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        New Message Board Archives >> 2004-2005 Getting to Know Ya Posts >> Took 9 years to find this Board!!
        
(Message started by: cajun on Feb 24^th, 2005, 5:04pm)

Title: Took 9 years to find this Board!!
Post by cajun on Feb 24^th, 2005, 5:04pm

Just found this site this afternoon by chance. I wish I could say I am happy to see that there is support out there, but it is sad that there are this many people who are suffering. I had migraines starting at age 10 or 11, but starting at age 23 I went 3 years without major headaches until the age of 26. That is when I got my first cluster, which started in late January. Of course, I just thought it was another migraine (the worst one I ever had), but then it kept coming back over and over again. Midrin, which was used for the migraines, didn't help and I was in hell for 4-5 weeks and then poof, headaches gone. Wrote it off as stress, then the next year, end of January, the nightmare started again. This went on for 6 years before I was finally diagnosed with clusters. That doctor saved my life I think. And even though I finally knew what I had, it was just this year that I was finally turned on to verapamil, which has been a saving grace. Still having headaches, but they are nothing like before. On the occasion that I do wake with a bad one an Imitrex inject will usually do the trick. Some days however I use my max of two injections and I end up suffering through one for 45 minutes to an hour.

I sympathize with all of you who have this condition. I have a pretty high tolerance for pain, but NOBODY can know what pain really is unless they feel what we do. This goes beyond breaking bones, or even burning yourself badly. These headaches have turned me into a helpless child at times, and for my wife that is not a side she has ever seen. It took her some time to be able to help me help myself. The first few times she felt so helpless that I think she felt worse than me.

In closing, thanks to all of you for being here for others. Everybody has different levels of tolerance and it is warming to see people come to others aid in such a time of need.

Stan

Title: Re: Took 9 years to find this Board!!
Post by TxBasslady on Feb 24^th, 2005, 10:02pm

Hi Stan,

Welcome to the board.

Sounds like you have the meds that help you. That's great!

You might read as much as you can here. For nighttime hits, alot of us have used Melatonin. Good thing is that it can be purchased w/out a Rx. Also, in the Meds and Treatment section they have started a thread about Kudzu.

Lots of good info here.....and the best support in the world. Stay with us....let us know how you're doing.

PF vibes,

Jean

Title: Re: Took 9 years to find this Board!!
Post by sandie99 on Feb 25^th, 2005, 1:26am

Welcome, Stan! :)

I am glad that you've found meds which work and the right diagnosis! Sometimes it takes a lot more time than it should. And I'm glad you found this site. Here's info and support any time you need them.

You are right about pain. People have no idea what it is until they have CH. I have very high tolerance of pain as well and well, having (chronic) CH has increased it even more.

I wish you lots of PFdays & nights,
Sandie

Title: Re: Took 9 years to find this Board!!
Post by guesst on Feb 25^th, 2005, 10:05am

on 02/24/05 at 17:04:06, cajun wrote:

I have a pretty high tolerance for pain, but NOBODY can know what pain really is unless they feel what we do. This goes beyond breaking bones, or even burning yourself badly. These headaches have turned me into a helpless child at times,

This is exactly how I feel about it too. My pain tolerance is unbelievable to most people, but it doesn't help a bit with CH, that's how the people that know me, understand that this is indeed REAL pain.

Title: Re: Took 9 years to find this Board!!
Post by Gena on Feb 25^th, 2005, 10:16am

Welcome, Welcome, Welcome

Sorry for the pain of what brings you here, but glad you finally found us.

Its a great feeling to find others that understand your pain and know your are not alone!

Title: Re: Took 9 years to find this Board!!
Post by Cooked Brain on Feb 26^th, 2005, 12:33am

Hi Stan, welcome to the board!

Since it took 9 years, better make this one count then ;;D

wish u pfd & see you around!

Title: Re: Took 9 years to find this Board!!
Post by RichardN on Feb 26^th, 2005, 1:00am

Welcome to the looney bin Stan

Have you tried 02 to abort? I can't take the triptans, and oxygen is my only abortive . . . works in minutes if you catch it early on . . . and you can save the injections for the ones the 02 doesn't kill.

Lot's of info/caring/sharing here and people who really know your pain.

Be safe, PFDANs

Richard

Title: Re: Took 9 years to find this Board!!
Post by Redneck on Feb 26^th, 2005, 11:44pm

Hi Stan,
Glad you found the board. Hope it helps you.
Best wishes from the other end of the state ;;D
Jimbo

Title: Re: Took 9 years to find this Board!!
Post by hzzz on Mar 1^st, 2005, 9:58pm

Interesting you mention Midrin. I was given that the first few times I had cycles and it was worthless.