Your Voice Interview Series: Bridget Cucksey’s Story

Bridget Cucksey served in the military for 16 years.  In 2010, while deployed in Afghanistan, Bridget started experiencing cluster headaches and migraine attacks in 2010. Initially presenting as occasional headaches, by 2018 they had become chronic. Bridget’s pain symptoms were intense and left her incapacitated at times, with prolonged episodes lasting from a week up to several months and accompanied by severe nausea and light sensitivity. 

Triggers

Bridget could identify her triggers for attacks. Alcohol was a major one, and she stopped drinking completely after she realized how even a small amount could cause an immediate episode. She also tried removing chocolate, coffee and carbs from her diet.  Her strongest trigger was stress, something difficult to manage given the high stress environment of military service.  

Diagnosis and Treatments

During her time in the military, Bridget had to use oxygen therapy, requiring her to carry an oxygen tank for four years.  It took four years to receive the oxygen therapy- a long and difficult diagnosis and treatment approval process. She also took painkillers, anti-nausea medication, ear defenders to block noise and sunglasses to reduce light exposure. Even though these treatments helped, they were not a complete solution.  At the worst of her condition, Bridget would often isolate herself, curling up with her dogs in a bean bag chair, escaping the outside world.   

It was not an easy task to get the right treatment. She tried several medications, but none offered her long-lasting relief.  Bridget eventually started taking an injectable anti-CGRP medication every 28 days.  While this medication is usually prescribed for migraine attacks, and not cluster headaches, it proved to be life changing as it significantly reduced the frequency and severity of her cluster attacks. Bridget believes she would have been able to complete her military service without the same level of struggle if she had been prescribed the anti-CGRP earlier.   

Impact on mental health

Cluster headaches are referred to as “suicide headaches” due to their severe pain and persistence.  Just as many other people with cluster headache, Bridget’s mental health suffered due to the pain and isolation.   Bridget learned from therapy to focus on the fact that an attack, no matter how painful, would eventually end. This was helpful in helping her cope with the unpredictable and debilitating nature of her condition.  

Impact on career

Bridget’s career was severely impacted by her cluster headaches. The military had physical standards that needed to be met, and she could not always attend and participate due to her oxygen tank and other medical issues. For instance, she was unable to go to the shooting range or engage in other compulsory training sessions. This led to her isolation from her peers and made her career even more challenging.  She also lost a lot of time at work because of doctors’ appointments and medical tests.   

Bridget recognizes that she had the privilege to have access to military healthcare.  As a service member, she was prioritized for referrals and because of this received faster treatment than what a civilian could access. Nevertheless, she experienced challenges and had to advocate for herself, pushing for professional treatment and trying various management strategies before finding an effective solution.  

Importance of a support network

Bridget is grateful to have a very strong network.  Her friends and family supported her through the worst of her health issues.  For instance, when she was chronically ill in 2018, her spouse took over daily tasks like cooking and laundry. She also had her best friends carrying extra doses of her medication and making sure she takes it on time.  

A brighter future

Coming to terms that she was unable to fully function in her career was very challenging for Bridget.  She loved her job, and not being able to perform her duties, despite workplace accommodations, was difficult.  After years of advocating, and waiting, she was granted a medical discharge and was able to focus on her future. 

Bridget describes the process of seeking care as a frustrating one, requiring trial and error with different medications and different providers. Her persistence paid off, and this year she finally found a doctor who actively listened to her and validated her experience.  Bridget encourages others with chronic pain to not give up in their search for solutions, even if it takes going to several doctors and several types of specialists.  

Today, Bridget expresses gratitude for her current life.  Her creative side has flourished, and her opportunities as an entrepreneur and connections with new friends and community members are something she would not have been able to experience in her previous career.  Every door that closes leaves another open, and Bridget is both excited and optimistic about what is to come.