Name: Jim Staulcup, Jr., Esq.
Residence: Geneva, Ill.
Conditions: Cluster headache
First Diagnosed: 1978
Q: What is the most frustrating thing about your life?
A: I never know when a cycle of headache clusters will start up. I typically can go three to five years without having a cluster cycle. When the symptoms occur, I experience a burning pain in the eye and a series of headaches that leave me incapacitated.
Q: What are you most thankful for?
A: I'm thankful for days when I'm able to function with little distraction from headaches. This is primarily thanks to inpatient treatment by the Diamond Headache Clinic in Chicago. The clinic was successful in helping me identify what kinds of foods trigger the cycles of my headache clusters. The clinic also introduced me to the use of oxygen treatments when I feel an oncoming cycle, and oxygen aborts it. Oxygen may not stop the headache from reoccurring shortly after that, but it eases the initial pain.
Q: What’s your greatest achievement?
A: Professionally, I've had the opportunity to handle significant legal matters that had great results for my clients, when I was in-house counsel for major corporations and when I was in private practice. Personally, I'm very fortunate to have a great family and six grandchildren.
Q: How do you manage your condition?
A: I try to stay physically and mentally active. I'm involved in community projects and activities. I'm engaged in support work?for organizations such as the National Headache Foundation. I also enjoy walking, dining out, reading and staying social.
Q: What's your favorite book?
A: I like to read historical books and biographies, books about the revolutionary War and the Civil War. My favorite biography is of John Adams. I also enjoy mystery and action books. They allow me to daydream and not have to read as carefully.
Q: Where do you get the greatest support?
A: My family is very positive in their support. My wife is very understanding, and our three daughters help by staying out of the way when my symptoms occur.
