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Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Getting to Know Ya >> New supportive member from Alaska http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1353023976 Message started by Polarhug on Nov 15th, 2012 at 6:59pm |
Title: New supportive member from Alaska Post by Polarhug on Nov 15th, 2012 at 6:59pm
My husband of 14 years has just been diagnosed today with cluster headaches. He had been misdiagnosed as a migraine sufferer years ago, but the intensity of the past few months ramped up his condition to the point that he was begging a doctor for help.
I've been in the car with 2 babies at 3am, with him screaming to drive faster to the emergency room. Then suddenly its gone. Been there at 2am when he wakes up from a dead sleep yelling, kicking the footboard in agony, shattering it. When he is on the floor rocking back and forth begging me to shoot him in the head to stop the pain. When he is crying and vomiting. I've been there. Praying like crazy this doctor will be able to help. We live in Alaska, with very few specialists. Just so thankful to have found this haven :) |
Title: Re: New supportive member from Alaska Post by Polarhug on Nov 15th, 2012 at 9:21pm
Things we've tried previously when he started getting headaches 8 years ago:
He quit smoking. Which helped 90%! That was his main trigger back then. Imitrex nasal spray was prescribed when we had Ins... which always quelled the beast. A cup of steaming hot black tea (must have been the caffeine but we didn't know that). He said he tried energy drinks and just pukes them all back up after chugging :( He was moderately pain free for 7 years but this winter they have come back with a nightly vengeance. His main trigger this time is alcohol in ANY form and scents. Unfortunately we are a homebrewing and craft wine making business and this is really hurting our livelihood as well as his passion! Today Doctor prescribed: Phenergan, Prednesone, Imitrex, Vit D, Flax & Fish Oil, and a modified diet. Sounds like he is on the right track!! Fingers crossed! It's so frustrating for him, and hard for me to see him in pain. I love him so much, I'm his biggest fan and willing to help him through anything! |
Title: Re: New supportive member from Alaska Post by Jeffire on Nov 16th, 2012 at 7:59am
One of the harder things about my CH is the effect it has on the people around me. I try to get out of bed and dance without my wife being the wiser. She is the wiser and knows every time. God bless you for being there!
This site has helped me feel like I have a bit of control over my life when I'm in cycle. I'm glad you found it and hopefully your husband can get some control, as well. Be sure to check out the oxygen info on the left of the page. I can't recommend oxygen highly enough as an abortive. Check out the imitrex tip, as well. Here's hoping for a short cycle and many pain free days. |
Title: Re: New supportive member from Alaska Post by Polarhug on Nov 16th, 2012 at 2:14pm
Thank you for replying!
The doc did *note* Oxygen as a 2nd go to, but hasn't prescribed it yet. I'm going to push him on that if this doesn't work. We've tried melatonin in the past but he can't wake up the next day, it really lays him out cold. We will try a lower dose tonight. He wakes up exhausted every morning. Prednisone regimen is only 5 days. We are really pushing the Vit D and Omega 3's too. Our daylight is waning here in Alaska - we don't even see the sun but for a few hours each day now and most of those hours are spent indoors of course. I'm reading and learning like crazy. Relaying him this site also although he is living it every night and would probably not read about it again every day :( I'll be his patient advocate if I have to. He's worth it, and worth being pain free :) |
Title: Re: New supportive member from Alaska Post by Guiseppi on Nov 16th, 2012 at 4:02pm
He's damned lucky to have you for an advocate. Tell him I said that! ;)
Do push hard for the oxygen, 35 years of these damned things and NOTHING compares to 02 for speed of abort, cost, and no side effects. It's all but eliminated my use of the Imitrex Injections, it works that well. Joe |
Title: Re: New supportive member from Alaska Post by Bob Johnson on Nov 16th, 2012 at 4:37pm
The doc sounds serious but it would not hurt to print out the PDF file, below, and give to him.
http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?action=downloadfile;file=THERAPIES-_Headache_2011.pdf (96 KB | 16
)
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Title: Re: New supportive member from Alaska Post by Kevin_M on Nov 16th, 2012 at 11:45pm Polarhug wrote on Nov 15th, 2012 at 9:21pm:
Quote:
The Imitrex tip Jeffire mentions can be important. I don't know which type of Imitrex you have, but when in cycle it's good to stay in contact with the doc. Jeffire and Guiseppi's suggestion is knowledgable, the oxygen would be a great added insurance for at home. With first attempts at preventives, docs may seem not exactly in tune. In all cases, while working on it, oxygen can be a pretty sure-fire abortive while finding a preventative, which may take several weeks. These things ain't called clusters for no reason. ;) Quote:
Oh yeah! Hang in, it's tough to be there while expletives don't describe the hell, but we understand in an unforgettable way, and your caring, sane mind is there reaching for someone that can be overwhelmed. This pain is overcoming to each of us, but makes us avid seekers and intently motivated to find what works. Thanks for being there. Welcome. :) |
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