Author |
Topic: WHY ARE WE CLUSTERHEADS? (Read 955 times) |
|
kevinpix
New Board Veteran
treat others with respect
Posts: 184
|
 |
WHY ARE WE CLUSTERHEADS?
« on: Jul 25th, 2006, 10:59am » |
 Quote  Modify
|
How did we get this way? Genetics? Lifestyle? What's the common denominator? I don't drink alcohol, a trigger, smoke, or anything I can think of to cause this. Has anyone heard how this starts? Do you think processed foods and artificial sweetners add to it? How about the continuing stress on "modern" life? Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Kevin.
|
|
 IP Logged |
|
|
|
marlinsfan
New Board Hall of Famer
I love this place!
Gender: 
Posts: 876
|
|
Re: WHY ARE WE CLUSTERHEADS?
« Reply #1 on: Jul 25th, 2006, 1:14pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Conventional wisdom says it's a malformation of the hypothalamus. Nobody from my family has CH, but I've read here that some clusterheads have passed it on to their children.
For me, drinking anything with aspartame (Equal) will trigger a headache when I'm in cycle, so some artificial sweeteners may influence what we get. I can drink Splenda without problems, and also use Equal when not in cycle.
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
seasonalboomer
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
If I think hard enough maybe it'll go away.....
Gender:
Posts: 2248
|
|
Re: WHY ARE WE CLUSTERHEADS?
« Reply #2 on: Jul 25th, 2006, 1:26pm » |
Quote Modify
|
I was mean to someone once........................... and God has determined my punishment to be Cluster Headache as divine retribution.
(I'm sorry, I really couldn't help myself on this one  )
Scott (just kidding really)
|
|
IP Logged |
-----------------------------------------------------
seasonal boomer
-----------------------------------------------------
|
|
|
chopmyheadoff
New Board Old Timer
Its only a headache, deal with it - SMACK
Gender:
Posts: 481
|
|
Re: WHY ARE WE CLUSTERHEADS?
« Reply #3 on: Jul 25th, 2006, 2:27pm » |
Quote Modify
|
i have given up trying to work this one out !!
its all i can think about when im rolling on the floor squeezing my brain !!
iv thought the same as boomer, seriously, like what have i done thats so bad to deserve this ??
depressing really
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
BobG
New Board Hall of Famer
Gender:
Posts: 5747
|
|
Re: WHY ARE WE CLUSTERHEADS?
« Reply #4 on: Jul 25th, 2006, 2:42pm » |
Quote Modify
|
[quote author=seasonalboomer link=board=chspecific;num=1153839583;start=0#2 date=07/25/06 at 13:26:53]I was mean to someone once........................... (I'm sorry, I really couldn't help myself on this one )
quote]
Then how come George Bush doesn't have them?
|
|
IP Logged |
Stay stressed. Never relax. Never sleep. Ever.
|
|
|
chewy
Guest
|
|
Re: WHY ARE WE CLUSTERHEADS?
« Reply #5 on: Jul 25th, 2006, 2:51pm » |
Quote Modify
 Remove
|
The common denominator is apparantly a busted hypothalmus gland.
Anybody try duct tape yet?
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
nani
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Got kudzu?
Gender: 
Posts: 7953
|
|
Re: WHY ARE WE CLUSTERHEADS?
« Reply #6 on: Jul 25th, 2006, 5:54pm » |
Quote Modify
|
on Jul 25th, 2006, 2:51pm, chewy wrote:| Anybody try duct tape yet? |
|
No, but I tried superglue....  don't try that at home.
Seriously, though... a defective hypothalmathingy...and really, why not me? I'm not special.
|
|
IP Logged |
Others may come and go, but MY power is MINE.
|
|
|
Charlotte
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
I love YaBB 1G - SP1!
Gender:
Posts: 1932
|
|
Re: WHY ARE WE CLUSTERHEADS?
« Reply #7 on: Jul 25th, 2006, 6:47pm » |
Quote Modify
|
but I don't have to like it.
Charlotte
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
TimJohnson
New Board Junior
We are the Creators of our Own Mess
Gender:
Posts: 61
|
|
Re: WHY ARE WE CLUSTERHEADS?
« Reply #8 on: Jul 26th, 2006, 12:01am » |
Quote Modify
|
Being that Imitrex works for alot of us it also speaks to being a vascular disorder.
|
| « Last Edit: Jul 26th, 2006, 12:02am by TimJohnson » |
IP Logged |
I have brainfreeze all of the time...
|
|
|
CHTom
Guest
|
|
Re: WHY ARE WE CLUSTERHEADS?
« Reply #9 on: Jul 26th, 2006, 12:52am » |
Quote Modify
Remove
|
on Jul 25th, 2006, 2:42pm, BobG wrote:I was mean to someone once........................... (I'm sorry, I really couldn't help myself on this one )
quote]
Then how come George Bush doesn't have them? |
|
Because you need to have a brain to get CH attacks and it is obvious that Georgie doesn't have one  !
