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        New Message Board Archives >> 2004-2005 Getting to Know Ya Posts >> Hello all... I think I am a sufferer, but...
        
(Message started by: Yipching on Dec 16^th, 2004, 1:54pm)

Title: Hello all... I think I am a sufferer, but...
Post by Yipching on Dec 16^th, 2004, 1:54pm

Hi...

I'm new to CHs; was diagnosed only a month ago... And I say that i THINK I have them is that I guess I'm not 100% confident in my doctor's diagnosis.

Maybe I'm just in denial. :-/

Most of my symptoms match what I've read on the web & the message board here, but there is one aspect of my pain that no one seems to associate with cluster headaches: It kills me to cough, bend over, or to do anything that puts pressure to the top of my head. The pain goes from my forehead to the top and back of my skull when anything like that happens - God forbid I sneeze: excruciating.

This of course makes me paranoid that it's my sinuses causing the whole issue. Does anyone else feel pain similar to this?

Thanks and hello to all!!

Title: Re: Hello all... I think I am a sufferer, but...
Post by nani on Dec 16^th, 2004, 2:27pm

Welcome Yipching and I'm sorry you're here. Bending and sneezing can trigger CH for me. You don't mention whether you are taking any meds. The pain you describe reminds me of a rebound headache. Meds can cause them.

Title: Re: Hello all... I think I am a sufferer, but...
Post by Yipching on Dec 16^th, 2004, 3:09pm

on 12/16/04 at 14:27:06, nani wrote:

Meds - My doc put me on Prednisone, which helped A LOT - while I was taking it. My last dose was 4 days ago, and the AM headaches are progressively worse. Zomig samples help me a lot, but it comes in only small quantities and is $$ even w/ insurance.

But actually, I had the sneezing/bending pain even before i started taking meds. I also try to use NSAIDS as little as possible, but lately have taken them more frequently than normal...

Thanks for the reply

Jason

Title: Re: Hello all... I think I am a sufferer, but...
Post by nani on Dec 16^th, 2004, 3:25pm

Hmmm...then I'm not sure. Be sure to mention this to your dr. Pain free wishes to you. :)

Title: Re: Hello all... I think I am a sufferer, but...
Post by Redrum on Dec 16^th, 2004, 4:53pm

is it possible the CH is compounding another problem such as sinus infection? I know that when my sinus's (sinui? sinuses?) are acting up my head will be sensitve to movements like you describe but have never experienced that problem with a CH alone.

~Andy

Title: Re: Hello all... I think I am a sufferer, but...
Post by eyes_afire on Dec 16^th, 2004, 7:59pm

Hi Yipching,

Are you being treated by a neurologist?

I don't mean to alarm you, but I believe you really need to find out if you are suffering from primary cough headache, secondary cough headache, or neither.

You may find these articles of interest:

http://www.imigraine.net/other/cough.html

http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/HQ/01574.html

excerpt from second article:

Your doctor may recommend a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam. This exam can help determine whether you have a primary cough headache, which isn't serious, as opposed to another sort called a secondary cough headache. Secondary cough headaches can occur as a result of serious problems, including brain tumors and brain malformations.

If you haven't been examined by a neurologist, you probably should see one.

--- Steve

Title: Re: Hello all... I think I am a sufferer, but...
Post by thebbz on Dec 19^th, 2004, 11:16pm

Hello Yip
You mentioned you were diagnosed...hopefully by a neurologist and not a GP. Read and study it is in my opinion the best weapon we have . Stick around hope you get feeling better.
BB

Title: Re: Hello all... I think I am a sufferer, but...
Post by Yipching on Dec 20^th, 2004, 8:31am

on 12/16/04 at 19:59:03, eyes_afire wrote:

If you haven't been examined by a neurologist, you probably should see one.
--- Steve

The consensus definitely seems to be that I should see a neurologist. My GP did not mention my seeing one, and at the time when he made the diagnosis I knew little of what cluster headaches were. I've since scoured every bit of info available and learned much and totally agree that I should see a neurologist if my symptoms don't clear up with what he's prescribed for me. I've actually felt a lot better since I've been on Prednisone and Topomax, but the coughing/pressure sensitivity aspect of my head pain doesn't seem characteristic, although it has reduced some of late. It could be due to stress caused by the whole experience... I'll definitely keep watch of my symptoms and if they worsen I'll demand a referral sooner than my checkup. Thanks so much to everyone for the advice!

Jason