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Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Getting to Know Ya >> New member http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1273406691 Message started by Jaco on May 9th, 2010 at 8:04am |
Title: New member Post by Jaco on May 9th, 2010 at 8:04am
Hi Guys,
I am a self diagnosed cluster headache sufferer. I'm a 31 year old male, living in South Africa. I had my first CH a month or so ago. I had no idea what was going on. I had a dull pain on the left side earlier the day, but thought it just to be from a lack of sleep (had to pull an all nighter the previous night at work). I had a couple of drinks with friends that night and went to bed. I woke up two hours later and thought I was having a stroke. I had the most intense pain on the left side of my head, my eye was swollen and tearing out of control. My left nostril was running like a faucet. I could not go back to sleep. I just lay there sobbing. I took normal pain meds (2 hits of aspirin and 2 hits of ibuprofen), which made absolutely no difference. Luckily I had some Rizatriptan (Maxalt) in the medicine cabinet I had used for normal migrains in the past. 15 mins after the Maxalt, the attack was gone. Last night I had another episode, took another Maxalt and 30 minutes later no relief. The attack started after I went for an afternoon nap (again I had some precursory pain, due to the same circumstances as the previous episode). After 30 mins I begged my wife to take me to the ER. My blood pressure was higher that normal (normally mine is a bit low), but this could be due to the pain & maxalt. At ER I had some schedule 6 meds on IV and was feeling better within minutes. By reading the forums it seems that once you get CH you have them for life. Does God hate me that much? I can't bear a lifetime of this... |
Title: Re: New member Post by Brew on May 9th, 2010 at 10:46am
Welcome, Jaco. You might want to think about getting an appointment with a neurologist and getting a real diagnosis. That way you can rule out anything more nefarious and also get access to medications that will help you manage this thing. Some of the preventatives available can make this condition very, very manageable.
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Title: Re: New member Post by Headache Boy uk on May 9th, 2010 at 2:42pm
Energy drinks at the start of an attack can reduce pain levels or even abort low pain attacks as long as they have 0.4% taurine and 0.03% caffeine.
sorry I keep chiming in on these posts with this but I think it's important to mention cos it's cheep , script free , and a very straight away way of getting some kinda relief from this for a lot of people . prayers and best wishes Nigel |
Title: Re: New member Post by vietvet2tours on May 9th, 2010 at 2:45pm Headache Boy uk wrote on May 9th, 2010 at 2:42pm:
As long as your advice is good keep on plugging away. Potter |
Title: Re: New member Post by Headache Boy uk on May 9th, 2010 at 2:49pm
Thanks potter it's about all I know at the moment cos it's really helped me ...well that and imitrex jabs rock.
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Title: Re: New member Post by clusterica on May 9th, 2010 at 3:25pm
I'm with Nigel... i found that energy drinks are really helpful!
But you have to know not to drink it too much coz' you might become addicted to it. Also i found that every day walking in open air might help you too (I'm doing it because i don't have and oxygen prescription) and welcome to our family Anna |
Title: Re: New member Post by Guiseppi on May 9th, 2010 at 10:37pm
Yeah if it's CH it's probably with you for life....BUT......I've been married almost 28 years, raised 2 beautiful daughters, just finished a great career, all while "managing" cluster headaches. It takes a little bit of work on your part. Both in finding a knowledgeable doctor, doing your own homework, then coming up with a plan that involves a preventative regimen, and an abortive regimen.
Brew's right, first order of business get to a neuro and let's eliminate anything else. Hoping you get some relief soon, headache pain sucks. Joe |
Title: Re: New member Post by Jaco on May 10th, 2010 at 7:05am Brew wrote on May 9th, 2010 at 10:46am:
Hi Brew, Thank you for your concern. I have been to the neuro a couple of times now (long time regular migraine sufferer). I have had CTscans/MRI/X-rays and electrodes stuck to my head. The neuro says there is nothing 'physically' wrong with me. Had warning signs of another attack yesterday (shadows), I immediately drank two cups of strong coffee and it stopped it in it's tracks. I got the tip on this message board! Thank you! |
Title: Re: New member Post by wimsey1 on May 10th, 2010 at 8:17am
You asked if God hated you so much as to inflict this upon you for life? In my opinion, the answer is "no." God does not hate you. Or if God does hate you, I do not believe the CHs are the sign. But having said that, it's natural for those of us who are believers to question our God in this, and in all matters of pain. We would rather not have any pain, physical or emotional, or see our loved ones in pain. Or the world, for that matter. But pain has a function. And the body doesn't work as it ought, frequently. And the betrayal is ultimate (we will die from something someday, so the body for now does betray us unto death). Just know this beast must be fought with all your strength. Do not give in to it or the despair you may feel. Draw strength from this site and from your beliefs. Blessings!
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Title: Re: New member Post by ClusterSteve35 on May 12th, 2010 at 1:37am
Hello and welcome Jaco,
I'm 35 and have suffered from episodic cluster headaches for 18 years.. I agree with the others.... see a neurologist for an official diagnosis and inquire about oxygen or if the maxalt isnt working, then maybe a different abortive.. It takes some fighting, but it CAN be managed. There's also plenty of good info here... -Steve- |
Title: Re: New member Post by donna mae on May 12th, 2010 at 7:53am
Beautifully said brew! Thankyou. I needed to hear that today!
donna Mae |
Title: Re: New member Post by donna mae on May 12th, 2010 at 7:55am
sorry, I meant whimsey.
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Title: Re: New member Post by Jaco on May 13th, 2010 at 3:59am
thank you for the all the responses!
I will be keeping a diary of all the attacks and what abortives worked/didn't for each episode. It is great to know that you are not alone out there! |
Title: Re: New member Post by Linda_Howell on May 13th, 2010 at 12:55pm
23 yrs. ago I self-diagnosed also. THEN I went and got an official diagnosis from one of the worlds leading headache professionals. Finding a knowledgable Dr. who is willing to work with you in finding what will work best for you is half the battle.
Finding all of us hereto help and support you, ain't too shabby either. |
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