Posted by Dave W (12.10.85.65) on July 13, 1999 at 15:47:26:
In Reply to: Supporters - Give me advice posted by glenn on July 13, 1999 at 11:27:31:
Glenn,
I'm a clusterhead, my wife is a great supporter. When I want her to, she'll beat on my back or try to crush my head to distract me from the pain of a "10". Or, when I want her to vacate the room she'll do that too. She's very understanding. Sometimes I want help, sometimes I don't, and sometimes I need to fight it alone.
As a long-term clusterhead, I'd say it's too early for you to be worrying about your wife going chronic. I've been episodic, went chronic for about 5 years, and am now back to episodes again. Some people have 2-week episodes, but some have 3 to 6 month episodes (me for instance). I know that if my Prednisone doesn't work this time, at least my cycle will be done in September. It's important to focus on today -- if you can look forward to the end of a single attack and the relief it will bring, you're in good shape. If you're focusing on a never-ending series of future headaches, despair is right around the corner. It isn't easy, but I've found that I can really enjoy life between the headaches. There are just a few one-hour periods each day that I must take time out, but that leaves me with over 20 hours of life!
Hope this gives you some hope. We'll be praying for your wife (and you, too).
Pain Free Days!
Dave