Posted by Nina Blessing (63.59.66.29) on January 07, 2001 at 10:45:51:
In Reply to: Chronic is different posted by John B on January 07, 2001 at 09:20:04:
Yes I too agree there is a difference in eposodic and chronic clusters. There never seems to be a true break from the madness. My doc has tried everything. I've been on verapamil and topamax, imitrex, DHE shots, ritalin,lithium,you name it I've been on it. Sometimes I get lucky and these drugs will work for a period of time but there effectiveness never stays. I am thankful for those brief periods of painfree days. However, it is times like these when I have no relief, I become desparate. My left eye is always affected during the attacks it tears profusely and behind the eye I feel there is a "hot poker" searing the back of my eyeball. The glands on the left side of my cheek react wildly as though I have something very sour tasting in my mouth. This is happening constantly almost like clockwork. By now, my scalp is tender with sore spots all along the left side of my head. I pace frantically throughout the house. Standing,sitting or lying down is not an option. It's not possible. It only makes the headache worse. Then there is the banging of the head. My doc hates it when I do that. I try my best not to but sometimes its the only way to cope. Sounds stupid I know. I too take hot showers to try to get some relief. Beating a hot steady stream on the back of my neck. Works sometimes - sometimes not. Anyway, thanks for listening. Until I found this website I thought I was crazy. It is nice to hear I'm not the only "headbanger" out there. Thanks, Nina