Author |
Topic: 'Ello! (Read 665 times) |
|
Spartan1128
New Board Newbie
Wolf Knight
 
Gender: 
Posts: 19
|
Hi all!
My name is Davis. I've been told quite a lot about this place... A very, very dear friend of mine (Raikana) has been on here as support for me. I am 17 years old and I currently suffer from (what I believe almost 100% to be) cluster headaches. They only seem to happen between November-ish to June-ish. They usually happen every morning between 8:00 and 10:30 ish. This is my third year having them. The past two years were not very painful at all. But this year they have been VERY painful. They occur just barely above my left eye. It's a sharp stabbing pain coupled with a dull ache. I'm usually incapacitated while they are happening... This year they've lasted for about 2 hours.
Anyways, I look forward to getting to know everyone!
|
| « Last Edit: Nov 11th, 2007, 7:22pm by Spartan1128 » |
 IP Logged |
"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."
|
|
|
Raikana
New Board Newbie
Gender: 
Posts: 17
|
 |
Re: 'Ello!
« Reply #1 on: Nov 11th, 2007, 7:22pm » |
 Quote  Modify
|
-_- As people will come to learn, he doesn't use specific terms very well. Allow me to clarify. ^_^
For the last two cycles hits would come every two or three days, not getting up above 5Kip, from what he's told me. They also lasted only 15 - 30 minutes. He's been calling them migraines, and his doctor thinks they may possibly be related to food allergies... Which I'm not buying. I've read too much about CH that lines up with what Spartan has told me.
This cycle, Spartan's hits have been coming every day. Usually being around 6 or 7 Kip. One I think may have been up to 8 Kip. He's been put on an elimination diet, but is ignoring that to take Excedrin when he feels a hit coming, and to drink a can of Coke. He's gotten up to three hits a day, now, but using Caffeine as an abortive keeps them short. 10 minutes... ish.
He's had a CT Scan, and nothing was there that shouldn't be... apparently he's missing two arteries (is that right? I'm a little foggy on the details of that one, Spartan.) in his brain. O_o But the docs said that shouldn't be the problem... *doesn't look entirely convinced* He's had all manner of physical tests done, and has been declared perfectly healthy, with no cause for headaches like this directly evident. I think he's going to a neurologist in a little over a week.
^_^ Sorry Spartan... You were being maddeningly vague.
~Megan
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
ski2k
New Board Old Timer
 
Gender:
Posts: 458
|
|
Re: 'Ello!
« Reply #2 on: Nov 11th, 2007, 7:23pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Hey there, Spartan! Welcome to the nut house!! 
The more you can tell us about what your headaches are like, and what you've done to get rid of them, the more we can help!
Do you take any meds for them? Have you tried ice packs, or hot washcloths? Does caffeine seem to make a difference?
Let us know a bit more, and we'll start pointing you in the right direction, so maybe you can beat these things!
Look forward to hearing from you,
Adam
|
|
IP Logged |
Here's where I got my RC (Rivea Corymbosa)seeds: I am Shaman
https://www.iamshaman.net/affiliatewiz/aw.aspx?A=1022&Task=Click
|
|
|
Spartan1128
New Board Newbie
Wolf Knight
Gender:
Posts: 19
|
|
Re: 'Ello!
« Reply #3 on: Nov 11th, 2007, 7:25pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Lol I'm sorry... I'll learn the terms eventually... At first I was like what the heck is Kip?!? but now I know ^_^.
The headaches I get usually get to 7 or 8 Kip actually... And what Raikana says is all true. They did find that I am missing two arteries in my brain yes. But again they say that if it hasn't caused a problem yet then it won't... but if it does cause a problem then there is nothing they can do about it x_x.
|
|
IP Logged |
"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."
|
|
|
Spartan1128
New Board Newbie
Wolf Knight
Gender:
Posts: 19
|
|
Re: 'Ello!
« Reply #4 on: Nov 11th, 2007, 7:29pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Currently I only take 2 Excedrin when I feel them coming on... It's starts out feeling like pressure building up and gets worse and worse until it gets to sharp stabbing pains. I have tried putting a steaming hot rag on the eye... Didn't do anything but get my face wet -_-. Caffein seems to work great... The headache usually leaves after about 10 minutes of drinking coffea or coke.
I'm open to whatever questions you may have... anybody. I don't always know what I need to say... A lot of the times it takes someone asking me a question for me to say it.
|
|
IP Logged |
"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."
|
|
|
ski2k
New Board Old Timer
Gender:
Posts: 458
|
|
Re: 'Ello!
