Posted by Bob P on April 27, 1999 at 18:51:57:
In Reply to: CH free days- how do you spend them? posted by Clint on April 27, 1999 at 17:29:05:
You're in a tough situation. Being this was your first cluster, you don't know how long it will be until your next. Your clusters will eventually take on a schedule just like the headaches do during a cluster. You'll know when to start carrying your meds with you because it should start at any time. But until you go through a few clusters you won't know what that schedule is. For the first 20 years mine came once a year. For the last 10 years they've come every other year. I still, at the end of a cluster make sure I have lots of cafergot left in the medicine cabinet. I want to have something to take when the next one hits and not have to panic about getting a perscription from my Dr. Sometimes that takes a couple of days.
Once I'm stocked on meds. I forget about CH. Start living life as normal. Last weekend I washed the Harley and took a ride up to Big Sur. Next weekend I paint the bedroom. After that I'm going fishing. In July I hike Mt. Whitney and will stand on the highest peak in the lower 48. I'll do it without a thought of CH because I know mine won't be back until summer 2001. With experience you'll have your calander marked also.
If you ever start to dread your next cluster, just think about the chronic sufferers. They never have to worry about how to spend their pain free time. They don't have any. Their display of guts never ceases to amaze me. Strong, strong people.
Good luck with your time off. Do what you like while you can. Nothing you do will change the next clusters timing so try not to worry about it. It's gonna start when it's gonna start.
Peace,
Bob P