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        New Message Board Archives >> 2004-2005 Getting to Know Ya Posts >> Never introduced myself
        
(Message started by: EvertBoer on Jan 13^th, 2005, 5:48pm)

Title: Never introduced myself
Post by EvertBoer on Jan 13^th, 2005, 5:48pm

I've made a few replies to others but never formally introduced myself, sorry. This site is a Godsend. Some posts make me really laugh, others make me almost cry as I remember my early CH years. I cringe when I read about the Chronics here.

My name is Evert Boer (I'm Dutch) living in California. Currently 55 years old. After stumbling around and mostly just enduring the agony for the first 20 years (often compounded by misdiagnoses and quacks), I figured out my own condition at a medical library while visiting a sick person. It actually pissed me off somewhat since I fit the symptoms exactly...makes you wonder why so many doctors haven't a clue, either about the condition or the excrutiating pain or possible treatments. Eventually found my way to an excellent Neurologist in Newport Beach California (Dr. C. Philip O'Carroll, for anyone living out here) who also suffers and doesn't charge a lot.

I started the CH cycles when I was 19. Now I seem to have about 5 year remissions between cycles. My doctor got me started on the oxygen. I am so grateful for the Imitrex tip also...never thought of it and no one ever mentioned it, but for me 1/2 shot works just fine.

I'm retiring to Michigan later this year, near Allegan. I have never met another CH sufferer in person and it wasn't until I stumbled on this site that I found out there were so many of us, even women (that was new to me). Are any of you in Michigan? Does anyone know a knowledgable neurologist near Southwest Michigan?

I'm grateful for this board, especially for all the help and encouragement that is offered to the new victims of this ghastly condition here. I wish it would have been here 35 years ago, but then there weren't as many options and knowledge then. So Hello Everyone.

Title: Re: Never introduced myself
Post by E-Double on Jan 13^th, 2005, 6:02pm

Well Evert it took you 4 months to say hello..... [smiley=laugh.gif]
Too funny.
You've been here for quite some time and like me I know this place has helped you.

I love it too!

Wishing you all the best !

Eric

Title: Re: Never introduced myself
Post by EvertBoer on Jan 13^th, 2005, 6:30pm

I feel sort of guilty. I have always been sort of unsocial and have never visited chat rooms and rarely message boards. I'm still trying to figure out how you knew I've been lurking for 4 months. I am going to have to explore this site more so that I don't commit any egregious mistakes. Thanks for the welcome.

Title: Re: Never introduced myself
Post by nani on Jan 13^th, 2005, 7:30pm

Hi Evert...click on your name and your profile will have the date you joined. There are no egregious mistakes here. We're all here for the same reason, we either have or support someone with this dreadful condition. Please feel free to respond to or not respond to anything you read. I do urge you to ask questions if you have any...there a many very knowledgeable people here. I believe there are some CHers in Michigan. Go to the top of the page and click on the member map. Those who have disclosed their location will be on it. Pain free wishes to you...nani :)

Title: Re: Never introduced myself
Post by RichardN on Jan 13^th, 2005, 7:37pm

Welcome to the looney bin Evert.

Hang arround and let us hear from you.

PFDANs,

Richard

Title: Re: Never introduced myself
Post by dagger on Jan 13^th, 2005, 8:07pm

I believe the OUCH website has a link to patient recommended doctors. Good luck!

Title: Re: Never introduced myself
Post by Kris_in_SJ on Jan 13^th, 2005, 8:07pm

Check your email, Evert.

Kris

Title: Re: Never introduced myself
Post by Ronny on Jan 14^th, 2005, 12:30am

Hallo Evert,

Ik hoop dat je nog wat Nederlands kent.

Title: Re: Never introduced myself
Post by TxBasslady on Jan 14^th, 2005, 12:52am

Welcome, Evert

One sufferer I know that lives in Michigan...his name is M.R. He's a great guy!!

Not sure of others.....however, we do appear to be a bit scattered.

The best thing in the world a sufferer can do is meet another who suffers. You have no idea how much this will affect you. It brings a bit of peace.....just being able to meet another who suffers with CH. Just knowing that someone understands the pain and cares.

The first time I met another sufferer.....I was overwhelmed. Unfortunately, at that 1st time meeting, I witnessed someone getting hit. As heartbreaking as it was to witness this, I came home stronger. Being able to see CH from both sides.....not just as a sufferer..but as a supporter as well. It makes you really appreciate those in your life who support you.

Good luck in your retirement!

PF vibes,

Jean

Title: Re: Never introduced myself
Post by Mr. Happy on Jan 14^th, 2005, 1:12am

Yo. Everet...you've been hanging around for over a year, and you're just now doing a personal intro? Holey moley. Neato, but not needed, man.
Why you would want to retire in Allegan is beyond me, but then again, I'm Welsh.
At least you'll be close to a plethora of CHeads. Davenport is within reach, and, if you haven't met other CHeads, this is not one to miss. Don't waste your time on them Californians....they're strange, and due for a tectonic plate shift directly.

Dav Good, Cal Bad,
RJ

Title: Re: Never introduced myself
Post by maureeng96 on Jan 14^th, 2005, 1:19am

Welcome Evert!

Although I am a supporter, not a sufferer, this site has been a lifesaver for me.

I feel like I should reintroduce myself. I guess I have been the prodigal daughter.

My boyfriend, Steve, was diagnosed with migraines about 10 years ago, but thanks to this site, I rediagnosed him with CH after I met him 4 years ago. (My previous username was MaureenG, but I have not been able to log into it.)

I have a bad habit of straying away when things are going well, but I always find my way back when things get rough.

I don't post a lot, but I learn a lot (and laugh a lot) from reading all the posts. I still see many familiar names, and many, many new ones. That's bittersweet - it's sad that so many people suffer, but it's great that they have finally found this site.

PFDAN to all (including the supporters who suffer in their own way). I came up with my own term for supporters. If sufferers of these headaches are clusterheads, then supporters are clusterhearts (the pain in our hearts is excrutiating in a different way).

Thanks for being here!

Maureen

Title: Re: Never introduced myself
Post by Langa on Jan 14^th, 2005, 8:59am

Welcome to the family Evert... ;;D

Langa

Title: Re: Never introduced myself
Post by EvertBoer on Jan 14^th, 2005, 1:34pm

Wow, thank you everyone for the warm welcome.

Kris, I responded to your email.

Ronny, Ik kan nog Hollands praaten maar ik kan beter lezen dan schrijven en "I'm sure my spelling and usage are atrocious, even funny". Of course all you Europeans speak excellent English.