Posted by Paco (204.111.49.115) on February 04, 2000 at 09:23:26:
In Reply to: Weekend Topic begins! posted by Mrs. Holloman on February 04, 2000 at 07:37:23:
...the topic could be rephrased to: How would you describe your attacks to a new doctor to convince him/her of the unique and devastating effects of this condition. Our answers might be very valuable in dealings with medicos, espescially for those seeking help for the first time. Here's mine: I know that these things that attack me several times every day are not migraines; they are not caused by tension or sinus infection or magnetic waves from Venus. I don't suffer because of hazel eyes, ruddy complexion or even acne. None of those factors could possible cause a virtual axe murderer to try chopping his way out of my head, a tireless woodsman who takes short breaks while I suck oxygen so that he gets quickly refreshed and comes back swinging. I don't get auras or sick to my stomach: those might even be welcomed as diversions from the pain that grips me from the inside like a mailed fist with steel talons. At its peak, I panic, banging my head against hard surfaces as a distraction from contemplating opening a new hole just in front of the right ear because I am completely convinced at that moment that I cannot take even another five seconds. This pain is different because no one can withstand it at its worst. I think people who have survived Kip-10s have seen a glimpse of madness and are terrified that they could go there again and not return. (Perhaps we are still a little crazy.) I have known other forms of severe pain in my many years, but none that still strike terror in my heart like an unlimited cluster attack. I will do whatever I need to never go there again. Pass the hemlock.