Posted by T. P. (205.188.197.164) on July 17, 1999 at 02:09:42:
In Reply to: Re: A bit confused. posted by Margaret G on July 16, 1999 at 21:17:51:
I can lie down. So this means I do not have clusters? I don't quite understand what I have then... let me explain it again...
1. shadow pains start, same time every day for 6 to eight weeks, followed by several months of no pain, then they start over again. Clockwork.
2. Once shadow pains start, they "warm up", turn into white hot excruciating pain behind my right eye, within minutes.
3. Right eye reddens; tears come out of right eye. Hard to keep it open.
4. Nasal discharge out of the nostril on the side of the pain. This signifies "peak" of head-attack.
5. Pain fades in reverse order.
I have been getting these as long as I remember. I do not go to a doctor, because so far I have been able to deal with the pain without seeing a doctor. Sometimes this includes lying down in the dark for the weaker ones (most of the time just to be alone). Sometimes I pace and talk a lot for the bad ones. I have never been diagnosed as having CH, but was welcomed onto this board upon describing my symptoms.
But like I said, I CAN lie down if I really want to be alone. I very much agree with Rich Jr. about differences in our pain levels, as I've never had to bang my head. I also think it has a lot to do with how we deal with pain and emotions.