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        New Message Board Archives >> 2006-2007 Getting to Know Ya Posts >> Well, hi.
        
(Message started by: Bliss on Dec 15^th, 2007, 1:16am)

Title: Well, hi.
Post by Bliss on Dec 15^th, 2007, 1:16am

Hello!

I'm not certain if I have cluster headaches or not. I'm not asking for a diagnosis, though. I'm just perplexed because the headaches I've been having don't seem to fit any headache 'type'. They're not typical of migraines or clusters or tension.

I started having these horrible headaches at the beginning of November. The pain was in the back of my head, on one side, just above my neck. Felt like someone hit me with a sledgehammer. Worst pain ever. Reading your experiences, I'm sure you've felt worse.

They'd start to come on around 4:45 PM, and by the time I got home from work at 5:20 or so, I'd be crying from the pain. I'd crawl into bed where I'd toss and turn like a fretting infant all evening, and my poor husband had no idea what to do. I'd eventually fall asleep out of exhaustion. In the morning I was absolutely fine. After three evenings in a row, all exactly the same, he took me to the 'Doc in the Box' who gave me a shot and some narcotic pain killers.

Two days later, the headache came on in the morning while I was at work. I called my regular doctor and got an appointment and went on in to see him. He got me in for an MRI, but unfortunately I claustrophobically freaked out in the machine and they did a CT scan of my head instead. It was clear.

He got me an appointment with a neurologist, for ten days later. The neurologist scheduled me for another MRI (with a side of a mild sedative so I'd stay in the machine this time). It was clear, too. She started me on Topamax, and gave me some samples of Imitrex (it didn't work.)

The Topamax works, since the headaches are gone and are staying gone for now. It took about four days for it to really kick in, and then I had mild twinges for a week or so.

Anyways.. With my being in a lot of pain, and kind of freaked out with everything going on and worried there was some sort of tumor in my brain, I didn't think to ask the neurologist many questions at my last appointment (to go over the MRI results). I've been reading a lot of the information on your site, and will hopefully be better prepared for my follow up appointment.

Title: Re: Well, hi.
Post by Ray on Dec 15^th, 2007, 1:24am

Dear Bliss:

I hope that you've found something that works for you and that there's no underlying problem that would also need to be delt with. It sounds like you're ok for now.

Best of luck to you,

Ray

Title: Re: Well, hi.
Post by BC_Battler on Dec 15^th, 2007, 1:29am

Hi Bliss, and welcome to the site. I am so sorry that you had to come and find this community, but know that there is a lot of great info and support for you here.

Glad to hear that the Topamax is working for you and offering you some relief. Stay positive until your next appointment (it's easy to let your mind believe the worst until you have all of the facts).

All the best, Bliss. Cheers -

Title: Re: Well, hi.
Post by Bob_Johnson on Dec 15^th, 2007, 8:13am

Diagnosis is often difficult for a new headache person because the symptoms often flux/change/move about, etc. for months, even years before becoming a stable picture. Physicians are often frustrated and we have to bear with the problem. Annoying to say the least.

The key is to have a good headache specialist who is willing and patient to help you through the process.