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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> new to board weight question
        
(Message started by: dee1623 on Aug 31^st, 2006, 10:29am)

Title: new to board weight question
Post by dee1623 on Aug 31^st, 2006, 10:29am

Does anyone know if weight gain causes the headaches to first appear. I got my first set of headaches when I was pregnant with my first nine years ago. I am still as heavy as I was when I was pregnant and wondered if that is the underlying cause of all the problems.

Title: Re: new to board weight question
Post by Margi on Aug 31^st, 2006, 10:36am

Hi Dee - nope, clusterheads come in all shapes and sizes. It's believed to be an abnormality in the hypothalmus that causes clusters and the resulting seratonin imbalance.

It's very unusual for clusters to hit while pregnant though - something to do with hormones being a good preventative. Have you been diagnosed with clusters?

Title: Re: new to board weight question
Post by dee1623 on Aug 31^st, 2006, 10:40am

I have seen three doctors. One said sinus, one said not sinus, and the last said cluster. Some of the things I have read about cluster headaches are dead on like nocturnal headaches sometimes a couple a night, only one sided pain, and any alcohol triggers a headache.

Title: Re: new to board weight question
Post by Margi on Aug 31^st, 2006, 11:10am

We have some good diagnostic tools here at the cluster websites...there is a cluster quiz here to the left and also on our Canadian site at http://www.clusterheadaches.ca. Cluster IS pretty clearly defined by symptoms and how the sufferer reacts to the pain. Migraine is also one sided and can start in the night, also can be triggered by booze. How long do your headaches last?

Title: Re: new to board weight question
Post by dee1623 on Aug 31^st, 2006, 12:17pm

the headaches last about 1/2 hour. I have suffered from Migraines for years and know all about the eye sight problems, nausea, and light sensitivity. This seems to be different.

Title: Re: new to board weight question
Post by Margi on Aug 31^st, 2006, 12:24pm

I'm so sorry, Dee - clusters suck. :( What meds do you use? Do you use oxygen?

Title: Re: new to board weight question
Post by dee1623 on Aug 31^st, 2006, 12:38pm

I am so new to all of this and only got a Cluster headache response the last episode that I have not tried anything but an Advil and cold cloth in the middle of the night. My headaches don't seem to be as severe as some people. They hurt like hell, but not the screaming feeling that some people have described. I was hoping it was weight related and all I had to do was go back to a good weight and it would be all over. My headaches ususally occur in the middle of the night somestimes twice in one night and usually first thing in the morning.

Thanks for the support.

Title: Re: new to board weight question
Post by Margi on Aug 31^st, 2006, 12:45pm

does the Advil do anything for the pain, though? If it does, that might be an indication that this isn't cluster.... My hubby is a clusterhead and he'll pop 3 or 4 Advil migraine if he doesn't have his imitrex or can't get to his oxygen, and he says it doesn't even touch it (but he's ever hopeful that it will take the edge off).

You can try gravol or benadryl before bed to get you through the night. Won't prevent attacks, but won't let you get into REM sleep which is where nighttime attacks occur. Drinking cold water helps, laying ice bags on the back of the neck (or frozen peas) at onset.

I know it's hard to get in to see a doctor right now in Canada, but you really should try so that you can get some oxygen on prescription. It's a very good and safe abortive. High flow rate, non-rebreather mask.

Title: Re: new to board weight question
Post by dee1623 on Aug 31^st, 2006, 1:18pm

Advil does not really help the stabbing at the eyebrow feeling. I did not take anything this morning and it went away after about 1/2 hour, hot shower and a cup of coffee. I have tried all sorts of OTC pain relievers and nothing has really helped. I am at the point where I am willing to try new stuff. I am going to try Gravol or something to keep me out of REM tonight. I have also tried sleeping on a recliner or proped up on pillows when I thought it was sinus. Not fun when you are very preg and have a 1 1/2 year old to get up with in the morning. It happened with both pregnancies and beyond.

Title: Re: new to board weight question
Post by Charlotte on Aug 31^st, 2006, 1:43pm

There are several related headaches like chronic paroxysmal hemicrania & hemicrania continua, and a few others, that respond to Indomethacin. Can you ask your doc if you can take that while you're pregnant? If you can, ask to try 150 mg a day. You would know within days if it was goign to help.

Charlotte

Title: Re: new to board weight question
Post by sandie99 on Aug 31^st, 2006, 1:50pm

Well, if over weight makes people get clusters, I would not get them. I was in normal weight when they started, gained bit on the way and am in normal weight again. I think that the beast doesn't really care about that.

Best wishes,
Sanna

Title: Re: new to board weight question
Post by Karla on Aug 31^st, 2006, 5:43pm

Mine started right after I had lost 70 pounds through Jenny Craig. My dr thought it was related to that drastic weight loss even though it was done slowly. I quit dieting and nothing happened meaning the ch didn't go away.

Title: Re: new to board weight question
Post by georgej on Sep 1^st, 2006, 1:58am

Have never had drastic weight gains and losses. I'm 52, and weigh pretty much the same as I have my entire adult life. I've also had episodic CH for forty years. I don't think there's a relationship between weight gained or lost.

Sorry you've got this going on. It's a lousy thing.

Best wishes and hopes for pain-free times ahead,

George