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
BarbaraD
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Hugs to ya
Gender:
Posts: 5164
|
|
Re: WHY ARE WE CLUSTERHEADS?
« Reply #10 on: Jul 26th, 2006, 6:40am » |
Quote Modify
|
At the first OUCH convention, we had a guy named "Arnold" who was "sure" he could find a common ground between us. He spent three days trying to find it and came up with nothing.
It has to be the broken hypothalamus. And I may try duct tape -- heck, I've tried everything else.
And Bob G -- agree with you. I've got "pictures" of my brain, but haven't seen any of George's....
Hugs BD
|
|
IP Logged |
What don't kill ya, Makes ya stonger!
|
|
|
sandie99
New Board Hall of Famer
Wish it, dream it, do it - inspite the pain!
Gender:
Posts: 10429
|
|
Re: WHY ARE WE CLUSTERHEADS?
« Reply #11 on: Jul 26th, 2006, 7:44am » |
Quote Modify
|
When I was diagnosed, my neuro said that CH is caused by blood circulation disfuction. Since then I've read about many theories and explenations about what has caused it. Hypothalamus is my fave.
Still, one of the many neuros I've met said to me that CH is part of those things which medical research is going to focus in the future. I sure hope so!
In the meantime, I'm enjoying every PF moment I get. And read whatever I can about CH, research, treatments...etc.
Best wishes & PFdays,
Sanna
|
| « Last Edit: Jul 26th, 2006, 7:45am by sandie99 » |
IP Logged |
CH happends, Live anyway! PF days to us all!
"Do what you can and let God take care of the rest. Leave your heart wide open and always wish for the best" (Sanna Hillu)
"No matter how far out your dreams are, it's possible" (Marketa Irglova)
|
|
|
mr.c
New Board Newbie
Gender:
Posts: 35
|
|
Re: WHY ARE WE CLUSTERHEADS?
« Reply #12 on: Jul 26th, 2006, 9:05am » |
Quote Modify
|
Half (?) of us have a little hole somewhere in our hearts.
Some believe that has something to do with it...
But that doesn't explain the half that doesn't have the hole and still get HA.
|
|
IP Logged |
I can blame the headbanging for the baldspot...?
|
|
|
TimJohnson
New Board Junior
We are the Creators of our Own Mess
Gender:
Posts: 61
|
|
Re: WHY ARE WE CLUSTERHEADS?
« Reply #13 on: Jul 26th, 2006, 10:09am » |
Quote Modify
|
on Jul 26th, 2006, 9:05am, mr.c wrote:Half (?) of us have a little hole somewhere in our hearts.
Some believe that has something to do with it...
But that doesn't explain the half that doesn't have the hole and still get HA.
|
|
huh?
|
|
IP Logged |
I have brainfreeze all of the time...
|
|
|
nani
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Got kudzu?
Gender:
Posts: 7953
|
|
Re: WHY ARE WE CLUSTERHEADS?
« Reply #14 on: Jul 26th, 2006, 10:15am » |
Quote Modify
|
on Jul 26th, 2006, 10:09am, TimJohnson wrote:
It's called PFO (Patent foramen ovale). It's shown up in a lot of folks with migraines, and a few CH sufferers (so far). There's a few threads on it here, somewhere.
|
|
IP Logged |
Others may come and go, but MY power is MINE.
|
|
|
Turts
New Board Hall of Famer
Ever danced with the devil by the pale moonlight
Gender:
Posts: 701
|
|
Re: WHY ARE WE CLUSTERHEADS?
« Reply #15 on: Aug 1st, 2006, 3:55pm » |
Quote Modify
|
I dont know why we are clusterheads, but there is a sense of pride that comes with being a clusterhead. its an eliteness, i think, we are a rare breed, and there must be some self respect that goes with the tolerance of pain that is associated with being a clusterhead.
I like the Hypothalmus theory the best. I have too, Ive NEVER been mean to anyone, EVER.
Turts
|
|
IP Logged |
'I'm very brave generally,' he went on in a low voice: 'only today I happen to have a headache.' (Lewis Carroll)
|
|
|
Charlotte
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
I love YaBB 1G - SP1!
Gender:
Posts: 1932
|
|
Re: WHY ARE WE CLUSTERHEADS?
« Reply #16 on: Aug 1st, 2006, 4:00pm » |
Quote Modify
|
I have no pride. Just kidding... can't find my duct tape.
Charlotte
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
Ladybug314
New Board Newbie
The Devil Made Me Do IT!!!!!
Gender:
Posts: 19
|
|
Re: WHY ARE WE CLUSTERHEADS?
« Reply #17 on: Aug 1st, 2006, 5:48pm » |
Quote Modify
|
After reading all of "WHY ARE WE CLUSTERHEADS"
I gave it some thought. But with a headache coming on I will have to get back to you on that one...
Ida
hold on Imetrex here I come............
|
|
IP Logged |
What did we do to deserve such pain?
|
|
|
Linda_Howell
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Hearing is one thing. Listening is another.
  
Gender:
Posts: 6721
|
|
Re: WHY ARE WE CLUSTERHEADS?
