Posted by Cathy (24.95.189.21) on September 11, 1999 at 15:53:23:
In Reply to: Stress-relief cluster migraines. posted by Hal on September 11, 1999 at 14:04:04:
I agree with you that the pain of a cluster is worse than the pain of a migraine. HOWEVER, for me, the pain of a cluster, unaborted, lasts a few hours. The pain and "side effects" of a migraine, unaborted, last 2 to 3 days for me. So, UNABORTED, I can't decided whether I would rather live with excruciating pain for a few hours and turn back to normality----or live with "moderate" pain for 3 days, where the "side effects" include nausea, vomiting, runny nose, tearing eyes, the adverse effects of any light or noise, etc. Basically, total debilitation...in bed for 3 days and absent from human life as we know and love it. Which is worse??? Still can't decided, and probably never will. Yes, I agree, the pain is MUCH MORE INTENSE with a cluster. But, I can live again after 3 hours. Regardless, I have been fortunate enough to find Imitrex, which gets rid of both for me. I can now "pop a pill" at the on-set of a migraine and still have my week-end for fun and relaxation. I can also "take a shot" at the on-set of a cluster and not have to endure the pain for 2 to 3 hours.
Aren't drugs great??!!
Cathy