Posted by Jackie M. on January 24, 1999 at 15:54:32:
In Reply to: GO & WASH THE CAR!!!! posted by Leslie on January 23, 1999 at 18:45:30:
Dear Leslie,
I'm sure that as a cluster sufferer yourself, you didn't mean to offend another sufferer or make light of the malady itself. Therefore I want you to know that it is not my intention in this reply, to make light of the experience you shared with us or to offend you. I just think it bares mentioning that cluster sufferers experience many different degrees of pain and have a difficult time being taken seriously. We must be cautious not to imply that a simple remedy like excercize is a cure all. The suggestion not only makes us sound like a bunch of lazy couch potatoes who'd rather dip into the medicine cabinet, but it also seems to diminish the validity of this complex and tortuous malady. On a personal level, having suffered from cluster h/a's for 25 years, I can attest to raising two children and running a household while suffering with clusters, and you can't get more physical than that. I think that for the vast majority here, if the solution were as simple as increasing physical activity during or inbetween cluster attacks, none of us would have the "revolving door of doctor & meds" stories to tell.
Again, I do not mean to offend you or make light of your suggestion. I only wish to defend those like myself who might feel a bit offended at being told to go and wash a car as a response to their suffering.
Sincerely,
Jackie M