You know you're a

Cluster Headache Supporter IF . . . 

• You have left a public event because your loved one is getting attacked.

• You make explanations to the ‘lay person’ and try to get them to understand something that you don’t even understand yourself

• You notice the signals of an impending attack before your loved one feels any pain

• You stay home for what seems like forever because you’re both afraid to go out in case the "Cluster Beast" visits

• You feel like you are living with a time bomb in the closet

• You are afraid to talk about "IT", fearing you will ‘jinx’ him/her into another attack

• You get angry and frustrated that cluster headaches have invaded your life

• You feel totally helpless

• You feel like you are losing yourself in the process of trying to help

• You are afraid to leave your loved one alone, fearing an attack, even though you know you can’t do anything to help

• You are nodding your head because so many of these statements apply to you and your family.

If you answered ‘yes’ to any or all of these questions, you qualify as a cluster headache supporter. 

And you know what? Sometimes it really sucks to be us.
The good news is that supporters are no longer alone with what we go through in our daily lives.  We may not experience the physical pain of Cluster Headaches, but the pain we feel is just as valid.

We understand all too well what it is like to watch someone we love go through cluster headache pain.  We too, feel totally helpless that we can’t make this pain stop. But we can help EACH OTHER and learn how to support our sufferers and each other.  At www.clusterheadaches.com there is a forum designed for supporters to talk to each other.  Please click the following link to take you directly to the message boards:

http://www.clusterheadaches.com/wwwboard2/index.html  

Invariably, there is another supporter online and we always have time to sit down and share our war stories with you.  We understand the fear, the anger, the frustration, and yes, the guilt that you feel when you support someone with cluster headaches..

Please feel free to ask for help if you need it.  We are pretty much shockproof and everything you are going through has been experienced by some other supporter.  Even if you need to just tell us what happened today, we’ll listen.  You’ll probably be surprised that you’re not the only one who goes through exactly what you do. And you'll be pleasantly surprised at the wealth of information and support that is offered.  We are kindred souls, we cluster headache supporters.  All you have to do is put up a post and tell your story and other supporters will jump in to help you. If you’d rather talk “in private” – there is a private messaging system on the board.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this web site is for educational and informational purposes only.  It should not be used as a substitute for seeking professional care or for the diagnosis and treatment of any medical disorder.  O.U.C.H. makes no claims as to the scientific/clinical validity of the information on this site OR to that of the information linked to from this site.  All information taken from the internet should be discussed with a medical professional!