Posted by T. Burhans on September 09, 1998 at 16:44:36:
In Reply to: Remissions? posted by T. Reagan on August 31, 1998 at 18:31:01:
I'm 48, have had clusters since age 18. Typically the cycle lasts 4-5 weeks and then goes for 1-2 years before returning.
The last 8 years have been cycle free, however, 3 weeks ago I started getting the headaches again. During that period, there were times when I felt like I might get a CH but never did.
So what's different?
12 years ago I quit smoking. Big deal as far as the CH is concerned. 8 years ago I quit drinking totally, although over the last few years I allow 1-2 drinks per week. I NEVER drink enough to get a hangover (they feel too much like clusters). I think that is more significant. I also work at maintaining a very regular sleep schedule, most importantly trying to shut down about the same time every night. I used to stay up quite late every night, working, reading, TV whatever. Now, except for very rare occasions, I am in bed by 11:00 and lights out. Sometimes midnight, but no more of closing the bar and then going to breakfast. Never.
So why now?
My sleep pattern is screwed up. Not a lot, but I am more awake later at night than I want to be. I am having a hard time getting up as early as I like to. I've also been smoking more cigars on the golf course lately, and usually having a drink (just 1) after a round.
About 4-6 weeks ago I found myself getting pretty intense doing some work for a client. I also noticed that my level of irritability was rising. (I could especially notice this on the golf course.) Much of this culminated in a fairly stiff conversation with a coworker (which is a polite way of saying something else). Shortly thereafter the current cycle started. (Days or a week or so, can't remember.)
There is always the chicken/egg theory. Did the rise in general irritability contribute to the cluster? Or was it indicative of a cycle about to start? So on and so forth.
Where from here? No booze, at least for a while (couple of months anyway). No cigars. Remain calm. Go to bed at 11:00. Up at 6:00. Exercise.
Good luck to you in the future.