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        New Message Board Archives >> Jan-Mar 2003 >> I'm Not Crazy!
        
(Message started by: scrumpies on Feb 23^rd, 2003, 3:56pm)

Title: I'm Not Crazy!
Post by scrumpies on Feb 23^rd, 2003, 3:56pm

I have been having these headaches since I was 16. But because I am a woman, everyone told me they were classic Migraine and that only men get cluster.

After doing more reading on both types I fall into the cluster group with no question. They wake me up at night and I will move to the couch so I dont wake my husband. On the couch I will beat my temple with my fist. ( doesnt help, but feels useful).

I can go through a bottle of motrin in a flash, and eat all the antihistamines I can find.

I went 7 years with out an attack then a few weeks ago I had a sever cold and vuala!!! Headaches are back.

I never sought out medical help but have an appointment in the morning with my dr. I want lots and lots of drugs!!!!!!! Cant do this anymore with over the counter stuff. And walking around with bruises on my left temple from punching myself...well...I can do with out that too!

I'm glad I found this site and sorry to see so many others like me.

Lisa

Title: Re: I'm Not Crazy!
Post by Silver_Dolphins on Feb 23^rd, 2003, 4:29pm

Hi lisa.

Have you taken the quiz yet?

When you see your doc tomorrow, don't let him give any narcotics. Won't do any good if you've got CH. Of course, you could save them for when you go out of cycle ;) .

Oxygen is a good place to start as an abortive. It is relatively inexpensive and not harmful if used properly.

I suggest you read this site and check out the OUCH site and find out as much informnation as you can.

Good luck, sorry you had to search us out, but glad you found us.

PFDAN

Barry

Title: Re: I'm Not Crazy!
Post by suzy617 on Feb 23^rd, 2003, 5:00pm

Hi Lisa and welcome. Hope you get some help from your Dr.
Taking all that OTC stuff does no good and only ruins your stomach. You could take a case of motrin and it wouldnt make a dent in a CH. Some people think it helps because by the time the motrin would be kicking in, actually the CH is just finishing its course.
Good luck to you,

suzy

Title: Re: I'm Not Crazy!
Post by Ueli on Feb 23^rd, 2003, 8:43pm

Hi Lisa,

I'm with the others, drop the OTC painkillers, they don't help in any way.

If you go to the doctor tomorrow, read the article of the clusterheadaches gurus:
http://www.hospital-doctor.co.uk/hd_news/hd_news_article.asp?ID=2498&Section=Feature
Print it out and show it to your doctor, and insist on the 'golden' treatment of first choice: Verapamil (in a high enough dose) as a preventative and oxygen and Imitrex injections as abortives.

Good luck,
Ueli

Title: Re: I'm Not Crazy!
Post by jimash on Feb 23^rd, 2003, 9:05pm

Lisa, Remember,
you don't have headaches because you are crazy, you are going crazy from the headaches.
If you are anything like me you will realize that Oxygen while a worthy tool is in fact all aaround you. Remember to breathe.
If you are not in need of a cardiologist then to you, verapamil might just resemble "Smarties" .
Hiold out for something that actually works.
If it does not work the second time or after onwe week, Bag IT!
Jim

Title: Re: I'm Not Crazy!
Post by Mark C on Feb 23^rd, 2003, 9:29pm

Hi Lisa,
Welcome to the board. Sorry you need us, but glad you are here. You have already got the best advice, educate yourself, so you can educate you Doctor. I will attach a favorite link, I hope it helps.
PFDAN's,
Mark

http://www.clusterheadaches.org/library/general/index.htm

http://www.drfeller.com/Mark/01/gifs/welcome13.gif