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Jill
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School Question
« on: Sep 25th, 2003, 9:31am » |
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Hello...
I know that I havent posted lately, but know that I have been 'lurking' and thinking about you all alot.
I have noticed that alot of you started getting clusters when you were school age, is that right? Maybe while high school or in college?
If so, then how did you manage to get through school while also trying to deal with the headaches? Did you miss alot of classes? Were you able to concentrate to what the professors were saying?
As I am writing this, I realize that these questions can also be asked to those that work. How do you manage to concentrate on your work or in meetings? How do you manage to get through the days at work when you havent slept at all the night before? Or because of that, do you miss some work?
The reason that I am asking this is because I have been having lots of trouble with school lately and because of these problems, I am having to consider stopping for now. The problem does not entirely lay with the professors, I gave them handouts the first days of class and they were pretty receptive to it. They do add to the problem some when they dont make exceptions or work with me on their policy that when you miss so many days (usually three or four for the entire semester), then they drop your grade one letter. I guess that policy is policy and if they make some exception for my circumstance, then they have to do it for everyone. The other problem lays with me getting hit too much and missing alot of my classes and getting behind. It is easy enough to make up one day or one class but missing more than that is alot harder. I lose alot when missing the lecture.
Also trying to concentrate in class to what the professor is saying is hard as well as when I am trying to read the material out of class.
There is no real solution to this because the clusters are going to come and until I find something that works better than what I have now (they are under control better than before), than I have to work with them. This is just a general question because I am wondering how you all managed to do it or continue to do it.
I appreciate the help and I hope that everyone is doing well.
Thanks
Jill
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| « Last Edit: Sep 25th, 2003, 9:31am by Jill » |
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"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.."
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jimmers
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Re: School Question
« Reply #1 on: Sep 25th, 2003, 9:56am » |
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If memory serves me correctly, mine started around the age of 12. They never really occured with any normalcy (If you want to call it that) spring/fall until around the age of 18. So far so good this year, but we'll see. Hopefully you find relief soon or a combo that works for you. If your profs. drop your grade by one because of missing classes, then I hope your an "A" student! because "B's" arent so bad either 
Hang in there, it will pass
Seeya,
Jimbo
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cootie
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Re: School Question
« Reply #2 on: Sep 25th, 2003, 11:22am » |
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Hi Jill............Brad's didn't start till after we moved out here......around 1978. Never had em in school or had many ha's that I remember b-4 hand..........well unless ya count a hangover. Ha-ha-ha.......Pam that prolly don't have the answer's you were lookin for here
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Big Dan
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Re: School Question
« Reply #3 on: Sep 25th, 2003, 11:26am » |
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.... I was diagnosed during my Jr. year of high school.
... I believe that I suffered during parts of my childhood also... I can remember having ha's that my mother's migraine fighting rituals were not effective on...
-Big Dan
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Eb
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Re: School Question
« Reply #4 on: Sep 25th, 2003, 11:29am » |
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Well I'm 38...and my CH's started about 8-9 months ago. As far as concentrating at work, like others I've seen here, the attacks seem to occur more when I'm supposedly "relaxed" then when I'm actively engaged in something....if and when I do get an attack at work, it's very hard to concentrate on anything!
I grew up having migraines though, from the time I was 10 or 11. As I got older the severity seemed to decrease alot...
Not alot of help I know...
Eb
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Carla_Comiter
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Dear Jill,
You mention that you gave your professors handouts on the first day of school. What type of handouts were they? By any chance were they a note from your doctor? Although some of the info here and at OUCH explains the devastating effects of CHs, a note from your doctor verifying that you truly do have them might carry some weight.
Also, does your school have student health services? I started having CHs when I was 17. I had a terrible time my freshman year in college. I went to the student health services then. They did not know about CH (neither did I) and weren't very helpful for treatment, but they were free. Since you know what ails you, they may be a treatment resource.
Also, having a record of your diagnosis and treatment at student health services may allow you some flexibility with your teachers.
Finally, find out if there is an advocacy for disabled students on campus. They may have info re exceptions that can be made.
And in answer to your question about being able to function during an attack, it depends on how severe the headache is. Most of us cannot function during the more severe ones.
I send my love and sympathy to you. Since I fought the same battle in 1968/69 (gasp!), I know how tough it can be.
