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(Message started by: TreenaS92770 on Sep 17^th, 2004, 5:48am)

Title: New to ClusterHeadaches.com Message Board Support
Post by TreenaS92770 on Sep 17^th, 2004, 5:48am

Hello everyone,I stumbled across this support for cluster headache sufferers. Well on the 25th of August, I found out from my neurologist that I suffer from classical migraines and cluster headaches.I am female and 33 years old. I know it is rare for females to have cluster headaches but I found out from my parents that I had these headaches since being a child.In fact, I had a attack this morning around three o'clock (09-17-2004) I was diagnosed with migraines in my early twenties.I have realized that it is hard for me to find a job since the employer needs to know my medical condition.My dad told me that he had them type of headaches and he has been on Verapamil for years and he doesn't have a headache. I know that it takes at least a month or longer for the medication to start working like it should.He gave me a prescription for Relpax and Verapamil no other meds for pain but I feel like I'm going crazy since I hurt so bad and no pain medication. I'm also going through a divorce which I left a abusive husband for four years. I have someone in my life now where he is there for me and understands that I am in alot of pain. The abusive husband said that I have the migraines on purpose.Right now before I get the divorce finalized I am using his medical insurance to get better and want to get a different job with benefits and then get the divorce.Well, thank you for having this website up and running and thank you for letting me come and vent. You all take care....

Treena

Title: Re: New to ClusterHeadaches.com Message Board Supp
Post by FZfan on Sep 17^th, 2004, 8:02am

Welcome to clusterville treena. Sorry you had to find your way here, but believe me, you have found the right place.

In addition to the meds you mentioned, you should also get oxygen, especially since you still have insurance. Please read the oxygen link on the menu to the left. With the proper regulator and non-rebreather mask, oxygen is an excellent abortive for a majority of sufferers, and can allow you to get by with less abortive medications.

Good luck in your battles with the beast.

Title: Re: New to ClusterHeadaches.com Message Board Supp
Post by TreenaS92770 on Sep 17^th, 2004, 8:39am

I have been reading about the oxygen and will ask my neuro about it when I still have pain when the relpax doesn't work for me. I tend to get most of the attacks sleeping or at work.I work for RGIS Inventory Specialists. The doctor told me to not climb any ladders and to take frequent breaks..kinda hard to do with this employer but I definitely won't climb ladders.They get mad because I won't but I have to do what my doctor says to do. I also have to wear sunglasses indoors. Bright lights and such bother me since I have the migraines too.The neurologist told me I needed to learn when the cluster was happening and when the migraine is happening...It seems like both are happening at same time most of the time.All I know is that the headaches are scary and on my dad's mom's side all of them died from severe strokes.It helps to know that I'm not alone suffering from these but at times I feel alone and I'm not good on telling my boss I need to go home since I'm hurting it usually has to take like close to falling or getting really dizzy and pale to get me to go home.I have two associate degrees and it's hard to find a job suitable for me with my medical condition. I just hope and wish one day I will be pain free.Thank you so much for your reply it helps :)

Treena

Title: Re: New to ClusterHeadaches.com Message Board Supp
Post by floridian on Sep 17^th, 2004, 11:47am

It's not so rare for females to have clusters. The gap between men and women seems to be narrowing, though nobody knows why - maybe better diagnosis.

The idea that someone gets migraines or clusters on purpose would be funny if it wasn't so pathetic and misinformed. Do people choose to get leukemia or appendicitis??

Hope the Verapamil works for you like it does for your dad. There is a genetic factor in clusters, so its a good chance that both you and your dad get clusters for the same reason, and also respond to the same medicines. But clusters are also complicated and mysterious so theres never a guarantee.

Hang in there.