« Reply #5 on: Nov 11th, 2007, 7:29pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Thanks for clarifying things a bit, Megan. If excedrine and coke seem to be helping, Try a red bull, Monster, or other energy dring with TAURINE and CAFFEINE in them. Those seem to knock the beast right out if you drink them down quickly at the first sign of a headache coming on.
Any other meds Spartan's on? Has O2 been tried? How 'bout any preventatives, such as Topomax or Verapamil?
Hope the neuro appt can get some more questions answered. In the mean time, I HIGHLY recommend trying the energy drink trick. It works for a lot of us.
Best,
Adam
|
|
IP Logged |
Here's where I got my RC (Rivea Corymbosa)seeds: I am Shaman
https://www.iamshaman.net/affiliatewiz/aw.aspx?A=1022&Task=Click
|
|
|
Raikana
New Board Newbie
Gender:
Posts: 17
|
|
Re: 'Ello!
« Reply #6 on: Nov 11th, 2007, 7:34pm » |
Quote Modify
|
He hasn't been diagnosed with CH yet. The doctors in our area are... maddeningly unhelpful. x_x I've threatened Spartan with tagging along to a Dr. appointment to see if I can talk to the Docs. If I have to make them listen to me with a sledgehammer, I think I'll try. ^_^
Anyway... since he hasn't been diagnosed a lot of meds will be unavailable for him to try. Right now, Coke and Excedrin seem to be working.
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
ski2k
New Board Old Timer
Gender:
Posts: 458
|
|
Re: 'Ello!
« Reply #7 on: Nov 11th, 2007, 7:40pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Might not be a bad idea to go along to a doc appt or two with him, Megan. Sometimes it's good to bring someone along to point out things he may have forgotten about.
Sounds like you have a great supporter there, Davis! Listen to her, and let her help you out. It makes it sooo much more bearable if you have someone there to give you a hand!
Adam
|
|
IP Logged |
Here's where I got my RC (Rivea Corymbosa)seeds: I am Shaman
https://www.iamshaman.net/affiliatewiz/aw.aspx?A=1022&Task=Click
|
|
|
Spartan1128
New Board Newbie
Wolf Knight
Gender:
Posts: 19
|
|
Re: 'Ello!
« Reply #8 on: Nov 11th, 2007, 7:44pm » |
Quote Modify
|
She is wonderful! I know I would be in the dumps if it wasn't for her! And I definantly wouldn't know much about CH's or this place. THANK YOU MEGAN!
|
|
IP Logged |
"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."
|
|
|
Raikana
New Board Newbie
Gender:
Posts: 17
|
|
Re: 'Ello!
« Reply #9 on: Nov 11th, 2007, 8:12pm » |
Quote Modify
|
I'm thinking about tagging along one of these days. Especially if, after the next visit, the Doc doesn't seem like he's researched CH at all.
^_^ You're very welcome! Anything I can do to help!
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
Kevin_M
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
withered branches grow green again.
Gender:
Posts: 6184
|
|
Re: 'Ello!
« Reply #10 on: Nov 11th, 2007, 8:24pm » |
Quote Modify
|
I can only add, don't stand still with this. Clusters will need some correct attention. Keep a headache log in preparation, a diagnosis is important. If those higher kips continue regularly, there will be quite a lone and focused desire for treatment.
|
| « Last Edit: Nov 11th, 2007, 8:25pm by Kevin_M » |
IP Logged |
|
|
|
Linda_Howell
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Hearing is one thing. Listening is another.
 
Gender:
Posts: 6721
|
|
Re: 'Ello!
« Reply #11 on: Nov 11th, 2007, 8:27pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Megan,
If Spartan is only 17 he really does need to have some sort of advocate with him in this. (when I was 17 I couldn't have even written as clearly as he is right now) Do you live close to him?
I don't mean to be talking about you on your own thread here Spartan, but I felt it was necessary.
Please forget the excedrin. It will chew up your stomach and it won't even come close to helping. I'd rather see you try the energy drinks with caffeine and Taurine in them or strong coffee. Ice or heat packs and sit in front of an a/c/ unit and breathe the air in short, almost hyperventilating breaths.
Before you see any Dr. you must really be informed, otherwise your visit will no doubt leave you more confused than ever. Lots of Dr.s haven't got a clue about CH...so you MUST.
There is a wealth of information here:
http://www.ouch-us.org/index.shtml
I hope you will feel free to ask questions here of any of us. We're here to help you sort through the maze..
Linda Howell
|
|
IP Logged |
Kindness, is gladdening the hearts of those who are traveling the dark journey with us.
|
|
|
Raikana
New Board Newbie
Gender:
Posts: 17
|
|
Re: 'Ello!
