clusters come every 12-20 months and last
six weeks. This site is wonderful, I always felt alone, and
that nobody could understand what I go through. After reading
some of these comments, it's validates mine, and assures me
that I am not alone. Thank you all.
My current episode started on Oct 30th, 19 months since my last
one, which lasted six weeks to the day. My current MD is very
good and supportive, he has helped me through these for the
last 12 years, so he has more than a basic background in Clusters.
We have tried all the tricks and some work for a while, and
some don't. The last episode ended with painkillers and prednisone
(steroids), but it was manageable near the end. This time it's different.
In February of this year, a friend told me about a TENS unit.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator, and told me it was
effective for Headaches. Although I was cluster free at the time
I jumped on it, because I knew the monster would be back, and here it is.
In laymans terms, the TENS unit locates nerve cluster around the
affected area (left forehead and eyebrow), then with a push of
the trigger it sends an electrical signal down the nerves to the brain,
and blocks the pain, similar to what the narcotics do, but without
the associated problems, last time I was taking methadone like candy.
With this episode, I started a steriod burst, naproxen, vicodin and
the TENS unit. Although it has only been 5 days, the pain hasn't been
debilitating. My left eye is drooping, and I can feel it, but I still
have a life.
Since the pain from cluster doesn't signal any worse underlying
condition, the TENS unit may be the answer.
You can search the web for this device, but it's doesn't tell all that
can be said, if you have any questions, maybe I can help.
Good luck.
Gordon