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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> A question about the beginning of CHs
        
(Message started by: crob_starr on Feb 27^th, 2006, 4:03pm)

Title: A question about the beginning of CHs
Post by crob_starr on Feb 27^th, 2006, 4:03pm

Hi, this is my first post. I'm not diagnosed or anything but I found this website while trying to find out why I got these bad headaches that attacked one side of my head. By looking at the kip scale I can say I've probably never even reached a 7. And I've only ever had 2 headaches in one day. I just found it odd that I would only get them during Spring time and come Summer I don't have to worry about them. They always seem to be right when I woke up or during mid-morning. A week with four headaches would be a lot. I'd just be a lightweight right now.
Anyway, I wanted to ask about people's experiences when they first started getting them. What age they were. If they became worse or more frequent when they got to a certain age. I'm 19 right now, and after reading people's stories, I fear that, first, I suffer from cluster headaches, and secondly, they're going to become worse as I get into my twenties.
Thanks for reading, and any shared experiences are appreciated.

Title: Re: A question about the beginning of CHs
Post by Guiseppi on Feb 27^th, 2006, 5:32pm

I'm 46 and didn't really start getting hammered until I was 20. My mother says I began getting these when I was about 16 or 17. I'd get really bad headaches in my eye. I was given glasses when I was 18 to try and stop the headaches, one of the more common mis diagnoses. If they are cluster headaches, they keep getting worse. See a doctor, get all of the biological reasons eliminated, take the cluster quiz on the board, then hang on for the ride. I pray you're wrong, that you just have a sinus problem that will go away. If it don't go away, stick with this board, there are a bunch of beautiful people and one or two grumps!

Guiseppi

Title: I suggetst you...
Post by Richr8 on Feb 27^th, 2006, 5:59pm

...take the Cluster quiz on the right to understand whether or not you suffer with CH. I hope that you do not.

In regards to my experience, mine started fourteen years ago with a vengenace. There was no ramping up at all. Mine went from 0 CH 1 year to full up 3-5 Kip 10s a day the very first year. They never got any better until I was properly diagnosed 9yrs. later and began receiving appropriate treatment.

Good luck,

Rich

Title: Re: A question about the beginning of CHs
Post by thebbz on Feb 27^th, 2006, 9:32pm

Hello
Mine started at 19, once in a while usually in the summer, then switched to winter. These are very unpredicable and sometimes begin as you describe.
Always seek professional advice. Keep reading and try an aspirin and a coke the next time before it gets to bad. Caffeine is sometimes effective, this works for migraines as well. Keep in touch and hope you are doing better.
jb

Title: Re: A question about the beginning of CHs
Post by crob_starr on Feb 28^th, 2006, 12:36am

Thanks for the advice guys. I too hope that it's nothing too serious.
I've taken the cluster quiz and I did answer yes to many of the bottom questions. I'm still hesitant to call myself a cluster sufferer though.
I'll try that caffeine idea next time, though. It can't hurt to try. Hopefully it's not for a while.

Title: Re: A question about the beginning of CHs
Post by burnt-toast on Feb 28^th, 2006, 5:55am

In my early 30's - on an airplane headed to Houston, when I experienced my first attack. It was so severe and so centered in my right eye/temple/jaw that I thought I was experiencing and aneurism. As the plane landed the pain subsided and although confused, I thought that was it but...

They've been my constant companion ever since (with a few scattered and very brief remissions). KIP10 and primarily chronic right out of the box.

It appears CH decides how to introduce itself to suffers.

Start maintaining a headache journal and get to a Neurologist who understands headaches for a complete professional diagnosis.

Good luck on your journey. Keep us up to date on you progress.

Tom

Title: Re: A question about the beginning of CHs
Post by BarbaraD on Feb 28^th, 2006, 2:43pm

Mine appeared in the middle of the night in my late forties (and I'll only admit to being 29). I thought the earth had caved in on me. Had a brain tumor for sure. The next day I was a basket case - even went to the doctor (rare for me). this lasted a couple of months (mostly at night) till I went to a hospital (a teaching one) in Temple TX (Scott and White) and a nice neurologist ran about a 1000 tests and then diagnosed me as a Clusterhead.

Since then it's just been fun and games....

Take the cluster quiz and hope you don't have this malady. If it turns out you do -- welcome to Clusterville. Like G said -- a bunch of nice people and a couple of old grumps, but we're here to help.

Hugs BD

Title: Re: A question about the beginning of CHs
Post by Dragnlance on Mar 1^st, 2006, 9:22am

Sorry you had to look for us, but glad you found us.

I am one of the really lucky ones as I seem to have been born with the monster. I am 43 next week. If you do have the monster, we can hope that you continue to have the breaks between sessions, and never go chronic.

PF wishes!

Dragnlance

Title: Re: A question about the beginning of CHs
Post by sandie99 on Mar 3^rd, 2006, 10:49am

Hi there!

For your sake I hope that you don't have ch...

But mine started back in 2001 when I was 21. My first cycle was from October to November, the hits were mild and in the very beginning I had 4-5 attacks a week. That soon changed, though.

Best wishes,
Sanna

Title: Re: A question about the beginning of CHs
Post by imnotbub on Mar 3^rd, 2006, 11:46am

Myfirst cycle only lasted two or three days(I didn't know what the hell was going on, so I really didn't keep track ) The next was seven weeks long. This is when I thought I was going to die. Now I have found this site, so I can manage anything.

Title: Re: A question about the beginning of CHs
Post by Theresa on Mar 5^th, 2006, 9:50pm

My first cycle happened about five years ago and only lasted about a week. The attacks were very mild so I didn't think much about them. My second cycle hit last year about this time and was much more intense and painful than the first one. It also lasted a few weeks longer.

Title: Re: A question about the beginning of CHs
Post by mynm156 on Mar 6^th, 2006, 1:30pm

Hey crob_star,

I am sorry to hear about you current situation. If I think back the 15 or so years it has been. I recall it to be kind of what you are saying. I know that I didnt have them like I do now. Though I do remember the pain for me has always been pretty high. I hope that you are not one of us though you are welcome here either way!

Take care and Good Vibes

MYNM156

Title: Re: A question about the beginning of CHs
Post by Charlotte on Mar 6^th, 2006, 3:59pm

I don't know when this started but the first time I forgot my name, I was 10. All during my adolescence teachers thought I couldn't hear or that I cheated because I couldn't tell them how I arrived at a solution or was trying to antogonize them by not responding in a way they thought I should, or I got thrown out of class and was not allowed back in without a dr note (Fortunately I had a sinus infection) - but the first time someone stared at me on the street for running back and forth as fast as I could (because I kept changing my mind and I really had to do the next thing) was when I was 22, around 1972.

During attacks, I still sometimes forget my name and don't respond as people think I should and run back and forth as fast as I can. I try to warn people (the ones who need to know) when I can, so they don't take it personally.

It did not become worse, but it is just as bad now that I'm older.