Posted by Richard S (38.30.253.182) on July 21, 2001 at 21:20:26:
In Reply to: What can spouses/partners do? posted by Andy on July 21, 2001 at 20:37:12:
I'm a CH sufferer (and more recently a migraine supporter). If you've never had a CH it may be impossible to imagine what it's like. Try to think of a pain so intense and relentless that you think you are going to go stark raving mad. Then try to imagine what you would want your partner to do to help. The sad truth is that there's very little a supporter can do which helps at all. I would just ask her if she wants to be held or would like you to get her a cold drink or whatever, and just do that. People are very different in their needs in such a situation, and it's impossible to guess what their preferences might be. In my case, I usually just wish to be alone, partly to spare others a very pitiful sight.