Posted by Lisa Z. on April 12, 1999 at 23:11:22:
My ex-husband is 57 and has been suffering from cluster headaches since he was 18. When he was in his 40's he would go 3-4 years without a headache. When they did come they would be daily for about 6 months and stop. For the last 2+ years he has them daily and many times multiple attacks. His longest period of peace was about 3 weeks but he can't remember when that was. He is currently using an Imitrex(?) injection when the headaches come on. He's afraid that one day he may overdose on the injections. His other concern is that because the injections are difficult for him to get and he may shoot himself one day when he doesn't have the medication. Knowing him as well as I do, it's my biggest fear. The insurance companies have really given him the run around when it comes to filling the prescription. He now gets them in Mexico, it's more cost effective and he gets them when he needs them.
I'm not a stupid woman, but a lot of the information in "About Cluster Headaches" needs to be translated into layman english. What kind of results might we expect with H2O? How does lithium work? Is there a treatment for the headache before it starts? How can or does diet affect the onset of the headaches? Is there a clinic or Dr. in Southern California that specializes or is at least educated on these types of headaches?
I don't want to bury this man, but I'm afraid it may come to that if we can't find some kind of relief soon. Please any information would be gratefully accepted.