Posted by Tami (152.163.206.212) on December 07, 2000 at 20:17:21:
I have noticed here lately some discussion (dare I say arguments?)about migraine sufferers as compared to CH sufferers. I thought I would add my two cents worth, so please don't attack me. I have not posted for some time, usually when i am at the end of my rope. You guys always help me tie the knot and hang on.
As someone who suffers from both migraine and CH (as are many of you) I feel somewhat qualified to comment.I have been a chronic clusterhead for almost 3 years, and suffered from migraine about 4 (I was episodic for a year ch wise). I am very aware that is a drop in the bucket time-wise. There is absolutely no question that a raging 10CH is the worst pain imaginable. Sometimes I can't even conceive of it myself when not actively suffering. The best thing about CH is that you know it will end within the next couple hours. (of course there is also the certain knowledge that another will soon follow.)
I get about 6 attacks/daily with a least one of them at or approaching a 10 on the kip scale. Until I learned to control them, I had a 2-3 day migraine every week. While the level of pain cannot compare, there is something extremely difficult about being in pain that long. I can't eat, rarely sleep, generally can't work. The good news is I have learned to almost prevent them through acupuncture. I am sorry to say my Clusters have yet to respond to anything.
My somewhat lengthy point is this:
Please do not belittle the pain that migraineurs feel. Although it does not begin to approach the pain level of a cluster, the pain these people feel is very real. They deserve our compassion as well.