Clusterheadaches.com Message Board


    
      
        Clusterheadaches.com Message Board
        (http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi)
      

        New Message Board Archives >> 2004 Posts >> Hello My name is Ellis.
        
(Message started by: Elfdelite on Nov 5^th, 2004, 1:32am)

Title: Hello My name is Ellis.
Post by Elfdelite on Nov 5^th, 2004, 1:32am

Hi, my name is Ellis, and I am so glad I found this site that I have been on the verge of tears the entire time I have been reading the "new visitors" page. My headaches started around the time I was 20-21 years old (I am 30 now) lasting 2-4 weeks at a time 2-4 times a day then disappearing until the next spring. At first I thought it had something to do with my sinuses, allergies and god knows what else. Then around the time I turned 26 they went on a 2.5 year hiatus and just resurfaced last year but this time returning in the Fall of 2003, but I just let them go away without getting them diagnosed and still not knowing what I was suffering from. Well 10 days ago they returned with a vengeance! Every freaking night for 10 days pacing around the house, laying in bed with my legs doing circles, then finally laying in my head in my wife’s lap crying and begging out for them to "STOP, PLEASE JUST FUC*ING STOP" and 'O' GOD IT HURTS" until they just suddenly went away. Well this morning I decided to do some research on the internet to go and see an ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist thinking it was just another round with my sinuses due to the cold weather here in Utah. While I was looking for sinus help I stumbled upon your site and now I think I found hope, help, and the answer to my prayers. Tomorrow morning I am going to call all of the Neurologists until I can get an appointment ASAP and armed with the knowledge from this site and no longer having the feeling of being alone.

I guess the reason for this rambling post is just to say:

THANK YOU!!!

Title: Re: Hello My name is Ellis.
Post by K-9 on Nov 5^th, 2004, 2:24am

Welcome to this site. Sorry to hear you suffer. This is a great place. Good luck with the neuro!!!!!!

Title: Re: Hello My name is Ellis.
Post by AussieBrian on Nov 5^th, 2004, 2:26am

G'day Ellis,

My name is Brian, and you're no longer alone.

Welcome to a family that has welcomed me (for all my faults).

There's no answers here, no magic cures, but there's friends who understand.

There's also heaps of info, stuff I'd have killed to know just 30 years ago.

Sorry you're here, Ellis, but welcome home.

Kindest regards,

AussieBrian.

Title: Re: Hello My name is Ellis.
Post by Charlie on Nov 5^th, 2004, 2:49am

Welcome aboard but I'm sorry you had reason to look for us. Nevertheless, if you stick around, you'll find lots of good ideas and ways to deal with this horror.

At the top here, you'll see the list our other boards that are focused on clusters a bit more. This one does well too but has a little bit of everything.

Glad to meet you and let us know how you're doing.

Charlie

Title: Re: Hello My name is Ellis.
Post by Gator on Nov 5^th, 2004, 3:26am

Hi Ellis,

Welcome to the website. Sucks that you had a reason to come looking for us, but damned glad you found us.

As you have no doubt discovered, the links to the left have tons of good info in them. There is even more on the OUCH website. Read everything you can and print stuff out that seems applicable. Unfortunately, you may end up teaching whatever doctor about CH.

Here is a link to read and print and take to your doctor. It describes preventative, transitional, abortive and surgical treatments for CH.

http://www.future-drugs.com/admin/articlefile/ERN020304.pdf

Here is a link to some non-prescription alternatives different people have used to help with the pain:

http://www.clusterheadaches.org/resources/non_script_treat.htm

If you are currently taking medications, I would suggest you talk with your doctor before taking any of the nutritional supplements. At the very least check for interactions at a website such as:

http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/Home/AllAboutDrugs

Nutritional supplements can interact with prescription meds just the same as some prescription meds interact with each other. Better safe than sorry where your health is concerned.

