Clusterheadaches.com Message Board


    
      
        Clusterheadaches.com Message Board
        (http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi)
      

        New Message Board Archives >> 2006-2007 Getting to Know Ya Posts >> New to the World of CH
        
(Message started by: BC_Battler on Jan 14^th, 2006, 3:07am)

Title: New to the World of CH
Post by BC_Battler on Jan 14^th, 2006, 3:07am

Thank you to everyone for the information generously contributed to this board - I have been going through hell over the last few weeks as I believe that I am in the midst of my first CH cycle, and this site has been a tremendous help.

I have gone through about three weeks of unbearable headaches which were diagnosed by both my family doctor and the ER doc as CH. I have almost constant pain on the left side of my head, right behind my left eye. During attacks the sensation is like an icepick jammed in behind my left eye socket. Attacks happen sometimes in the late afternoon and lately have been waking me up out of my sleep. The last two nights I have woken up twice each night, the first time around 1:00 am and the second time at 4:00 am.. Tonight I had an attack at 7:00 pm and I am dreading going to sleep. I've had virtually no sleep in the last week and the weeks of pain are really beginning to take their toll.

I'm a consultant and professional speaker who is self-employed, so I am really worried about Monday, when my business kicks off 2 months of my busiest time of year. Like many of you I am incapacitated during an attack, so I have no idea what I'll do if some of these afternoon attacks continue.

I have had a CT scan done (nothing abnormal), vision tests, glaucoma tests - nothing. The emergency room doc was convinced that it was cluster headaches that I was suffering from. He suggested Imitrex, which has helped during brutal attacks. I also have a prescription for oxygen, which I used yesterday for the first time. It worked great, and I'm excited about it, although I've had strong stomach pain all day (related to oxygen? I have no idea).

I guess I just wanted to say hello to everyone on the board - it looks like I might be around for a while! To all those suffering, I'll keep my fingers crossed for you - no one should have to go through this. And for those supporters of those with CH - God bless you. I have scared my poor wife (and dog!) to death more than once and I just wish I could put her mind at ease that everything will be okay. She's amazing.

Cheers everyone, and sleep well.

Title: Re: New to the World of CH
Post by burnt-toast on Jan 14^th, 2006, 4:21am

Welcome aboard,

Start keeping an accurate headache journal - it will help you understand your cycles, communicate with doctors and experiment with treatment options.

The follwing links should help. There is a wealth of useful information on the site and good support when you need it.

Be ready to do some research because you will likely find yourself working to obtain relief from this fickle disease.

CH/treatment Information

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/articles/9362-6.asp

http://www.aafp.org/afp/20050215/717.html

Medication/dosage Information

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginformation.html

http://www.drugs.com/

Best wishes on your journey

Tom

Title: Re: New to the World of CH
Post by marlinsfan on Jan 14^th, 2006, 7:47am

One more doc for you to read:

http://www.brightok.net/~mnjday/chtherapy.pdf

Also, watch your diet. If you drink, quit while in cycle. Coffee will be your new best friend. I drink it constantly at work while in cycle to keep the beast away.

Your stomach pain should not be related to O2. I've never had it, at least, and I abort with O2.

Melatonin will help you get a good night's sleep. 9 mg 30 mins before bedtime did the trick for me in my last cycle, though it took a few days to build up.

PF wishes.

Title: Re: New to the World of CH
Post by BC_Battler on Jan 14^th, 2006, 2:46pm

Thanks for both of your very helpful posts. This board is an amazing resource.

I have cut all alcohol out my routine since the headaches began. As for coffee, I'm really not a coffee drinker, but I think I can find something that will act in its place - there's no shortage of caffeinated beverages out there!

Today I was out for about an hour doing a few errands and I am absolutely exhausted. I had 2 more bad attacks last night and felt one coming on this morning but it never fully developed - it got to about a 6 out of 10 and didn't last long. HAs seem to be increasing in frequency, which is certainly no fun.

Thanks for all of your thoughts and support.

Title: Re: New to the World of CH
Post by thebbz on Jan 14^th, 2006, 10:17pm

Mt. Dew works for me. Have you been to a neurolgist? One with CH knowedge. Need a proper diagnosis.
Take the quiz on the left. Make sure you carry the O2 and Imitrex. Injectable would fit your situation as it usually works quickly. You can keep your schedule with a plan and meds. Read and study the beast, it will be your best weapon.
All the best.
jb