Annette
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Strategies to cope with chronic cluster headachesClusterheadache as we know is a life long, devastating condition. It doesnt just cause the worst pain know to human but it affects many other aspects of life. If its not controlled or managed adequately, it can ruin a sufferers life, causing loss of employed work, breaking up of relationships, ruining family life etc. On top of that it can cause other physical and mental problems such as sleeping problems, memory problems, concentration problems etc.
Chronic headache is even harder to cope with. Its often med resistant. There had been report that up tp 30% of chronic sufferers are refractory ie med resistant. The hits tend to be multiple daily but completely random and the intensity completely variable.
I would like to learn from the chronic CHers on the board how they cope with being chronic. Let this list grow as long as possible by adding anything and everything that you can think of, even if it sounds remote, it may help someone else. Please just copy the list and add to it as you go. Thank you.
I have heard from others a few strategies so I will start :
1- Accept that you have a life long condition that needs to be managed daily.
2- Dont live in fear of the next hit. Deal with it when it comes. Enjoy the painfree time in between.
3- Focus on the positive things in life. Count your blessing each day.
4- Make sure you have meds and whatever arsenal in full supply at all times. For eg: make sure you have plenty of oxygen and the next script for the meds you use.
5- Share with others who understand and draw on their strength on tough days.
6- Try to stick to a routine and get adequate sleep.
7- Dont demand so much on yourself, concentrate on making each day slightly better than the last. Anticipate some backwards steps, its normal. Concentrate on improvement, no matter how small.
OK, your turn 
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Ike
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1- Accept that you have a life long condition that needs to be managed daily.
2- Dont live in fear of the next hit. Deal with it when it comes. Enjoy the painfree time in between.
3- Focus on the positive things in life. Count your blessing each day.
4- Make sure you have meds and whatever arsenal in full supply at all times. For eg: make sure you have plenty of oxygen and the next script for the meds you use.
5- Share with others who understand and draw on their strength on tough days.
6- Try to stick to a routine and get adequate sleep.
7- Dont demand so much on yourself, concentrate on making each day slightly better than the last. Anticipate some backwards steps, its normal. Concentrate on improvement, no matter how small.
8- try while in pain to think of something to concentrate on breathing, channeling pain whatever.
9- This will not kill you, the hit WILL end, every second that passes is a second closer to the end of the hit.
Once list is finished i will add the full list as "must read sticky"
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