- Cluster Headaches
- Interviews
Hali's interview
How did all start?
I was in college when I had my first cluster. I have had migraines since I was 12 years old and regular headaches, but I had never felt pain like this before. It was debilitating. I would scream,pace, hit myself in the face, head and cry. I kept going to the doctor and ER getting headache cocktails that wouldn't work. I almost committed suicide. I then had my wisdom teeth removed and the pain stopped. Then 2 years later it happened again, same pain, same time of year. I got into a neurologist across state and explained the pain and what happens, the length and remission.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
It took me 2 years to get an official diagnosis.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
Neurological, dentistry, my PCP, chiropractic, masseuse, homeopathic. Most helpful is neurologist.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
Sumaptrpitan injections to about. Stops it in 6 minutes.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
Getting anyone I know to understand the severe pain this causes. I feel like people dont believe how bad the pain is.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
Confused, dont appear to understand the severity.
What things have you stopped doing?
I dont drink during an attack.
What do you think about the future?
I have to remind myself that it is temporary and I will have 2 to 3 years of normal before doing this again. I feel helpless though at the thought of doing this for the rest of my life. It is a huge reason I have not had children.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
My 30s.i have travelled the world and made the most out of my career.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Have children.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
A weird rollerxiaster with thrills, anxiety, pain, and new adventure.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Try to stay positive during the attack, remind yourself the pain isnt forever during an attack. Try anything that may help. Talk to someone.
