- Cluster Headaches
- Interviews
Steedan's interview
How did all start?
I woke up in the middle of the night with a piercing pain in my left eye. I thought I was going to pass out. I remember describing my symptoms to my wife. I told her I'd wait it out until morning and call my DR., but if I become unresponsive for her to call 911 and make sure they were aware of all of my symptoms. This was in 2017.
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
I saw my GP a week or so after my first attack. He told me I have CH and prescribed me some abortives.
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
Nothing so far.
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
I'm still working on finding the best therapies for me.
What have been your biggest difficulties?
I'm having a hard time getting access to a DR. and medication is very expensive without benefits.
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
Most people think I get bad headaches and suggest I take a Tylenol. I never felt understood by my family before, I don't expect that to change with this.
What things have you stopped doing?
I don't Drink anymore, even though I only ever drank occasionally before. I'm cutting back on the amount of chocolate I eat, I've started drinking Red Bull because it works well as an abortive.
What do you think about the future?
I have high hopes for the future.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
My current years are the best. I find life gets better as I age. I have a wonderful wife, a baby on the way and 2 amazing boys.
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
I don't think I'd do anything different. Life would just be a little simpler.
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
Full of anticipation.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Keep living your life, let the people around you know what you're dealing with. Don't leave it up to them to research your disease and be misinformed.