Let us know what you find out.
Carla
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Jill
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Re: School Question
« Reply #6 on: Sep 25th, 2003, 2:04pm » |
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Thanks for the help - I appreciate it lots.
The handouts I gave them were those ones that were made for collegues and such. They kind of went through clusters, what they were, how they are treated, what they could for me and so on. The problem wasnt that they didnt believe me, atleast I dont think so, because they were nice enough when I had to leave class but it was because of that leaving class and missing them all together.
The thing is that when you miss one day of class, you not only have work to catch up on but you also have atleast two hours of lecture that you have missed, that you cant really get back. With each time that you miss that class, you add onto that and then plus each class that you miss. I mean, I only had three and was getting so far behind and some of that could only be made up in school at the lab. Besides the work, my grades would have dropped because I missed that 'key' amount of classes (I think that it is four). I dont mind getting a 'B' but I have a feeling that it would have been worse than that because the more classes that you miss or leave from than the lower the grade and evidently, no exceptions are made regardless of what the reason.
This college, for some reason, didnt really have a center for health. They did but it was basically for people who have colds or something simple. They know nothing of clusters and I was planning on educating them and maybe still will. I am sure that someone else suffers there. I also spoke with an academic advisor who works with students with medical problems when I lessened my course load (thought that it would help) but there wasnt much that she could do that I hadnt done already.
The concentration part was another big part too because between my memory and being able to concentrate - it was all a mess! Even without a cluster in progress or building, it was a mess - I think from the shadows and that worry or wonder of when the next one would come. I am trying to work on that but it is taking some time.
So, today after trying all that I could, as agravated and disapointed as it makes me, I had to withdraw from school. I worked so hard to get in there but atleast I tried, I think. I just kept falling farther and farther behind and couldnt make it up.
I am not sure what I will do about school now - been thinking about taking online classes. I am hoping that they get better but that hasnt been the case yet. We shall see...
It amazes me that you all have jobs and that the clusters dont stop you, you know? Has anyone filed for disability? I know that CH isnt supposed to control your life and I am trying not to let but it sure can take a hold of it and really make you work for what you want.
Please tell me how you do it - how you fight for so long with no break (I am chronic- two years and not one day without atleast five or so attacks) and not let them win or control you or whatever? I hope that that makes sense, I know what I mean but saying it is hard.
Thanks so much
Jill
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Melissa
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Jill, I really feel for you hon! 
There are some here who are on disability because of their ch's, there are also many here who are self employed, or work out of their home. Do you usually get hit at night or during the day? Some have jobs that are different shifts like 2nd or 3rd. Me, I am a very lucky housewife! Just keep fighting dear, and we'll be here to support you! Online classes sound like a good start, there are many who are reputable.
hugs,
 mel
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Prense
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Re: School Question
« Reply #8 on: Sep 25th, 2003, 5:57pm » |
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Jill, many of my college classes were through corespondence course...they offer you flexibility in your schedule. I just finished a six week military course in which I had no problems jabbing myself in the leg during class to kill the attack. I am fortunate that my attacks are rare during the daytime...I normally get hit in the afternoon and at night. Corespondence courses are alot more common than you might think...they also can be much cheaper. Just a thought.
Chris
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Tom K
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Re: School Question
« Reply #9 on: Sep 25th, 2003, 6:10pm » |
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Mine started sophmore year of high school. They weren't as frequent as they are now and I thought they were sinus ha. Little did I know. I guess I got through it by smoking a lot of pot, but that didn't really help, either. I guess I just dealt with it. Maybe when you are young you can handle pain better. I never wanted anyone to know how bad they were...grew up in a Marine Corps family. You know, suck it up and move on.
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BarbaraD
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Re: School Question
« Reply #10 on: Sep 25th, 2003, 6:16pm » |
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I was gonna suggest correspondence courses also. Those you can do on "your" time and study when you are able.
Are you seeing a neuro about preventatives? I couldn't get out of the house for two years. I did work at home (they brought it to me from the office) when I was able, but was a total mess. I just couldn't be around people because I was getting hit so often (6-10 times a day). Finally my neuro and I hit on Topamax and IT WORKED. IT took months to realize that I could actually get out of the house and go back to the office.
