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        New Message Board Archives >> 2003 Posts >> New To The Board
        
(Message started by: Cluster_Head101 on Apr 3^rd, 2003, 9:26pm)

Title: New To The Board
Post by Cluster_Head101 on Apr 3^rd, 2003, 9:26pm

I was diagnosed last march with Cluster Headaches. I am 28 years old and have been getting them my whole life.

I get them every year right around this time and am currently going through a rough cycle. I found this web site and am very excited to read other stories about sufferers.

I noticed that in comparison, mine are not that bad as I average about 1 per 24 hours and they last about 2-3 hours.

I see that some people get multiple CH a day and knowing the pain that would be brutal.

I hope to be a regular here on this site!!!!!

Title: Re: New To The Board
Post by Mark C on Apr 3^rd, 2003, 9:40pm

Welcome aboard CH,
Tell us a little about yourself.....what meds have you tried? What works.... what dont.....that kind of thing. There is much information here and on the OUCH (http://www.clusterheadaches.org/) site, go take a look. Good luck with the head.

PFDAN's
Mark

Title: Re: New To The Board
Post by Mikey on Apr 3^rd, 2003, 9:47pm

welcome to the board Cluster. You will find alot of good
people here and info to help you along. We are like a family here. There is always someone here that you can turn to, believe me i know. So my best advice to you right now is to read alot and that alone will help you lots. Just remember you're not alone.

Mikey, ;D

Title: Re: New To The Board
Post by catlind on Apr 3^rd, 2003, 10:08pm

Welcome aboard 101! Sorry you have the need to join the family, but glad we are here for you. You will find a wealth of information in these pages. Read, read and read some more.

What kinds have meds have you used? Do you have any tricks that you use to help you cope?

Grab an oar and help row this boat to a cure!

Cat

Title: Re: New To The Board
Post by Cluster_Head101 on Apr 3^rd, 2003, 10:08pm

Well I have been getting cluster headaches for years and was finally diagnosed last year.

He gave me Maxalt and I just recently starting taking it with my new episode beginning in March.

I get about 1 CH every 24 hours and they last 2-3 hours and the pain is unbearable. I cannot even sleep next to my wife at night because her swallowing annoys me.

I go downstairs or she goes on the couch and that is how we deal with it.

I have been on this web site a few days now and it is awesome.

Title: Re: New To The Board
Post by don on Apr 3^rd, 2003, 10:36pm

Wecome aboard 101.

You have just found the most incredible home you will ever find. Pull up a chair and get comfortable. You get frustrated, rant and rave right here. You feel better, share with us what has helped. You go out of cycle, stick around to support the less fortunate.

OUCH has an annual convention coming up in July.

We have a supporters corner for your wife and family.

We have a lot of local get togethers when we all act like fools. It's a blast.

First, what can we do to help you right now. Ask away.

Title: Re: New To The Board
Post by cootie on Apr 3^rd, 2003, 10:45pm

Hello Cluster_Head101........how-di-do-Pam

Title: Re: New To The Board
Post by Woobie on Apr 4^th, 2003, 1:31am

on 04/03/03 at 22:08:33, Cluster_Head101 wrote:

I cannot even sleep next to my wife at night because her swallowing annoys me.

WOW!! NEVER heard a man say THAT!!! LMAO!! ;D

Anyhow, welcome to the board. Hope you find some help here.. I KNOW you will..

Just wanted to say HI!

Tina :-*

Title: Re: New To The Board
Post by brain_cramps on Apr 4^th, 2003, 3:57am

on 04/04/03 at 01:31:45, Woobie wrote:

WOW!! NEVER heard a man say THAT!!! LMAO!! ;D

ROTF!!! TOOOO FUNNY!!!

;D

Title: Re: New To The Board
Post by suzy617 on Apr 4^th, 2003, 6:47am

Hello and welcome 101,

Hope you stick around. Oh and the swallowing thing got me cracking up, LMAO. ;D ;D

suzy

Title: Re: New To The Board
Post by Linda T on Apr 4^th, 2003, 10:40am

Hi CH101. Welcome. My first two cycles were the same as yours. 1 hit per 24 hours. I actually used to be able to sleep. Don't know why it changed but it did. Hope things work out ok for you tho.

Wishing you all PFDAN always, Linda T

Title: Re: New To The Board
Post by ShariRae on Apr 4^th, 2003, 10:45am

Sorry ya need us...but...WELCOME HOME! Stick around, there is a wealth of information here..as well as the best group of folks you will ever know. Read all the info you can & never be afraid to ask a question..or vent..or whatever floats yer boat. Better end the welcome here before I get in trouble with a swallowing comment!! *giggle*
Shari

Title: Re: New To The Board
Post by TomM on Apr 4^th, 2003, 11:54am

101--Welcome!

Do some poking around and ask questions. We have many very well informed people on this board who are willing to share thier experiences about meds and relief with you.

Quote:

I go downstairs or she goes on the couch and that is how we deal with it.

