Posted by Todd (216.199.4.218) on January 17, 2000 at 22:04:15:
In Reply to: ANY THOUGHTS posted by Chuck C on January 17, 2000 at 21:46:26:
Hi and a sorrowful welcome that you need to be here. Rest assured your challenges are not unique to you and your husband, and this is a GREAT place to get help.
Here are a couple of suggestions:
First, read EVERY link on the left of the board. Print out ANY thing you think might help convince your hubby's doc. Take it with you next time. Don't yell, scream, threaten or otherwise get dramatic. The facts of ch are dramatic enough. Be calm, rational and well-armed with the facts you can get here. Explain that 'addict' is as far from the truth as possible, since most of the classically addictive painkillers are worthless for clusters. There ARE treatment regimens which work for MOST of us, although which one will work for your husband may take some trial and error, as the Demon has a perverse reaction to meds on a very individual basis.
Next, and this is just for YOU. Being a supporter must be extremely difficult. I'm afraid I'm one of those you mentioned who has always gone it alone (prior to ch.com, that is.) Talk to margi...you'll see her posts here often and I bet she posts to you. Open one of her posts and click on where her name is in BLUE. This will open your email agent with her email address already entered. Margi is a great supporter and can help you deal with the difficult emotions you must face when you see your loved one go through this agony.
Most of all, don't lose your link to us. This place exists solely and exclusively for clusterheads like your hubby and supporters like you.
KTSSU,
T