2. Cluster Headaches
3. Interviews

Stuart's interview

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How did all start?

I had these headaches as far back as I can remember. So they must have started at 6 years old or earlier. I am an episodic.

Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?

I sought medical help in 1978 by going to a GP. He referred me to a neurologist and the diagnosis was made right away.

For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?

I guess neurology and allergist. My neurologist(s) eventually got me on a drug regimen that kept my CH under control. My attacks would always last 4 months with 2 years of remission.

What has been the most useful thing for you so far?

Depakote and Topamax will control my CH to the point where I would only suffer "shadows" after the two drugs built up in my system.

What have been your biggest difficulties?

I would more or less be out of commission when the headaches were at their worst.

How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?

I would say social and family have no understanding of what is going on. I avoid talking about it because I don't want to hear the same stupid comments again.

What things have you stopped doing?

I know not to drink any alcohol during an attack.

What do you think about the future?

I am now 61 and haven't had a headache for maybe 3 years. Neurologists always said I would outgrow them and maybe it has finally happened. So I don't dread the time of year when I used to get them anymore.

So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?

I would say 2002 to the present have been the best. I relocated to be near family and got a good job, and will retire in a few years.

What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?

Except for a couple of months during an attack, my condition hasn't kept me from doing anything.

If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?

All in all, it has been pretty good.

Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?

Stay after your doctors. If you aren't getting relief, try something new. Change doctors if you aren't getting anywhere.

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