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        Supporter's Corner >> Supporter's Corner >> My father suffers from cluster headaches...
        
(Message started by: NMF910 on Jul 18^th, 2004, 12:18pm)

Title: My father suffers from cluster headaches...
Post by NMF910 on Jul 18^th, 2004, 12:18pm

Hi! My name is Nicole and my father has been suffering from cluster headaches for 20 years now. He just started getting them again last Tuesday after a 2 year remission period. I feel so sorry for him...I love him alot and wish that there was something I could do. I am just starting to research the condition more and would love some ideas on how to help and support him. Hope to hear from you soon. Thanks! ~Nicole

Title: Re: My father suffers from cluster headaches...
Post by Grandma_Sweet_Boy on Jul 18^th, 2004, 3:49pm

Nicole - best way to help him is to get him on this board so he can read and hear from other people that he's absolutely not alone in this.

There's a ton of help and support here for him and for you.

Sorry you had to coming looking, but glad you found us.

A remission is not uncommon - some of have had that good fortune before we get reminded again that The Beast Rules!!!!

Title: Re: My father suffers from cluster headaches...
Post by Darleen on Jul 18^th, 2004, 7:51pm

Hey Nicole,

Like Grandma said try to get him hear on the board - if not there is a wealth of info here for you to read. Being a supporter myself (my husband suffers from clusters), ask your dad how you can help when he is not being hit. What I mean is ask him before an attack what you can do for him so that when he is getting attacked you already know what he wants or does not want you to do.

Stick around - you'll find lots of support here.

D :)

Title: Re: My father suffers from cluster headaches...
Post by don on Jul 19^th, 2004, 7:04am

Hi Nicole.

I'm a sufferer and Margi is probably going to tell me to get lost but I never listen to Margi anyway.

Unfortunately what your dad may want during an attack is to be left alone. That I'm sure is tough on a supporter. Ch sufferers suffer in isolation mostly so we can concentrate on bearing the pain. External stimulus such as sound, light, touch will aggravate the pain. It is physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting to deal with an attack. Trying to respond to anything but the attack, even when given in a loving caring way, is just to much to deal with.

Your helping will come in before and after the attack. Ask him what you should do.

Be aware of the signs of an oncoming attack (I ussually start rubbing my neck) and simply acknowledge them and do whatever you and your dad have pre-arranged. That will probably mean getting his meds then stepping away.

Following an attack I have found that what helps tremendously is someone simply asking if I'm OK.

Title: Re: My father suffers from cluster headaches...
Post by Margi on Jul 19^th, 2004, 11:12am

Nicole, you're getting some really good advice here. Ask your dad what you can do for him but, don't ask him when he's in pain.

It will really help him to find others that have felt his pain so do give him the link to the website.

Does he have a good doctor that has him on a good treatment plan? Does he use oxygen? What other meds?

Being a supporter is heartbreaking and there really isn't anything you can do to stop the pain but, as Don says, sometimes even just comfort after the attack is a big help.

And, no, Don - I'm not gonna tell you to get lost. That was a really nice post. (That will be 20 bucks, please)

Keep talking, Nicole - we are here to help you AND your dad. Good for you for looking into this for him - sometimes we supporters are their only line of defense and we do have to learn how to be researchers.