Posted by Jackie M. on August 26, 1998 at 20:40:11:
In Reply to: CH's & Panic/anxiety attacks posted by Don Huse on August 26, 1998 at 14:21:35:
Dear Don,
While I do not suffer from an anxiety disorder (I do not consider the fear I feel at an impending cluster attack a true anxiety disorder, but simply a conditioned and natural response developed through the 24 yrs. I have suffered) I do experience a couple of the conditions you mentioned. I am treated for hypothyroidism and suffer from sleep disorder, both of which seem to be related and contribute toward another condition from which I suffer; fibromyalgia. It appears to me that many cluster h/a patients suffer from a myraid of other conditions which may or may not be in some way connected, but certainly illustrates why discovering the idiology of cluster headaches is so difficult. The cluster seems to be tangled within a web of other, less troublesome and often overlooked conditions. It's because of such complexities associated with clusters that I firmly believe that patients must be their own best advocates and not place total responsibilty for treatment or answers in the hands of the medical community. Common sense along with careful awareness of your own body can go a long way. Especially when you've had 24 years to "take notes". I'm confident that those here might be quite edept at forming their own very plausible theories; theories that might be more substantial than all the studies done thus far.
All my best to you,
Jackie M.