« Reply #12 on: Nov 11th, 2007, 8:49pm » |
Quote Modify
|
^_^ I'll definitely be his advocate. I've been told that I'll need to fight for this, and I'm more than willing to.
I wish I lived closer... He lives about a half hour away from me. Which is better than the 45 - 60 minutes that he lives away from everything else... ^_^ He lives out on the edge of nowhere.
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
Spartan1128
New Board Newbie
Wolf Knight
Gender:
Posts: 19
|
|
Re: 'Ello!
« Reply #13 on: Nov 11th, 2007, 9:15pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Lol don't worry about offending me ^_^. This forum is about me so you can ask or discuss anything... I personally don't care.
Ok, I guess I'll forget the excedrin... Caffeine it is then. I'd figured that's what was helping... But I also wonder if too much caffeine will trigger more headaches? Are there any side effects in general?
|
|
IP Logged |
"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."
|
|
|
ski2k
New Board Old Timer
Gender:
Posts: 458
|
|
Re: 'Ello!
« Reply #14 on: Nov 11th, 2007, 9:22pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Caffeine has been shown to trigger migraines in some people who get them. Cluster headaches are different. And again... If coke is workin' for ya... Gice an energy drink with Taurine and caffeine in it a try. I think You'll be surprised at how well that works!
Adam
|
|
IP Logged |
Here's where I got my RC (Rivea Corymbosa)seeds: I am Shaman
https://www.iamshaman.net/affiliatewiz/aw.aspx?A=1022&Task=Click
|
|
|
Linda_Howell
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Hearing is one thing. Listening is another.
Gender:
Posts: 6721
|
|
Re: 'Ello!
« Reply #15 on: Nov 11th, 2007, 9:28pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Megan: Thank you for being his advocate. As a supporter...and that is what you are my friend...you are crucial, and you matter and all of us who suffer, thank you and all other supporters from the bottom of our hearts. Sometimes we cannot think straight...supporters do that for us.
Spartan:
Caffeine will not trigger more headaches. Alcohol will , but not caffeine.
You see what happens is during a cluster headache all the blood vessels around our brain swell up. Up to 20 times their normal size. A vasoconstricter is what we need to get those vessels down to the normal size. Oxygen does that. Caffeine does that. Lots of the drugs we take like Imitrex does that.
Side effects from coffee????? The least of your problems son...lmao
Linda
|
|
IP Logged |
Kindness, is gladdening the hearts of those who are traveling the dark journey with us.
|
|
|
Spartan1128
New Board Newbie
Wolf Knight
Gender:
Posts: 19
|
|
Re: 'Ello!
« Reply #16 on: Nov 11th, 2007, 9:35pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Aha... Yeah makes sense. Lol well I've been surprised about side effects from some foods so just thought I'd ask 
|
|
IP Logged |
"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."
|
|
|
Raikana
New Board Newbie
Gender:
Posts: 17
|
|
Re: 'Ello!
« Reply #17 on: Nov 11th, 2007, 9:36pm » |
Quote Modify
|
I think the only side effect, really, is getting addicted. And that's really the least of your worries right now.
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
Linda_Howell
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Hearing is one thing. Listening is another.
Gender:
Posts: 6721
|
|
Re: 'Ello!
« Reply #18 on: Nov 11th, 2007, 9:38pm » |
Quote Modify
|
well keep asking. The more you ask, the more you'll know. The more you know the more you'll be in control. The more in control....the less pain.
Linda
|
|
IP Logged |
Kindness, is gladdening the hearts of those who are traveling the dark journey with us.
|
|
|
tessistired
New Board Veteran
I love YaBB 1G - SP1!
Gender:
Posts: 117
|
|
Re: 'Ello!
« Reply #19 on: Nov 11th, 2007, 9:42pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Hey there Spartan! My name is Tess and i am from Michigan. I just wanted to put a message in and say hello because I am new also. Been here for I think 3 days now and the amout of support and information and encouragement is amazing and I am so thankful for these people. You will make so many friends and learn so much. I already have in just the short amount of time I have been here. So dont ever be afraid to ask anything. I have had my cluster for 6 years and have been on preventative meds that have not yet worked. Currently I am on topomax, propranolol and just started lithium. So I am praying that works. My lovely demons are chronic and I have been trying to get oxygen but cant find a place to supply it to me that accepts my insurance so keep your fingers crossed for me. I pray all works out for you at your doctors apts.
Talk to you soon!
]
Tess
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
Spartan1128
New Board Newbie
Wolf Knight
Gender:
Posts: 19
|
|
Re: 'Ello!
« Reply #20 on: Nov 11th, 2007, 9:44pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Indeed. Thanks for the openness of you all ^_^ course I guess that's what this place is for ^_^. If I think of anything I'll be sure to ask.
|
|
IP Logged |
"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."
|
|
|
Linda_Howell
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Hearing is one thing. Listening is another.
