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        New Message Board Archives >> 2006-2007 Getting to Know Ya Posts >> Newbie introduction
        
(Message started by: casslean on May 20^th, 2007, 4:52pm)

Title: Newbie introduction
Post by casslean on May 20^th, 2007, 4:52pm

Hi there,

I don't think words can describe how happy I was to find this site. I've spent several years sifting through migraine sites looking for people who suffered the same type of headache I did with no luck.

To tell you a little about myself, I'm 24 and was diagnosed with cluster headaches when I was 19 by my (then) doctor. Unfortunately, he left my clinic, and a later doctor referred me to a crackpot neurologist that decided they weren't CH, but first medication induced, then classic migraines (despite my not having any of the classic symptoms of either minus the headache part.) Oh, and his treatment for those was to give me toradol.

It actually took me finding the research myself to discover that I was suffering from CH. When I was initially diagnosed it was episodic; in the last six months, it's turned chronic, and has often made my life a living hell. Although the diagnosis itself is hardly a good thing, it is somewhat comforting to be able to remind myself while I'm sitting on the bathroom floor in the middle of an attack that I am NOT dying, that this WILL go away, and that I CAN get help.

Right now I'm in the midst of finding a new doctor who can help me cope with this and hopefully start me on a new course of treatment (welcome to Canada, home of the waiting list). At the moment I use Advil Liqui-gel Migraine relief to help me control the very worst, and numerous other methods (ice packs, chewing ice, and peppermint tea) to help me cope.

It has been really hard learning to deal with this. Not just the pain, but everything else. The skeptical looks I get from people when I try to explain why I can't have alcohol, or make that meeting, or why my paper isn't done on time. The friends I've lost because they thought I was neglecting them, when in reality I was afraid to leave my house in case I had another attack.

I know this sounds trite, but it feels really good to know I'm not alone in this and that others know what I'm going through.

Cassandra

Title: Re: Newbie introduction
Post by thebbz on May 20^th, 2007, 9:34pm

No you are not alone :o :o :o
Welcome and enjoy the reading. The tabs to the left have alot of good information. Read through the meds and therapies board there is maybe something there that willl help you till you get to the doc......caffeine works for some. Redbull also. Hope you can stick it out while you wait . If you have questions feel free.
all the best
jb

Title: Re: Newbie introduction
Post by MR_FLOOR on May 20^th, 2007, 10:24pm

Casslean,

you have came to the right place.These people are very informative read,read,read..........Good luck.Stay pain free and prosper. [smiley=hiya.gif]

Dave

Title: Re: Newbie introduction
Post by artonio7 on May 21^st, 2007, 3:09am

Welcome home Casslean. I'm sorry that you needed to look for us and am delighted that you found us. Come back often and read everything you can on this site.

The people here are special in many ways. We help each other. Each in our own way. We are clusterheads...we are cursed with pain but we are blessed with each other.

I hope to see you more often.

with warm regards,
Tony

Title: Re: Newbie introduction
Post by barry_sword on May 21^st, 2007, 6:20am

Hi Cassandra, welcome and sorry you have to be here. There is much to learn here and a lot of people to help.

Barry

Title: Re: Newbie introduction
Post by michael on May 21^st, 2007, 2:08pm

Welcome

Oh boy do I know what you mean. When I've been out and said to family or friends `I have to go now, I'll be getting a headache in half an hour'.

No one can understand that unless they have experienced this beast.

Hope you're pf soon

Mike

Title: Re: Newbie introduction
Post by Ray on May 21^st, 2007, 2:19pm

Hello and welcome:

You will find many kindred spirits here. Look, learn, ask questions; we'll be here for you.

Wishing you PF days and nights,

Ray

Title: Re: Newbie introduction
Post by midwestbeth on May 21^st, 2007, 5:02pm

Welcome Casslean,

Sorry you had to find us, but glad that you will never be alone again in dealing with cluster headaches. Lots of info on the site. Start reading!

Painfree wishes to you,

Beth