THE FOLLOWING IS A POST WRITTEN BY MY SISTER STEPHANIE, A 5 YEAR CHRONIC CLUSTER SUFFER.
I figured this was overdue, so here's my plea to all of you. Take a moment and give it a read and share for me (call it an early birthday present):
Cluster Headaches.
Please take a moment and research this condition (quick YouTube and/or Google search). I have been a chronic cluster headache sufferer for about 5 years now. This is THE MOST painful condition known to mankind. This is in no way an exaggeration and can not even remotely be compared to a migraine. As a chronic migraine suffer as well, I can say this without any doubt. I have anywhere from 3 to 5 attacks EVERY day. I am afraid to go to sleep every night because I know this beast will attack without warning and without mercy.
I went to school and graduated with my BS from NYU-Poly and went on to receive my MS and graduate as Valedictorian from Full Sail University. This condition has left me exhausted and in chronic pain every day. It has prevented me from pursuing a career and a life of independence. It has derailed my life at the age of 28 (almost 29-another year of fighting). But I will NOT give up and I ask you all to fight with me.
When many hear Cluster Headaches, they assume, "Oh, it's just a headache. Take an aspirin." Or "I get migraines too. I just take a nap." Believe me when I say, this is NOT a headache. This is a pain unlike anything you've imagined or experienced. It is more painful than natural childbirth (plus it doesn't come with the reward of a child), it surpasses the pain of breaking a bone, and it is terrifying and debilitating.
What is worse is that Cluster Headaches can be classified as an invisible illness. At times I may appear perfectly fine, but inside I am in complete agony. Just because someone doesn't "look" sick, does not mean they aren't fighting a constant battle internally.
I am asking my friends, my family, and those of you who I may not know that well, to take just a moment out of your day and post this status/photo and help me raise awareness and encourage research for Cluster Headaches. I have hope and faith that I will find relief and that there will eventually be a cure. Reposting this takes less effort than that quiz you just took or that funny cat video you just watched. Please, help me bring this condition to the forefront and help stop the misconceptions of Cluster Headaches.
: Arte Cluster Project (Claudio Geraci)
FUTURE INTERVIEW WITH HER TO COME. I AM SO INCREDIBLY PROUD TO BE THE OLDER SISTER OF SUCH AN AMAZING PERSON. I LOVE YOU SIS! WE WILL NEVER STOP FIGHTING FOR HER AND THOUSANDS LIKE HER...KEEP FIGHTING, WE'RE BEHIND YOU!
The Silent Migraine: One Of Several Different Types Of Headaches/Migraines. Can You Or Someone You Know Relate?
Silent Migraine Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional of any kind. The following information was found at the follow sites. National Headache Foundation, Migraines.com, Allaboutvision.com, Pinterest, and Verywell.com. If you or someone you know, is believed to be having any of the following symptoms please, consult with your doctor ASAP. I also strongly discourage self-diagnosing. When I first launched the abler, i asked people what subjects/topics they'd like to see me cover and one of the first ones was migraines. And as you can imagine, several terms and types came up in my search.One of them being silent migraine. While doing my research, I came a list of different types of headaches and mi
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