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        New Message Board Archives >> 2004-2005 Getting to Know Ya Posts >> Still not used to them
        
(Message started by: MsDebL on Sep 4^th, 2004, 2:18pm)

Title: Still not used to them
Post by MsDebL on Sep 4^th, 2004, 2:18pm

I've been suffering with the symptoms of cluster headaches since 1980. My story is a little different though. While 7 months pregnant in 1980 I suffered a stroke that left me in a coma with death being a certainty at that time...but by the grace of God I awoke a month later and then became a new mom. After a zillion tests and doctors, no real cause for the whole ordeal. I have had a migraine type headache 24 hrs a day for the last 24 yrs and take medication daily to bring the pain to a tolerable level...yet that are several times a year I experience episodes with almost exact similarities to cluster headaches, but mine are supposedly due to the acute trauma my brain suffered and I remained alive to talk about it. After all these years, I still cannot get used to being sound asleep and being woke up by that intense pain like a cluster. Yes, mine too go as quickly as they came, but it's hard for anybody to understand how indescribable that pain is and why I just want to call Dr Kevorkian (sorry if spelled wrong). I read an article in my local newspaper of cluster headaches and this site and thought it would be worth a try to log on and at least know that there are people out there who do know what the pain feels like.
I am elated to say that after my stroke in 1980 I am not disabilitated like most folks would have been. The only real long term effects I have is epilepsy(controlled) lost of perifial vision, minor strength loss on left side, certain memory retention problems, constant headaches...and these attacks. I sometimes just have to remind myself that God performed a miracle by saving my life as well as that of my unborn child...and the suffering from the pain I have is all a part of His plan for my existence on this side of eternity. To anyone who read this, THANK YOU for taking the time...I can sympathize with your pain and I wish you the strength that sometimes I seem to forget to have myself. Peace of Christ to All !

Title: Re: Still not used to them
Post by synergy on Sep 4^th, 2004, 3:07pm

Hi - that must of been awful. Thank god that you and baby survived.

Sorry to ask you a bunch of questions but:

1. are you on any meds for these intense HA's?
2. What are your symptoms during an attack?
3. Can you stay still during an attack?

Im so sorry that you are suffering with these and my heart goes out to you - if it is CH then try to stay away from OTC pain killers as they will just make it worse.

You need to get a good GP and neuro to first diagnose you and then to treat them the best way they can.

Keep us posted and if you ever want to talk privately then dont hesitate to send me a private message!

luv sarah xx

Title: Re: Still not used to them
Post by don on Sep 4^th, 2004, 6:36pm

Quote:

I read an article in my local newspaper of cluster headaches and this site

What paper?

Title: Re: Still not used to them
Post by clarence on Sep 5^th, 2004, 12:38pm

It sounds like you have had quite an ordeal. Probably none of us are "used to them," but many have learned to [semi-]control them.

I hope that you find some relief. I have only been here a short time and have found a great deal of support and understanding. It is difficult going through pain that it seems no one understands. But you will find understanding and information here.

Thanks for telling your story - You sound very strong.
Casey