« Reply #18 on: Aug 1st, 2006, 6:53pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Quote:--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I dont know why we are clusterheads, but there is a sense of pride that comes with being a clusterhead. its an eliteness, i think, we are a rare breed, and there must be some self respect that goes with the tolerance of pain that is associated with being a clusterhead.
|
|
This HAS been discussed before. I hesitate to call it pride....but there is definetly something to how strong we all are.
|
|
IP Logged |
Kindness, is gladdening the hearts of those who are traveling the dark journey with us.
|
|
|
Jill
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Old Timer
"Life is a series of goodbyes and hellos" Billy J.
Gender:
Posts: 352
|
|
Re: WHY ARE WE CLUSTERHEADS?
« Reply #19 on: Aug 1st, 2006, 7:09pm » |
Quote Modify
|
I just posted some of this on the other question but I wanted to say something here too. 
I dont think that anyone can answer why we become clusterheads, it seems to be a diversity of people and personalities. Guesses can be made but sometimes the answers are supposed to come. Here is what I have learned, some of it anyways.
There is something greater out than me, I can look out into the ocean or at the stars at night and feel that. And because of this, there is also a greater plan. I am meant to live a life that teaches me so many lessons and when the time comes for me to move on, it is then that I will see the reason why things have happened as they do. The book, The Five People You Meet in Heaven, illustrates this so well. It tells the story of why people come into our lives as they do and how each person makes a difference in us, even if we dont see it. It is a really good book.
The other thing that I have learned is that we can offer better help when we too suffer, look at the quote in my signature line. We wouldnt cry so hard when we first found this site if there werent others that felt our pain.
And the last big lesson, for there a thousand little ones, that I have learned is that this pain makes us stronger. I never knew that people had such strength until I met a clusterhead and I definetly didnt know that I had this strength until I suffered. It is deep within us and even when we feel like giving up, our spirit and determination are so strong that we just fight harder.
So, there will be no answer to that question and if you always question it all of the time, you will become upset and forget that you do have a life to live. I know, I have been there and I have found myself there still many times. Like now, the headaches are severe and I have hardly slept and my mind wonders into the why and the what have I done. I have no answers and all I can do is fight the questions and the beast.
Sorry for rambling and sorry that this is long. I have learned so many lessons and I thank each one of you for helping me learn so much. Everyone here is so strong.
Jill
|
| « Last Edit: Aug 1st, 2006, 7:10pm by Jill » |
IP Logged |
"If you learn from your suffering and really come to understand the lesson you were taught you might be able to help someone else who is now in the phase. Maybe that is what its all about after all.."
|
|
|
maffumatt
Guest
|
|
Re: WHY ARE WE CLUSTERHEADS?
« Reply #20 on: Aug 1st, 2006, 7:16pm » |
Quote Modify
Remove
|
we have just drawn a bad hand man. There are worse things in life.
Matt
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
vig
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
CHit Happens
Gender:
Posts: 4401
|
|
Re: WHY ARE WE CLUSTERHEADS?
« Reply #21 on: Aug 1st, 2006, 8:13pm » |
Quote Modify
|
I also have this ridiculous theory
and NO, I don't really believe it, but it makes me feel better, so if we're makin' sh1t up, here goes:
We're the painbearers...
We've all been CHosen to bear the pain of others so that CHildren don't have to experience too muCH of it. I have a sick niece and every time I get hit, I imagine I'm taking away HER pain, because I'm tough and strong and can cope with it, so she doesn't have to bear it all herself and suffer.
so, I know it's not true, but it helps me stand strong through the pain, as if it's NOT totally senseless and without good reason that we have to go through all this.
my $.02
-p
|
| « Last Edit: Aug 1st, 2006, 8:14pm by vig » |
IP Logged |
never, Never, NEVER quit. -Winston Churchill
|
|
|
kcopelin
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
good grief
Gender:
Posts: 536
|
|
Re: WHY ARE WE CLUSTERHEADS?
« Reply #22 on: Aug 2nd, 2006, 12:03am » |
Quote Modify
|
Now that sounds like an excellent story line!
kathy
|
|
IP Logged |
Words count, chose carefully.
|
|
|
George_J
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
White-Breasted Nuthatch
Gender:
Posts: 4222
|
|
Re: WHY ARE WE CLUSTERHEADS?
« Reply #23 on: Aug 2nd, 2006, 12:09am » |
Quote Modify
|
>>WHY ARE WE CLUSTERHEADS?
Why not?
Best,
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)
|
|
|
jon019
Guest
|
|
Re: WHY ARE WE CLUSTERHEADS?
« Reply #24 on: Aug 2nd, 2006, 12:25am » |
Quote Modify
Remove
|
Great question. No answer. I used to think why me? Don't anymore, it's useless. I have done some wonderous things in my life. I have done some ugly things too. THIS is NOT a punishment. It just is. Keep on keeping on, there are others with worse...
Jon
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Home
Help
Search
Members
Member Map
Login
Register
Reply
Notify of replies
Send Topic
Print
test rss