Yeah, my wife hides when I get hit too. I usually end up in the MBR and she goes to the guest room until the dust settles. The cat...he just hides.

Again. Welcome.

TomM

Title: Re: New To The Board
Post by BruceD on Apr 4^th, 2003, 12:46pm

101, Bummer that you had to find this place, but like everyone else has said THIS is THE place to be if you have CH (or support a ch'r) Like you I'm a relative newcomer to the board but have had CH for many-a-year. Tons of info here and lots 'O good people. The word family is certainly an understatement!

Take care
BruceD

Title: Re: New To The Board
Post by cathy on Apr 4^th, 2003, 12:47pm

Hi Cluster_Head101...welcome to the mad house sorry you are a sufferer but hope you get all the help and support you need... :)

Woobie you really too rude....I can't believe I missed that!....LOL ;D

Cathy

Title: Re: New To The Board
Post by ZAIRA on Apr 4^th, 2003, 4:06pm

WELCOME HOME CH_101!!

Stay with us... in this site you are in the right place!!

PFDAN, Zaira :-*

Title: Re: New To The Board
Post by jonny on Apr 4^th, 2003, 6:11pm

Man!!!!, I aint even here yet and poking and swallowing are being discussed ;D

Welcome aboard 101,

The word "Alone" does not exsist here. ;D

..................................jonny

Title: Re: New To The Board
Post by Cluster_Head101 on Apr 4^th, 2003, 8:34pm

Thanks everyone for the kind welcome. I have only been on this site for 1 day and I have already learned a lot about my headaches so thanks to everyone.

CLUSTERHEAD101

Title: Re: New To The Board
Post by Charlie on Apr 4^th, 2003, 8:46pm

Welcome to our ward 101. We've all been there or still are. If you stick around, you will find things to lessen the effects of this horror in some fashion. In the meantime, here is the technique that has been so helpful to me and some others:

Dr. Wright's Circulatory Technique

This is not transcendental meditation, imagery, relaxation, or anything psychic. It's entirely physical and takes a lot of work and concentration. Give this method a good workout. It’s not a miracle, but it’s been helpful to many.

When I was diagnosed, my neurologist said to treat this as a vascular problem. I was told to concentrate on “redirecting” blood circulation in order to retard flow to the head. This is done by trying to “send” blood into the arms and hands or other extremities. When properly done, your hands will become warm and redder with increased circulation. I also found it easier to concentrate on one hand.

This relieves just slightly, the pressure on the affected vessel, which indirectly causes our pain. We all have this ability but it can be exhausting. I was often able shorten my attacks from about half an hour to no more than a few minutes. Sometimes, when awake, I could entirely abort the attack IF I KEPT AT IT. Often, I would suffer only minor discomfort instead of excruciating pain. Do not stop just because your hands are warm or redder. Keep this up until you are sure it's subsided. If you let up or lose concentration, it’s very hard to restart this process. It may take some time but when this works, the relief is almost immediate.

I learned this from the doctor in a few minutes. He simply told me to try to keep blood away from the head. He thought it easiest to concentrate on the arms and hands but any place that works for you is fine. He said to think of it as "filling your hands" with redirected blood. It’s important to keep at it THROUGH the pain. This will be difficult, but it’s the only way this technique will work. Don’t let up until you are sure the attack has ended.

This will not always work, but I think it will always have at least some effect on the severity and duration of the attacks. It can be useful between medications or while waiting for some other drug to take effect. All it takes is a little practice. It was fairly easy to learn and what I'm writing here is more than I got from the doctor, as I've drawn from my own experience.

When awakened in horrible pain, it’s very hard to focus, but I think it’s always worth a try. This costs nothing but hard work, is harmless, non-invasive, and it gives us a fighting chance.

I wish you the best of luck - Charlie Strand

Title: Re: New To The Board
Post by Drk^Angel on Apr 4^th, 2003, 8:53pm

Welcome to the board! Sorry that the beast is kickin' your head into a bloody, steaming pile of mush with his big ol' pair of steel-toed shit kickers. Welcome to the family!

PFDAN................................ Drk^Angel

Title: Re: New To The Board
Post by Not4Hire on Apr 4^th, 2003, 9:04pm

Quote:

CH_101.....ya been greeted by one of the *best*..... ;D

dorkAngle....(sp)....good to see ya back! ;D ...keep 'em comin'......

Title: Re: New To The Board
Post by brain_cramps on Apr 4^th, 2003, 9:06pm

on 04/04/03 at 20:53:36, Drk^Angel wrote:

Drk!!! Great to see you back! ;D

grant
8) 8) 8) ;) 8) 8) 8)

Title: Re: New To The Board
Post by Callico_Kid on Apr 5^th, 2003, 12:16am

;D Glad you found us, but sorry you're here. :'(

You will find all the support and love you can use here. This is really a great family with some "older" brothers and sisters who can share a lot of info that will help you through the struggles. (See Jonny's thread "Got Support")

jc