The demon Never stays away long enough for me to FORGET he's there, but I consider it being in "remission" that I can have a fairly normal life now -- so there is 'always' hope. This week he's been dancing his little dance all week and I've been fighting him all week, but in the end I KNOW I'm going to WIN.
But from one chronic to another - keep searching for the "Right" miracle drug to put you in remission - it's out there somewhere - you just gotta find it. Topamax was mine. Yes, it has side effects, but it gives me a "LIFE" and it' worth the side effects to me to have a life.
Sorry you had to drop out of school, but really do know how you feel. Just hang in there. Get on the net and find some correspondence courses your school will accept until you're able to go back full time.
And stay on this MB -- you've got all the support you can handle here.
Hugs BD
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Mr. Happy
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Re: Marty Question
« Reply #11 on: Sep 25th, 2003, 6:22pm » |
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Hey Jill,
Where'd ya put Marty's body?
More on school later......
Best,
RJ
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Re: School Question
« Reply #12 on: Sep 25th, 2003, 6:52pm » |
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Jill,
Welcome back and I wish things were better for you. I am working but the stress of work keeps me PF usually, I did get hit at work today but fortunately I have a great abortive. Not having an abortive that works would mess up any CHer trying to work or learn. The only person i know trying to go to school while chronic is Nightowl. She usually gets hit at night so she doesn't have to deal with it too often. It is good to see you still trying, that's what counts the most.
Opus/Paul
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5-string
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Re: School Question
« Reply #13 on: Sep 25th, 2003, 7:17pm » |
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Hi Jill,
I'm 34 and mine started 4 years ago. Med free till last month.
Mine hit BIG TIME this year and I was out of work from July 20th until sept.03. Fortunately my powers that be were very understanding. I've lost all my leave, had to cancel alot of planned "time off,get out of Dodge" stuff but I did'nt loose my job.
I'm a motorcyle mechanic and I was'nt willing to risk"leaving axles and other stuff loose" because of my never ending attacks all day long. I know what you're going through although I've never had to deal with the school/cluster thing.
Sorry you're having to go through this.
I actually showed my boss this sight one day and walked him through some of the info. Maybe that can help your situation.
Best of luck to you.Take care..
...Mark..
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Re: Marty Question
« Reply #14 on: Sep 25th, 2003, 7:43pm » |
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on Sep 25th, 2003, 6:22pm, Mr.Happy wrote:Hey Jill,
Where'd ya put Marty's body?
More on school later......
Best,
RJ |
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...all I can think of is: NT
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Jill
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Re: School Question
« Reply #15 on: Sep 25th, 2003, 8:14pm » |
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Thanks all for your help. As sad as this may sound, sorry for that, it is always somewhat encouraging that others have been where I am. Not in a bad way but because it means that you got through it and that means that I can too. Make sense?
I get hit all day and all night, usually over six times aday. That was the problem, them coming all of the time with shadows in between. It probably would have been easier had they just been at night or at a certain time during the day, could have arranged my schedule around that. But they arent, so I couldnt.
As for medications, I have been to many neurologists, from the east coast to the west coast, but no one has been able to find anything that works for me. Right now I have a great general practitioner that, even though doesnt know what to do, is working very hard to help me. He is trying to get me into a pain clinic and a neuro-headache clinic at Walter Reed, one of them has to help. I have one medication that I am taking that is helping but not alleviating them completely, though they are much much better than before.
Thanks for the information on correspondence courses, I had never heard of them before but they sure sound like something to look into. I know that you can get degrees online but I am not sure if they are 'serious' enough for an employer. I am determined to get my education somewhere though and I have always believed that that can get me anywhere.
I knew that I could count on you all for help and encouragement, thanks.
Jill
Oh and Marty's body - I have it stashed here in Maryland.
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Turts
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Re: School Question
« Reply #16 on: Sep 26th, 2003, 7:03am » |
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I never experienced any Ch during school years. Started at what you would call graduation.
I quit a few part time jobs in the first few yrs due to the ha's.
Now, I have a career and had to informed my employers about the effects, visual changes etc caused by the CH's.
They are pretty cool, Im able to hide during an attack in the office and get the receptionist to take my calls.
I have had attacks in a meeting. Usually the drooping eye, facial sweats and panting prevents them fromgetting you to involved.
Same as above supply the literature from DRs and OUCH etc and educate them what is going on. They are usually more receptive to this.
