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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Getting to Know Ya >> Change of CH's with age
        
(Message started by: oldtimer1111 on Jan 24^th, 2008, 2:10pm)

Title: Change of CH's with age
Post by oldtimer1111 on Jan 24^th, 2008, 2:10pm

I am a newcomer to the site, so not sure if I'm in the right place. Brief history:
CH's started when I was 18, in 1956 (yes I'm now 71) long before they knew anything about these beasties. They continued until 1962 and then went into remission until 1982 when they returned and were identified as Cluster Headaches with no known meds for relief. Had episodes in 1982, 1988, 1990, 1993, 2002. Last year I have begun to have 6-8 hour long headaches that are less severe then the usual CH Head-Bangers. These latest ones occur about every two weeks and have me wondering if these are "old age" CH's. Anyone else heard of these?

Title: Re: Change of CH's with age
Post by Guiseppi on Jan 24^th, 2008, 3:28pm

Well you've got a few years on me, only 48, 30 years of CH. Mine have morphed a lot over the years, intensity up and down, length of cycles up and down etc. I've never had a CH, even at the lower levels, last that long.

I'd wanna yak with my doc and go thru the usual battery of tests just to eliminate any "bad stuff" and take it from there.

Isn't it a pisser that they always find their way back to you? ;)

Wishing you relief soon.

Guiseppi

Title: Re: Change of CH's with age
Post by GrandPotentate on Jan 24^th, 2008, 10:21pm

I was hoping that you were going to tell us how things got better with age. Darn! I hope the rumor about having more young women to look at is still true.

I'll agree with G. I've not heard of "old age" headaches like these. It could be something else. Let us know what the doc has to say.

Title: Re: Change of CH's with age
Post by George_J on Jan 25^th, 2008, 2:22am

I'm 54, episodic, and I've had CH since I was 13. I used to cycle twice a year, but they've gradually gotten farther apart--the last three cycles have been three years between. So I've been hopeful that this thing will gradually peter out altogether.

I don't know. Can't say what these new ones of yours might be. Only you would know whether they "feel" like they're in the same place, and are the same kind of pain.

I'd sure get it checked out, though.

Best wishes,

George

Title: Re: Change of CH's with age
Post by oldtimer1111 on Jan 25^th, 2008, 7:46am

Thanks for all the inputs. Have asked the doc's but the result is the same as always...they don't know squat about clusters or even headaches in general. I was successful in winning the case for Scott & White in Texas to cover the massive doses of Imitrex Nasal Spray. I too waited for the age thing to happen, but having one bout at 65 still has me cringe when the calander gets to February, my usual start date.

Title: Re: Change of CH's with age
Post by Bob_Johnson on Jan 25^th, 2008, 9:21am

Medical literature has a big hole when it comes to this question of age vs. CH--except for a passing note that they seem to quiet down with age.

On the flip side, onset at your age can be a sign of something else of importance is emerging. But, combine our long history of CH with this latest onset creates ????? I would be inclined to see a headache specialist to work out this issue. From our age onward, things can happen quickly and watchful waiting is not the best response.
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1. Search the OUCH site (button on left) for a list of recommended M.D.s.

2. Yellow Pages phone book: look for "Headache Clinics" in the M.D. section and look under "neurologist" where some docs will list speciality areas of practice.

3. Call your hospital/medical center. They often have an office to assist in finding a physician. You may have to ask for the social worker/patient advocate.

4. http://www.achenet.org On-line screen to find a physician.

5. http://www.headaches.org/consumer/index.html Call 1-800-643-5552; they will send a list of M.D.s for your state.I suggest using this source for several reasons: first, we have read several messages from people who, even seeing neurologists, are unhappy with the quality of care and ATTITUDES they have encountered; second, the clinical director of the Jefferson (Philadelphia) Headache Clinic said, in late 1999, that upwards of 40%+ of U.S. doctors have poor training in treating headache and/or hold attitudes about headache ("hysterical female disorder") which block them from sympathetic and effective work with the patient; third, it's necessary to find a doctor who has experience, skill, and a set of attitudes which give hope of success. This is the best method I know of to find such a physician.

Title: Re: Change of CH's with age
Post by hotprestwich on Jan 25^th, 2008, 12:51pm

You had a 20 year remission??
wow thats amazing, theres hope,
so sorry the beast has decided to come back to you?