Last night I slept 16 hours. I went to bed yesterday afternoon, after we returned from the kids dentist appointments.
I've been struggling with cluster headaches again. I'm in another cycle. I've had several in the last two weeks, which is wretched. I've often said if someone offered me $1000 I wouldn't have a cluster headache.
They are the most painful thing I've ever experienced in my life. Far more painful than any childbirth pains, any surgical procedure (I've had 19 operations, so I have some experience with surgery and recovery), any broken bones or ripped tendons or ligaments. I've had chronic daily migraine since I was 19 years old-which means I've never been without a headache in all this time.
Not EVER.
Still, nothing compares to a cluster headache.
They are called suicide headaches, because people who have them have been known to kill themselves during one just to get away from the pain. I could never do that because mine are the kind that cause me to lose the ability to function. I would never be coherent enough to do myself in. I can never remember the headaches, or what has happened immediately prior to them. Often I can't remember what happens afterward for several hours either. So I lose chunks of time due to the headaches.
And I feel incredible pain. Pain without words for description. Thankfully, the headache only happens on the right side of my head-for the most part. If it happens on both sides of my head someone has to take me into the hospital for a shot-or several-depends upon the severity of the episode.
The shots don't help the pain. At least they never have in the past. They just dope me up so much I can't roll around on the ground as much, trying to get away from the pain. Then when the headache does leave I can sleep for awhile.
One thing that has shown some success was oxygen. They used that on me in the hospital in the past with surprising results. I came out of the headache about 20 minutes after I began breathing in the oxygen. I may have to contact my doctor and see if I can get an oxygen tank here at home.
Oh, what am I thinking. That would have to come from my doctor. And we all know how she is...
I've been struggling with cluster headaches again. I'm in another cycle. I've had several in the last two weeks, which is wretched. I've often said if someone offered me $1000 I wouldn't have a cluster headache.
They are the most painful thing I've ever experienced in my life. Far more painful than any childbirth pains, any surgical procedure (I've had 19 operations, so I have some experience with surgery and recovery), any broken bones or ripped tendons or ligaments. I've had chronic daily migraine since I was 19 years old-which means I've never been without a headache in all this time.
Not EVER.
Still, nothing compares to a cluster headache.
They are called suicide headaches, because people who have them have been known to kill themselves during one just to get away from the pain. I could never do that because mine are the kind that cause me to lose the ability to function. I would never be coherent enough to do myself in. I can never remember the headaches, or what has happened immediately prior to them. Often I can't remember what happens afterward for several hours either. So I lose chunks of time due to the headaches.
And I feel incredible pain. Pain without words for description. Thankfully, the headache only happens on the right side of my head-for the most part. If it happens on both sides of my head someone has to take me into the hospital for a shot-or several-depends upon the severity of the episode.
The shots don't help the pain. At least they never have in the past. They just dope me up so much I can't roll around on the ground as much, trying to get away from the pain. Then when the headache does leave I can sleep for awhile.
One thing that has shown some success was oxygen. They used that on me in the hospital in the past with surprising results. I came out of the headache about 20 minutes after I began breathing in the oxygen. I may have to contact my doctor and see if I can get an oxygen tank here at home.
Oh, what am I thinking. That would have to come from my doctor. And we all know how she is...