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[lyn]

Is it ok to moan a bit today? You don't have to read this, I guess, so no pressure, anyone!
Does anyone out there also suffer with Cluster Headaches? Please don't tell me about migraine.it's totally different.  (Have a look at the clusterhead world wide website if you don't believe me).
The reason I ask is, anti depressants seem to bring on the headaches and, believe me, if you suffer from these headaches, you don't want one! I suffer  CH every second April and never in between, so it was upsetting to find the AD's brought it on out of season.The headaches stopped when I ceased the AD's. They say cluster headache is a malfunction of the hypothalamus so I guess it makes sense...AD's act on serotonin etc.
I suppose I'm feeling rather low because, reading so many posts on this site, it seems there is a similarity between menopausal problems and cluster headache. Both seem to move the goalposts; you think you have found the cure and in a month or so...it no longer works. I am probably wallowing in self pity here but it seems cruel that not only do I have to put up with suicidal agony every second April but menopausal anxiety too. As a nurse I know there are people far worse off than I am but it doesn't always help to say this. CH is agonising and there is no cure but I almost think this sensation of losing my mind is worse!

[Chi chi]

I don't know much about cluster headaches but I can sympathise as I get some sort of headache every day. There's no real pattern to them, I can wake with one that lingers all day or comes on in the afternoon and even get them just as I'm off to bed 
I've had a real nasty one most of this week not sure if it's down to the utrogestan ( although I've used it vaginally )?? Or because I've switched over to a caffeine free drink instead of my usual Pepsi Max? It's been awful like I've had a really tight band all over the top of my head and round the sides 
There's not a day goes by that I don't have to take paracetamol and ibuprofen 

[Hurdity]

Sorry to hear about the cluster headaches lyn - I don't actually know what they are? I think you said you've stopped the ADs now? How strange to get them only once every two years? Of course it's all right to have a moan - that's what this forum is for - if you have a problem someone might be able to help with it or at least give you sympathy!

Estelle: The really tight band is typical of caffeine withdrawal - but if due to that it should clear after a couple of days. I sometimes get that tight band feeling with migraines when on the progesterone part (vaginal utrogestan) - even if the headache itself isn't too bad - usually it's just persistent and with sound/light intolerance, fuzzy head and sometimes nausea. Good to cut down on the caffeine though, on a permanent basis, at this point. If you are taking painkillers every day you could be getting rebound headaches? Definitely not a good idea.  Hopefully it's not hormonal if it's persistent because that would be a sure sign that levels are a bit out of kilter?

Hurdity x

[Chi chi]

It's been all week practically  it's also made me feel quite spaced out and dizzy, not like my usual headaches which are just there, in the background lingering and not so severe. I wouldn't be at all surprised if it were hormonal, I'm sure I'm out of kilter somewhere 

[bramble]

I used to get 'normal' migraines and then when I started the menopause, they morphed into cluster headaches. Seen an eye specialist etc but all I can do when they strike is take 2 dissolving co-codamol, the really strong ones, and go back to bed. They do not happen all that often, about 3-6 times a year. but do wake me up around 6am with the pain, streaming eyes and nose. Like everything else, you just need to get on with it..........
Bramble

[Kathleen]

Hello lyn and sorry to read that you are suffering.

I am fortunate that I don't suffer with CH but I do know they are painful and debilitating. I am sure I read somewhere that eating Magic Mushrooms helped some people but that may be a myth!

I have found that one of the most frustrating things about the menopause is how it screws with predictability. I assume CH were easier to deal with when they were seasonal and you could at least plan around them.

I know what you mean about meno anxiety and the fear of losing your mind. This ride can be tough for some of us and it's just not fair.

I can do no more than wish you well and hope that all your health problems fade away as quickly as possible!

Take care.

K. 

[lyn]

Kathleen, thank you for your kind words of support.
Bramble...have you looked at the Clusterhead web site? Taking pain killers for Cluster Headache is useless, as everyone will tell you. You need to try oxygen firstly (doesn't work for me but it helps some people) then get onto the steroids like dexmethasone when the headaches begin. This can stop a cycle in its tracks.You only take them for a week. It would be very unusual to get two or three cluster headaches a year as they come in cycles which are very predictable, usually lasting 6 weeks in duration.
Someone mentioned magic mushroom for the pain...haven't tried that but i have heard it helps some people.

[Sarai]

OK I wont try to understand cluster headaches. I have migraine and normal headaches. Anyway I saw a neuro, not about headaches but asked him about alternative treatments for them. His first one was ribofavin vitamin B2 from Holland Barrett, known to help with migraine. Just a thought.
I know a person who gets migraine and considers also cluster migraine, she takes sumatriptan?

[lyn]

Thanks, Sarai... I take sumatriptin in a nasal spray to ease an attack but it only works 50% of the time. I guess this is better than nothing! Some use the injectable form but this has very nasty side effects as it goes through the whole body and can affect the heart.
Sorry everyone...I guess this forum is not the place to be discussing cluster headache, it's just that I can see a connection in that menopausal anxiety seems to move the goalposts too.

[lyn]

Sparkle, thanks for the reassurance. I am so grateful for all the wonderful support I have received since finding this site.
 As you say, cluster headaches are very rare. I went to a naturopath today who seemed very good but I was peeved off when she said cluster headaches were like migraines! They are definitely not, and and  all Clusterheads out there would agree with me. Anyway, enough about cluster headache for now.
This new naturopath has placed me on homeopathic drops for panic attacks, a huge bottle of calming herbal medicine and a strange magnesium powder for my muscle spasms/jerks during the night. I mentioned these as I have just paid a fortune for a new crown at the dentist and I am clenching my jaws so hard while I sleep I feel I will break the new tooth. Fingers and toes crossed that all this works to ease my dreadful anxiety! My boss e mailed me today, asking was I returning to work in 4 weeks' time. I said yes...hope so.

[Hurdity]

First of all lyn - you will see from all the different boards that anything can be discussed on here! Of course the main purpose of the site is to provide info about menopause - and the menopause forum is a part of that - but you can see there is a general health board (where all health complaints can be discussed), This and That , funny board, birthday events etc etc - you just look for the most relevant place and post your query!!! If it's in the wrong place - admin will move it  . In fact some members spend most of their time in the non menopause parts so anything goes!

Sorry about the jaw clencing - I sometimes find as I'm going off to sleep I do exactly the same and when I become aware of it I consciously try to relax my jaw to help me get to sleep! I wouldn't place too much hope on homeopathic remedies (the drops) unfortunately - other than placebo - but anyway whatever their effect or lack of it - I hope you feel better soon 

Hurdity x