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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Getting to Know Ya >> I'm new
        
(Message started by: prism2008 on May 15^th, 2008, 11:46pm)

Title: I'm new
Post by prism2008 on May 15^th, 2008, 11:46pm

My first post, so bear with me. I got my first CH's Dec. - April and used a multi approach. I'm much better now - maybe 95 percent. My GP was no help - he actually told me to take tylenol and come back in 6 weeks - but I am thankful to my chiropractor for turning it around. I cleaned up my diet, avoid a lot of foods which may trigger them, avoid alcohol, caffeine, and going organic. Got adjustments and electric stim regularly and used a nutritional cleansing program with positive effects. I have been a migrainer for about 25 years, and these were absolutely not migraines. but the migraine pills did help when I was in agony. I'm down to about one mild CH a week now. So there is hope out there, if you find a professional who can be there for you.

Title: Re: I'm new
Post by Cathi_Pierce on May 16^th, 2008, 12:08pm

Glad you found Clusterville.........sorry you need it, Prism. I encourage you to stick around and learn all you can. There are plenty here with tons of information to share.
This is also a good time to find a Neurologist and get a definitve DX.......
read all the buttons on the left, and ask questions along the way, but, most of all, remember, though it may seem at the time like it could, Clusters do not kill..........
Please let us know what you need. We're a pretty caring group ,and want to help you deal with this affliction.
Wishing you PF( maybe you will only have the one cycle........never know!)
Cathi

Title: Re: I'm new
Post by DennisM1045 on May 16^th, 2008, 12:26pm

Hi Prism,

Welcome to the nut house. As the saying goes, I'm glad to see you found us but sorry that you had to.

What kind of "migraine pills" are you using?

Like Cathi suggested, there is a lot of reading ahead of you.

Let us know how we can help.

-Dennis-

Title: Re: I'm new
Post by vietvet2tours on May 16^th, 2008, 2:24pm

A headache ain't clusters.

Potter

Title: Re: I'm new
Post by Charlotte on May 16^th, 2008, 3:16pm

Could you give a description of the headache, and what meds you have used.

If you are episodic, your doc's cop out of come back in 6 weeks might have had you coming back with out headaches - no help from him.

It is important to determine which type headache it is as there are different meds that work for similar headaches, and for ch one frequent approach is a prednisone taper while starting a preventative like verapamil. It is important to be prepared as future cycles may be more intense.

Good luck.

Charlotte

Title: Re: I'm new
Post by CostaRicaKris on May 16^th, 2008, 10:54pm

Have you been diagnosed with CH by a neurologist? Many of them don't get it right let alone a GP. And have you taken the Cluster quiz?

Caffeine is not a trigger for clusters - it usually helps.

Title: Re: I'm new
Post by debOUCH on May 16^th, 2008, 11:26pm

costaricakris is right..............................bottom line.u need 2 b extremely proactive and probably diagnose yourself.............by using the info on here.................................if it helps u, keep @ it.......................but absolutely get a diagnosis......................with your own help.......................lots of it...............
deb

Title: Re: I'm new
Post by Transamdoug on May 17^th, 2008, 2:28am

Hi Prism,
Welcome and glad to hear your doing better. I'm new to this to and thinking my diet may be a factor in all this. If you don't mind I'd like to know more specifics on what you did...either post here or email if you would. Thanks and many PF days to you.

Title: Re: I'm new
Post by chefjohn on May 17^th, 2008, 2:51am

Hey Prism,

Sorry that you have to be here but as long as you are then use this place for all its worth. This place has helped me so much and the people here are the greatest. They are the ones that know what you are going through not the people you see everyday. These people here are the ones that really understand. Anyway you will find a lot of info here so read, read, read and ask questions. You have to be proactive with your treatments. O2 for sure, water...water...water. I'm on prednisone now and should be on verapamil too but not yet (long story) I also have Imitrex and take 9 mg of melatonin at bed. I have pleanty of Red Bull (actually I drink Hype...same thing) and coffee when needed. No booze anymore, cutting down on cigs...thats hard and trying to stay away from sugar and nitrates (cold cuts, hotdogs, etc). Don't be afraid to try different things but for sure consult a doctor first about any medication. Help this info helps you. John

Title: Re: I'm new
Post by GrooveMeister on May 17^th, 2008, 6:37am

Hi Prism,

I'm new too so I'm not going to give any advice other than that this place has been an immense help to me over the last week or so. Use it as much as you need. Trust the experts here, let them help and help it will. My state of mind is hugely improved thanks to all the kind words and advice I have received. Thank you all.

Hang in there and know that we are thinking of you.

Steve

Title: Re: I'm new
Post by tnpruby on May 20^th, 2008, 9:52am

Hi There... :)

I am not underminding migraines by any means, So here me out for a sec, First of all your post confuses me, I am a cluster head, I was diagnosed 11 years ago by my neuro,. I went through alot to get to him but I certainly couldnt rely on a Chiropractor or organic foods and lack of Caffeine to go into remission. If anything ...I need caffeine to help me abort and prevent. However, Watching what I eat and drink as to not trigger an attack I obide by. What I am saying an attack will come eventually If you have CH. No other prevents that we all use here have been mentioned , whatever works for you tho. I think you need to be diagnosed by a neurologist in order to determine what is going on with your pain. I am far from a doctor, its just that I am not so sure if CH is what you have...But you never know......Take a look see to your left and read , take quiz, Knowledge is power, We are here to help. I am wishing you PFDA......

Sincerely,

Ruby ;)

Title: Re: I'm new
Post by vietvet2tours on May 20^th, 2008, 12:45pm

on 05/15/08 at 23:46:56, prism2008 wrote:

Jest a wannabe.

Potter

Title: Re: I'm new
Post by Audre on May 20^th, 2008, 4:44pm

A chiropractor would seem pretty useless to me since my headaches are always around my eye and temple. Sometimes my neck does start to hurt, but it's not a symptom from CH, it's just a side effect of having consistent pain and it would be more of a muscle ache. So I'd much rather have a massage than a chiropractor cracking anything.

Actually, I do find massages to help a bit when I have a 1-3kip. It more or less just helps to relax me. But I am a head massage junkie, used to have my mom rub my head when I couldn't sleep and I'd pass out. But don't come near me when I have a severe headache or you'll end up losing a hand. :P

I am curious about your diet, what foods you think are triggers. I haven't noticed any myself. I already eat pretty healthy so I don't see how changing my diet would help any. My doctor did have me cut out caffeine (which hasn't helped any) but when I get CH's I always find myself making a cup of really strong coffee or drinking Mountain Dew.

Title: Re: I'm new
Post by Brew on May 20^th, 2008, 4:58pm

on 05/20/08 at 16:44:28, Audre wrote:

My doctor did have me cut out caffeine (which hasn't helped any)...

Some doctors can't buy a clue.

Title: Re: I'm new
Post by mezza on May 21^st, 2008, 12:55am

audre

strong black coffee has killed quite a few shadows for me as has red bull. so what brew said about your doc- you'll read many posts from CHer's that use caffeine to keep the HA at bay

In high cycle- i drink coffee or soda all day!

kelly

Title: Re: I'm new
Post by Jean on May 21^st, 2008, 9:50am

The only thing I know for sure that is a trigger for me, when in cycle, is alcohol. Everything else I've ever cut out has never made a difference.

Jeannie