Good luck
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ckelly181
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Re: School Question
« Reply #17 on: Sep 26th, 2003, 9:53am » |
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Hey Jill,
I just feel for you. I'm an elementary teacher and a university professor. I have had attacks in both places. I let the college class go early one time (not that they cried about that...). I have to be REALLY careful not to get hot or I'll get one. My attacks are usually AM and late night, and the class is at night. Still, I don't move around a lot in class and my imitex is in my pocket.
Yesterday I was training teachers, and got one 10 minutes before class started. Luckily I had my o2 with me - my colleague started without me...what a pain.
At my elementary school at various times I've had the secretary drive me to the hospital, got lice from lying on the kids' cot in the nurses office, and almost passed out in front of third graders.
It is hard to function and you feel so out of control. I don't have any words of wisdom. Just seems like you slug it out the best you can...and keep fighting if you're able.
Chris
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nancyc
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Re: School Question
« Reply #18 on: Sep 26th, 2003, 10:11am » |
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Hi sis, good to see you around...sorry you are having a hard time...i got chs when i was about 24 years old...I did not work for years cause I did not have to....But when i returned to nursing school, I had chs the entire time I was in school...In fact, i was put in the hospital on DHE on spring break....But by the grace of God, I graduated number two in my class...Dont ask me how but i did...used a helluva lot of imitrex shots...About two years ago, i was out of work on disability for five months...these dang things are disabilitating to say the least...Some days i got thru just one minute at a time...but I got thru...finally found a wonderful neuro who has worked with me and found some meds that have helped me...I still have a few weeks of breakthrus now and then...it is weird but may have five to ten breakthrus in a week, and then they go back into remission...i am chronic..at these times, i run back to the good old imitrex shots thanks to some of my cluster buds here...Today is a good day...I know I am not gonna get hit...or atleast i pray i dont...Please dont give up hope...A few years ago, I felt like ending it all because of these things..Please keep this in mind...THERE is HOPE...you will make it thru this..sometimes it may not feel like it, but just reach out...we are here for you. smiles,nancyc
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Jill
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Re: School Question
« Reply #19 on: Sep 26th, 2003, 11:08am » |
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Today is a pretty rough day as well as last night - I swear, when it is peaking it really gets rough. Every day and night gets harder and harder - just wish that when it was peaking, it meant that it was leaving but since I am chronic, that doesnt happen. Atleast I know that they will simmer down at some point.
Good news for today, though, is that I have an appointment with the neuro-headache clinic at Walter Reed on Monday. Hopefully, maybe by some miracle, they will be able to help. We shall see....wish us luck.
Anyways, thanks for the support. I was feeling like such a quitter this week and like I was letting the headaches win. Now, thanks to you all, I feel better about this.
I have read on here that people have filed for disability and was wondering if that was hard to do or not. I have an over the phone appointment with social security about it next week, so I will learn more than. But is it hard to convince them that clusters are not merely just a headache but so much more disabling?
Thanks so much for the help, support and understanding...
Jill
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Re: School Question
« Reply #20 on: Sep 26th, 2003, 11:24am » |
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Hi Jill happy to read that you've got an appointment at the clinic, hope you get some help there.....seriously though how is Marty...??
Cathy
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Jill
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Re: School Question
« Reply #21 on: Sep 26th, 2003, 11:38am » |
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Cathy...
Marty is doing great, loves it here in Maryland.
Jill
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Re: School Question
« Reply #22 on: Sep 26th, 2003, 12:09pm » |
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I started getting clusters my sophomore year in high school. Spent a lot of time in the nurse's office.
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Virginia
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Re: School Question
« Reply #23 on: Sep 26th, 2003, 1:27pm » |
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on Sep 26th, 2003, 11:38am, Jill wrote:Cathy...
Marty is doing great, loves it here in Maryland.
Jill |
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Why doesn't he post anymore? We miss him.
Virginia
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Jill
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Re: School Question
« Reply #24 on: Sep 26th, 2003, 3:52pm » |
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Virginia -
Marty will be back soon, I promise.
He said that there was a lot with dealing with me (sorry) and my headaches, the move to Maryland, and helping mom and I through my dad's death.
He is a great person though, the best supporter ever and my own life savor. Dont tell him that though - get that ego to high. 
Jill
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"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.."
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