Posted by Sue (64.156.34.29) on December 21, 2001 at 16:14:41:
My husband has had chronic cluster headaches for 20 years now. He has only been pain free when he would take darvon for a migraine. He is usually at a pain level (on the KIP scale) of 3-4. A few times a year, he gets episodes that are around 6 or 7. He has had around eight level 10 episodes in the last 20 years. Thank God he hasn't had a head-banger for a few years now. But trying to deal with the constant, relentless pain is getting to him. He takes amitriptyline, so he doesn't get depressed, since it is an anti-depressant, but sometimes he just wants to give up. I never know what to say to him when he is in this state. I just try to listen to him and let him know that I wish there was something I could do to help him, and how proud I am of everything he is able to accomplish even though he is in constant pain. Does anyone have any advice for me? You would think that after living with this man for over 22 years, I'd know how to handle this, but when he says that his headaches are getting worse and worse, I'm at a loss.
I honestly believe that a change in his diet would help him, but he does not agree, so he won't try anything like that. Has anyone found any success with a change in their diet, like eliminating dairy, meat, poultry and eggs? Something that would be interesting to see data on is whether there are any vegans who suffer from cluster headaches.