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        New Message Board Archives >> 2004-2005 Getting to Know Ya Posts >> this is killing me
        
(Message started by: andrewhc on Nov 10^th, 2004, 6:15am)

Title: this is killing me
Post by andrewhc on Nov 10^th, 2004, 6:15am

went the emergency doctor last week with splitting headache above right eye. She diagnosed as Cluster headache. Having headaches about 5 to 6 times a day right above my right eye (feels like I have been punched multiple times) my right nostril is blocked at the same time.

She gave me voltrol (which I use for my back anyway) and paracetamol (excuse the speeling) and told me to go to my own doctor if didnt go after a week. SO now I am taking about 12 para's a day to try to stop this thing and it is not working.

What should I do now - i have private health care from work - anyone know what to do in the UK?

Thanks

Andrew

Title: Re: this is killing me
Post by Filbert on Nov 10^th, 2004, 6:47am

Hi Andrew and welcome to the message board but sorry you've been diagnosed with this dreadrul condition. There's lots of great medcal info here and you might also want to try the British site ouchuk.org for a more British medical slant. There are things that can help!

All the best Filbert.

Title: Re: this is killing me
Post by LeLimey on Nov 10^th, 2004, 8:43am

Hi Andrew
Nice to meet you but sorry it's here! Filbert is right, the stuff you are taking won't touch the sides. Have a look at the OUCH UK website for meds, print some stuff off and take it to your GP. There are other articles on there which are well worth reading and printing yet again. Its not a common condition and a lot of GP's haven't heard of it so you were lucky.
Ask to be referred to a neurologist either via the NHS or privately. I'm using imigran injections which are really quick ( known on here as imitrex but same thing) and using O2 which is nothing short of a miracle. Don't be fobbed off with imigran tablets as they aren't effective, it also comes in nasal sprays which do work but take alot longer. the injections are the only licenced treatment for CH in the UK.
I hope this helps, knowing you aren't alone helps a lot too
Let us know how you get on
helen

Title: Hi Andrew
Post by Testy1 on Nov 18^th, 2004, 6:20am

I'll second LeLimey's post and say that paracetamol isn't going to help at all. You need something that gets at the cause of the HA rather than just a mild pain killer. That MD is going to put you through some serious pain if s/he isn't educated soon.
The only good thing about CH is that it ISN'T killing you. I tell myself that every night when I'm doing what we call "the dance." Marching around the house stark naked and moaning and cursing while my nose drips and me eye waters.
CH is the only thing I know of that can put you through so much hell without actually damaging your body.
On the good side, this board is one of the friendliest on the net. People here know exactly what you're going through and will do almost anything to get you through it. I've only been here a few days myself but it already feels "homey" to me.

All the best

Jack

Title: Re: this is killing me
Post by nani on Nov 19^th, 2004, 9:29am

Welcome Andrew, and I'm sorry you're here. Jack is right, CH isn't going to kill you. We all sometimes wish it would, though. Yes - research the OUCH sites and read here and you can arm yourself with the info you need to fight this beast. One thing we sufferers have encouraged each other about is not letting IT get the better of you. Hang in there... [smiley=hug.gif]

Title: Re: this is killing me
Post by Ruth on Nov 19^th, 2004, 8:04pm

Hi Andrew,
Glad to meet you and hope you stick around.
Lots of good people here and very good information.

Ruth

Title: Re: this is killing me
Post by thebbz on Nov 19^th, 2004, 8:27pm

hey Anj!!
First, stop taking the pain meds. They wont work on these. Second, vigorous exercise helps some. Third Lelimey's got you on the right track. Fourth Welcome and hope you get to right stuff for what you have. All the best to ya
BB

Title: Re: this is killing me
Post by andrewhc on Nov 20^th, 2004, 4:48am

Thanks everyone. Seeing the nuro guy next week so i can get sorted. They seem to have died down this week so that is a good sign for now anyway