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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Getting to Know Ya >> Hello
        
(Message started by: sarahbear on Apr 13^th, 2008, 11:24am)

Title: Hello
Post by sarahbear on Apr 13^th, 2008, 11:24am

Hi, I'm Sarah. :)

I'm new to the forum...not new to cluster headaches, though. I've had them for about four years now, episodic. I don't know how those of you with the chronic type cope. Although I know I have cluster headaches I don't have a formal diagnosis, and I know you're not supposed to diagnose yourself, ect. but my doctor didn't take me seriously...and I don't have insurance so I wouldn't be able to go through the process of any tests to rule out other causes, ect. or to try different medications. Luckily they usually last less than a month and disappear for about a year...

I kind of thought maybe I'd gotten off the hook, honestly, until they came back again. Talk about raining on my parade.... :-/ And not to mention not being taken seriously..

I will be going to a different doctor now though..if there was something that might work w/ aborting the headaches I wouldn't feel like they ruled my life so much.

I hope everyone here has found something that helps somewhat. :)

.....These things are TERRIBLE. >:(

Title: Re: Hello
Post by Ray on Apr 13^th, 2008, 12:13pm

Dear Sarah:

I'm sorry for your pain. You should really try to go through the diagnostics to make sure that there isn't something more sinister at work causing your pain.

Perhaps your county could provide you some insurance through medicaid and you could get checked out, or there may be some hospital that could provide diagnostics for those unable to pay.

If confirmed as cluster headaches, please ask the doctor for high flow Oxygen with a NON-REBREATHER mask, at 12-15 liters per minute. This helps a majority of us abort a headache in only a few minutes.

Many of us can abort a headache with a quick energy drink, the kind with taurene and caffeine.

Others will be along soon with other suggestions, I'm sure.

Best of luck to you and wishing you well,

Ray

Title: Re: Hello
Post by Terrell on Apr 13^th, 2008, 12:32pm

Hello Sarah and welcome. Like you, I am new to the family as well. You will find a wealth of information and compassion here. Really take the time to fully explore the site and read. Ask questions. But stay engaged. You are among those who really understand what you are going through. How long have you been in your current cycle? And I am very sorry you are back in cycle. I am winding down. I have learned more in the last week than I have in the 19 years since I was diagnosed. There are many options through the state or local area you live in to get insurance to at least cover the basics. I live in Washing ton and I am on a sliding scale insurance plan through the state since I returned to school to finish my degree. I highly recommend after you do that you get with a doctor and get on a treatment plan that works. That is where the site and the people here will help you. You can go to your doctor armed with information. Continue to reach out.

Title: Re: Hello
Post by sarahbear on Apr 13^th, 2008, 7:39pm

Thank you guys :)

Yep I guess I am going to have to check into those things to see what my options are..and in the meantime I think I may get some energy drinks from the gas station that is a great tip:)

When I lived at home, my dad would get up even really late at night and go for a fast-paced walk with me if I felt a headache coming on. For some reason if I started to exercise as soon as I saw it coming, I could stop it from progressing. That was so nice of him. Unfortunately there's no way I'm going walking at 1,2,3am where I live now lol and would wake everyone up if I started jumping around.

But that is a tip that may work for some of you, although you guys probably already figured that one out :)

Thanks to you guys for the welcomes and the suggestions, I appreciate it lots.

Title: Re: Hello
Post by Guiseppi on Apr 13^th, 2008, 10:45pm

I used to go for a hard run as soon as a headache started. I could hold it dow to a 5 or 6 that way. I gotta say, firing off the oxygen and sucking air for 10 minutes is much easier and leaves me pain free. If you can't afford oxygen prescribed to you, try using welding oxygen. It's the same grade/purity as medical prescribed oxygen and a lot cheaper. You will need a modified set up to use the welding oxygen but it's very do able and very cheap.

Do try and get a solid diagnosis as it'll open windows to a lot more treatment options. And do stick around the board, we'll help any way we can.

Guiseppi

Title: Re: Hello
Post by Batch on Apr 14^th, 2008, 3:39pm

Welcome aboard Sarah,

You've come to the right place and already received some very sound advice. Keep getting a confirmed diagnosis on top of your "Things To Do" List. That will make getting a prescription for oxygen possible.

In the mean time if you've not tried an ice cube or ice bag on top of your head on the hit side, you may want to give it a go.

Take care,

V/R, Batch

Title: Re: Hello
Post by darknight on Apr 15^th, 2008, 9:29am

Hey SarahBear,

The best advice i could give is listen to those on here who know, Guiseppi, batch and a whole host of others will help you with as much info and support you need so you are taken seriously and given the support and access to medication even without insurance they have other ways nad remedies, like some people can stop an attack with some red bull and ice packs, some may some may not work but im sure here youwill find something to help.

take care sarahbear

PFD's ;)