Oxygen is an excellent abortive. Works for most people when used properly. Defintely try this. As well as it works, I have a hard time understanding why more doctors do not prescribe it. If your doc won't prescribe it for you, you might try welder's O2. It's the same pure oxygen used by medical suppliers. Many people here use it and would be more than happy to help you set it up. Here is a link that tells about using O2 and shows a setup using welder's O2.

http://www.maplefallswebdesign.com/misc/oxygen/oxygen.htm

Again, welcome to CH.com. There's no better place in the world for info and support.

Gator

Title: Re: Hello My name is Ellis.
Post by nani on Nov 5^th, 2004, 9:19am

Welcome Ellis and I'm sorry you're here. Hope you find some relief soon. You'll find lots of info and friends here. [smiley=hug.gif]

Title: Re: Hello My name is Ellis.
Post by Jeepgun on Nov 5^th, 2004, 9:32am

Welcome, Ellis. I went through the same thing as you, thinking it was sinuses or a brain tumor or cancer of the optic nerve or something... When you make your appointment with the neurologist, print a copy of this document and take it with you for your neurologist to read: http://www.clusterheadaches.com/about.html

The most common preventative is a daily dose of Verapamil while you are in cycle, and the most common abortive is injectable imitrex. A great many people have used high-flow oxygen as an abortive too, with good success, although doctors are often reluctant to prescribe it. There are people here who can help you with that, as well.

If your neurologist starts talking about migraines instead of cluster headaches, and if s/he won't listen to you and wants to give you migraine medications, that's your cue to perhaps seek out a different doctor. I went through hell with my neurologist and my general practioner is the one who was most willing to listen and try a course of verapamil, along with prescribing injectable imitrex.

Again, welcome. There are no magic cures, but the medications your doctor will prescribe, the support, the genuine caring, humor, and love that you find here, will all go a long way towards making your CH cycle more bearable.

My best to you.

-Frank

Title: Re: Hello My name is Ellis.
Post by TomM on Nov 5^th, 2004, 9:39am

Welcome aboard.

Grab your position along the starboard rail as we cast off our lines, haul in the gang plank, and set sail. It's a journey that may include high seas, hurricane force winds, or torrential rain. But, most of the time we have inspiring sunsets on the fantail and porpoises riding the wake at the bow. Thanx for joining us and when you feel comfortable with us, pick up a swab and lend a hand.

"He that will learn to pray, let him go to sea." George Herbert

TomM

Title: Re: Hello My name is Ellis.
Post by becky8 on Nov 5^th, 2004, 9:54am

Welcome,
Again sorry you have to be here, but not other hand you are soooo lucky to be here if you have CH. Your story is a repeat of mine except I had to wait about 15 more years and become chronic before I found this site. Don't waste your money and time on uneducated Dr's. If you have the CH signs, get with a neuro that KNOWS CH. I wasted so much time and money, not to mention the longer it takes the more pain you have to in. READ and READ here and you will find help. We understand your pain and feel for you. [smiley=hug.gif] [smiley=hug.gif] [smiley=hug.gif]

Title: Re: Hello My name is Ellis.
Post by john_d on Nov 5^th, 2004, 10:27am

Welcome aboard Ellis! ;;D

Title: Re: Hello My name is Ellis.
Post by sandie99 on Nov 5^th, 2004, 12:29pm

Welcome to our CH family, Ellis! :)

I am so glad that you found CH.com.

Wishing you loads of PFdays,
sandie99

Title: Re: Hello My name is Ellis.
Post by Tom K on Nov 5^th, 2004, 12:32pm

Welcome aboard, Ellis. You'll find that we fight and bicker, just like family...without the smacking of books upside the head! ;;D We know what you are going through and though we can be rough on the edges, we are mostly good people. If you need anything, don't be afraid to post or pm one of us. We can help you through the toughest of times and all we ask is that you are there to give us a hand when we need it, too. Browse the site, ask questions and we will give you all the support you need.
Welcome Home.

T

Title: Re: Hello My name is Ellis.
Post by vig on Nov 5^th, 2004, 12:34pm

Hey Ellis,
welcome, read up, have some fun, meet fellow CH'ers.
Welcome!