I need your support-very long

The last 13 weeks have been really rough for me and my FH. My FH suffers from cluster headaches. cluster headaches, occur as a severe, and sudden headache. No specific cause has been found for the disorder. but this is not your everyday headache.

women who have it say that it is worse than childbirth, the pain is that severe. it is not like a typical migraine. my fh walks around pacing frantically with pain on one side, his one eye gets smaller, it is really freaky.

the pain that he has is debilitating. he can not work when he gets one of these attacks.

he has been to many different neuros-thank g-d there is no tumor. he is on meds like imitrex injections, steriods, verapamil, but they are not helping. the only thing that can stop the pain sometimes is pure oxygen. he does have an oxygen tank in the house to use. but after an attack he is so tuckered out.

this has affected us in more ways than one. financially, emotionally, mentally. i am at my breaking point. he is freaking out b/c with 98 days to the wedding, he is afraid these will never go away.

i am sorry this is so long and so personal. i have been so emotional and panicky at the same time for him. and the burden of the wedding has been on me for so long that i am just cracking under pressure.

i am lucky to have such a wonderful support system with my family and his, but sometimes they just dont understand.

thanks for putting up with me. i feel better just having written all of this.

THe most important thing, be there for him. We're here for you.

I don't really have any suggestions, but just wanted to say how sorry I am. I can't imagine how frustrating that must be for both of you.

It's amazing that nothing can be done to help him!!

to you both

I get BAD migraines and I can't imagine dealing with cluster headaches!!!!!

Keep your chin up ... I don't really know what else to say. You are very lucky to have such support from family, but it's understandable to sometimes just feel overwhlemed and the need to let it all out.

I'm sorry to hear that.

Sorry you both are going through this We are here for you if you need to talk!

the frightening thing is that there are people out there who have these everyday for YEARS. my fh seems to get them during certain times of the year, spring time being the worse. but for some reason, they are lasting much longer and much more severe. they are not related to allergies.

thanks for all of the hugs!

I am sooo sorry.. I get migraines and i know how painful they can be and if these headaches he is getting are worse..OMG, i just can't imagine it.
You have to relax and take time to do things NWR!
The pressure is only going to get worse with the days drawing near. SO again, take a day or two to just not think about the wedding at all!

I feel so sorry for you both...him for having to deal with it, and you for having to put on a smile and deal with it as well.
I have nothing to say except it seems like you need to Vent, so please do that, it is soooo hard to deal with watching someone in pain, but also to have to pick up the slack on everything!!!!

I'll be praying for you both!

Hang in there!!!!!!!

Good luck to both of you. I can't imagine how hard it must be to watch him in pain and know that you can't help him.

Stay strong. Stay sane. Stay in love.

God bless!!

I know how it feels to be so worried about so many things over which you have no control, especially when it has to do with the health of a loved one. You feel the need to be strong for your FH, but sometimes, you need someone to be strong for you, too. It's so difficult to sit by and watch and know that there's nothing you can do and feel helpless while the man you love is in pain or sick or hurt. I know how you feel. If you ever need to talk, feel free to FM me.

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Posted by kimmie

Have you tried massage and acupuncture? I suffer from Migraines and massage really does help sometimes..

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massage seems to alleviate some of the pressure that builds up on one side, but too bad i suck at giving massages to my fh. i have suggested to him accupuncture, and at this point he will try anything.

As a migraine sufferer I do understand. I do hope he feels better. Have the doctors suggested that he keep a headache diary to see maybe if there are certain triggers (diet for example) that may be triggering the headaches?
You are doing the best you can...just be there for each other.
Some of the meds they have on the market are hit or miss. I say look seriously into acupunture and maybe even massage therepy.

Groovy, sending you many many hugs.... and ***easing the pain vibes*** to your FH....

So sorry to hear that.... to you and your FH...LIW is always here for you...

you need some

I am so sorry to hear this! As a migraine sufferer (long suffering but newly diagnosed), I can relate somewhat. My MIL had cluster headaches for many many years and she tells me horrific stories of how badly they affected her. She also had to use oxygen but nothing really helped them go away toally except menapause. Unfortunatly, that is not an option for your fiance. Does he go to a neurgolosist that he likes? Have you gone to more than one? The meds he is taking sound right but if they are not working totally, I agree with the ladies above that he should look into alternative medicine. I have not tied accupuncture yet but many swear but it. There are also some well known and highly regarded chinese herbalists in the city who may be able to offer some help. I cannot even deal with my monthly migraines. If it were me, I would try anything and everything to help get rid of the pain! He is in my prayers and I really hope that he gets some relief soon!

You said that stress is a tigger for him- could the wedding be a stresser for him? If so, maybe they will get better after your wedding?