Posted by Jack Boyd (152.163.197.204) on August 14, 1999 at 09:34:39:
The very first literature I read on clusters ( back in the 70s ) scared the heck out of me. It was given to me by a co-worker whose father happened to be an MD. There was the basic cluster stuff - descibing the pain, the now discredited profiles stuff ( hazel eyes, jutting chin, coarse skin, etc. ) and it went on to state that cluster sufferers were highly prone to cardiovascular disease. I have never seen anything else about heart disease since.
One of the first things we alll learn about clusters is that the attacks themselves will not kill you. That usually surprises us and gives us a sense of relief - we usually feel that something this painful must be doing some sort of damage. When I found that out they were basically benign I knew I would find a way to cope.
The implications about heart disease has always been in the back of my mind. Kind of understandable - must be something really seriously wrong with me to get this thing called clusters.
I am not sure what I thnk anymore. It appears to me that we may all have pretty normal longevity and be no more susceptible to heart ailments than any one else.
What do yu all think? Any studies out there?
Thanks - feel free to email me off line