Gender:
Posts: 6721
|
|
Re: 'Ello!
« Reply #21 on: Nov 11th, 2007, 10:32pm » |
Quote Modify
|
and if you're as smart as I think...you'll ask a lot.
|
|
IP Logged |
Kindness, is gladdening the hearts of those who are traveling the dark journey with us.
|
|
|
Spartan1128
New Board Newbie
Wolf Knight
Gender:
Posts: 19
|
|
Re: 'Ello!
« Reply #22 on: Nov 11th, 2007, 10:56pm » |
Quote Modify
|
lol We'll see then  oh look I found some...
My cycle seems to start and end around the solstices... So my cycle starts in November and ends around June-ish... I've read that CH has a lot to do with your internal clock... Anybody else have this or is this just coincidence?
Does physical activity aggrivate CH's? How about stress? Or a lot of deep thinking?
I was taking a pill called "Doxycycline" for acne... My cycle started just a few days after taking the first pill. The pills are pretty potent... More powerful than Tetracycline. I used to take Tetracycline for the same reason last year... and I think the year before that. I've read that these pills can cause severe headaches... Would they start a CH cycle, make them worse or mabye not anything at all?
Seems I had a rash of questions Well, you said ask so I asked ^_^.
|
| « Last Edit: Nov 11th, 2007, 10:57pm by Spartan1128 » |
IP Logged |
"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."
|
|
|
Linda_Howell
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Hearing is one thing. Listening is another.
Gender:
Posts: 6721
|
|
Re: 'Ello!
« Reply #23 on: Nov 11th, 2007, 11:22pm » |
Quote Modify
|
As if...you could trip us up.
Quote:
My cycle seems to start and end around the solstices... So my cycle starts in November and ends around June-ish... I've read that CH has a lot to do with your internal clock... Anybody else have this or is this just coincidence?
|
|
Nope not at all. Almost all episodics report this Spring/Fall. Hence...the name CLUSTER. They occur in clusters.
Quote:Does physical activity aggrivate CH's? How about stress? Or a lot of deep thinking?
|
|
Physical activity may increase CH in some, where-as most concur that it's AFTER the activity, when they start breathing more shallowly and relax....that they get hit. Stress is a trigger for some. Not so for others.
Deep thinking? Now that would be a question for the intelligent around here. Potter? Bob Johnson may see this and reply.
Quote:
Gotta look that one up. Be right back.
Back...this is an antibiotic and as such...probably has NOTHING to do with CH. Mind you now. No One here is a doctor. We are here to give you guide-lines and information that we know. That said...I'd almost bet Don's tiara, (private joke sorry, I coun't resist) that this antibiotic has nothing to do at all with your headaches.
You said that you read that Tetracycline can cause severe headaches. So can a lot of drugs...but Cluster headaches are a whole entity unto themselves that are caused by a deformed Hypothalmus gland and NOT by any drug or medication.
By the way..if Megan is your girlfriend, then you are one lucky guy. Not everyone your age who suffers with this, is as fortunate as you seem to be, to have someone to research here and ask questions. Most girls (and guys ) your age would say..."I'm outta here" shallow creatures that they are.. 
Linda
|
|
IP Logged |
Kindness, is gladdening the hearts of those who are traveling the dark journey with us.
|
|
|
George_J
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
White-Breasted Nuthatch
Gender:
Posts: 4222
|
|
Re: 'Ello!
« Reply #24 on: Nov 12th, 2007, 1:15am » |
Quote Modify
|
Hello, Spartan,
We've heard a lot about you from your supporter, Megan, and I'd like to welcome you both to Clusterville.
Although I'm quite a bit older than you, I started with CH when I was thirteen--so I suppose I know a bit about what you're going through. Sounds as if the two of you are very much on the right track toward a diagnosis and proper treatment--it's difficult to add much to the good advice you've been given thusfar.
Anyway if either of you would like to contact someone here who is about your same age, please feel free to PM one of my two best supporters--my daughter, Ellen. She's also seventeen. I'm sure she'd be happy to hear from you.
Her screen name here is Changeling_J .
Best wishes--and again, welcome.
George
|
|
IP Logged |
Ah! The foreigners put on such airs
Wearing the tangerine suits
And their harlequin eyes.
The pain they inspire
Draws in harmonica melodies
And the feathers of birds
Which flame up at their touch.
It all comes to light in the sheer
Debonair.
(Ellen)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Home
Help
Search
Members
Member Map
Login
Register
Reply
Notify of replies
Send Topic
Print
test rss