Clusterheadaches.com Message Board


    
      
        Clusterheadaches.com Message Board
        (http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi)
      

        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Getting to Know Ya >> Hi from Chicagoland!
        
(Message started by: Jan_Shuman on Mar 26^th, 2008, 4:03pm)

Title: Hi from Chicagoland!
Post by Jan_Shuman on Mar 26^th, 2008, 4:03pm

Hi, there! My name is Jan Shuman and I am SO VERY, VERY THANKFUL to have found you all! I'm 43 and have had cluster headaches on and off since I was 4 years old; back then, before I knew what I was dealing with, I called them "eye headaches."

My last cluster was 2 years ago then this one started suddenly and violently 6 weeks ago. Migronal spray and Torodol pills did absolutely nothing for me, but, thank G-d, Zomig 5mg spray worked. I have about 45 seconds to a minute when a headache wakes me up to use this and, the sooner I use it, the faster it works. Luckily, the headaches have been tapering off, and I am very thankful to be armed and ready for the next attack.

I also go for accupuncture and want to go for more hypnosis when I can afford it. I found 2 great neurologists in Chicago (her husband gets these) and in Des Plaines if anyone is looking for someone who understands.

I'm single, have no kids that I know of, and grew up in the Windy City. I'm an executive assistant at the investment firm/charitable foundation owned by the founder of CDW. I'll post a picture as soon as I can.

I truly wish everyone well and that you all find what works for you ASAP. I'd love to meet anyone in the Chicago/Suburban/Wisconsin/Indiana area and also anyone who'll be visiting Chicago.

Take care, and best to all you,
Jan ::)

Title: Re: Hi from Chicagoland!
Post by Linda_Howell on Mar 26^th, 2008, 5:03pm

Hi Jan and welcome.

Pull up a comfy chair and start reading around here. Start with the links to the left. Many people spent 100's and 100's of hours of research on the things you will find here.

Please feel free to ask us anything also. We may not always have the answer, but we'll break our backs trying, that's for sure.

Linda

Title: Re: Hi from Chicagoland!
Post by Jan_Shuman on Mar 26^th, 2008, 5:08pm

Hi, Linda!

Thank you so much for your message! I will definitely take your suggestion. I already feel so much less alone. Luckily, no one else in my family and none of my friends gets these, but it's hard sometimes when they don't understand what it takes out of us.

Take care, and many, many thanks!!!!!!!!!!!
Jan

: ) : )

Title: Re: Hi from Chicagoland!
Post by Linda_Howell on Mar 26^th, 2008, 5:17pm

Almost everyone here has had that same reaction from family and friends. We all understand that frustration.

In fact....the second you hit "send" and posted your 1st. post, you became family here. You'll never be alone in this again.

[smiley=hug.gif]

Title: Re: Hi from Chicagoland!
Post by Jan_Shuman on Mar 26^th, 2008, 5:20pm

Thanks, Linda!

I'm here for all of you, too.

Thanks for the hug, too; I needed it!

Take care,
Jan

: ) : )

Title: Re: Hi from Chicagoland!
Post by Redd on Mar 26^th, 2008, 5:53pm

Welcome from the chilly and snow covered tundra of Central WI.

Spring is the season when it sucks to be us Jan, but we're a family here.

Title: Re: Hi from Chicagoland!
Post by Annette on Mar 26^th, 2008, 5:53pm

Hello Jan and welcome.

I dont have Ch but I am a supporter for my husband who does and I would like to offer you my total support also. Anytime you wish to have someone to talk to just send an email or a PM.

Painfree wishes. :)

Title: Re: Hi from Chicagoland!
Post by DragonSlayer on Mar 26^th, 2008, 6:35pm

Hey Jan [smiley=wave.gif]

So sorry you came looking - But d*mn glad you found us.

Welcome to the Clusterville Nuthouse [smiley=laugh.gif]

Like mentioned above pull up a chair and read... Read... Read...

There is a lot of information here and don't be afraid to ask questions.
Again Welcome from MN.

Title: Re: Hi from Chicagoland!
Post by Guiseppi on Mar 26^th, 2008, 6:51pm

Welcome to the nut house. My wife just landed in your windy city this afternoon, claims she'll come back on Friday, if not the dishes really start to pile up! ;;D

Oxygen! If you haven't tried it, please do! 30 years of dancing with the beast and oxygen is still my best tool. 100% oxygen, at a high flow rate, at least 15 LPM, through a non re breather mask, will kill an attack for me in 6-8 minutes. Worth a shot as it's cheap and no side effects!

So very glad you found us, like Linda said, you will never be alone with this stuf again! If you see my wife tell her I said hi and to hurry home. ;)

Guiseppi

Title: Re: Hi from Chicagoland!
Post by Callico on Mar 28^th, 2008, 4:39pm

Hi Jan,

Welcome aboard. I'm from Aurora, so we're not to far apart.

At the top of this Getting To Know Ya page is a post of a letter to collegues and friends. Print it out and share it with your family and friends. It gives them a basic intro to this horror, and is put in such a way that if they are open to understanding they will be able to understand what you deal with.

I wish I could tell you that accupuncture and hypnosis would help, but unfortunately I cannot. if you are looking for non medical methods of dealing with CH I would refer you to Oxygen and Kudzu. There is a wealth of info on Oxygen on the button to your left, and there is a lot of good info on Kudzu on the Meds and Treatments page. Nani is well versed on Kudzu and can answer questions if you don't find the info you need there. Batch is quite knowledgeable on oxygen, and is very good to help with that, as are a lot of others on here.

Jerry