I have had cluster headaches for 15 years now and have tried everything from oxegen to meds, excedrin migrain, redbulls, you name it. Anyway i broke my cycle 2 days ago and this is what i did and this is no joke! Large Baskin and Robbins Mocca blast with a extra shot of expresso (dunkin doughnuts coolata w/the extra shot is the same) I downed it and keep some in the fridge as backup and one at my side all day and continued to sip it all day if i felt the slightest headache sensation. I broke the cycle and have slept like a baby for 2 days in a row.

Good for you and PF wishes forever.

However, I would not be doing the happy dance just yet that you broke your cycle with Baskin and Robins, I would be more inclined to think your cycle ended on it's own, but who knows with CH's.

I hope this did indeed work for you. :)

sufferer wrote on Jan 17^th, 2009 at 10:54am:

I have had cluster headaches for 15 years now and have tried everything from oxegen to meds, excedrin migrain, redbulls, you name it. Anyway i broke my cycle 2 days ago and this is what i did and this is no joke! Large Baskin and Robbins Mocca blast with a extra shot of expresso (dunkin doughnuts coolata w/the extra shot is the same) I downed it and keep some in the fridge as backup and one at my side all day and continued to sip it all day if i felt the slightest headache sensation. I broke the cycle and have slept like a baby for 2 days in a row.

Maybe look into some oxygen.

       Kinder gentler Potter

oxyegen did not work had the tank for a while. the key is to break the cycle ie: through of the timing of the episodes

sufferer wrote on Jan 17^th, 2009 at 11:48am:

oxyegen did not work had the tank for a while. the key is to break the cycle ie: through of the timing of the episodes

Sorry bout yer luck there Mr. expert.

      Kinder gentler Potter

as far as the cycle ending on it's own. No! i was only one week in!

sufferer- I'm glad to hear that you've been PF for 2 days now, but I wouldn't count my chickents before they hatch just yet until you've been PF for at least 1-2 weeks.

How long do your cycles usually last?

my cycles last a month and i know the feeling when they are over as the episodes begin to change time either from day to night etc...

my cycles last a month and i know the feeling when they are over as the episodes begin to change time either from day to night etc...

sufferer wrote on Jan 17^th, 2009 at 11:58am:

my cycles last a month and i know the feeling when they are over as the episodes begin to change time either from day to night etc...

Ok then, but are you currently still sipping it when you feel an attack coming on?

nope all done. But that is how I shifted the timing of the headaches and believe that is the key. Also found that a forced attempt at sleeping for a straight 24hrs helps shift the timing as well.

Interesting.  Well, glad that you are PF, not so sure that the coffee is what broke your cycle though.  You can't fault me for being cynical as I've been on this website for 8+ years and have yet to see a true cycle broken due to something that simple.

Take care!

sufferer wrote on Jan 17^th, 2009 at 12:06pm:

nope all done. But that is how I shifted the timing of the headaches and believe that is the key. Also found that a forced attempt at sleeping for a straight 24hrs helps shift the timing as well.

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                 Kinder gentler Potter

I am glad that you have had some painfree time!  I LOVE hearing that.

BUT, your method of breaking the cycle is a bit suspicious.  Having it work one time, is not enough to generate a conclusion.  If it works several times, THEN you can claim it as a treatment.  I tend to think, as the others do, that you cycle just ended early.

I know it is not like it usually stops, or length, but most of us are aware of how the cycles can change over the years.  The beast likes to mess with our minds.  Just when we think that we have it figured out, the beast will change its game plan, JUST to mess with our minds.

I HOPE your method DOES work for you!  That would be GREAT news!

I would like to hear how you used the oxygen.  I have found that most people who said they could not get relief from oxygen were not using it properly.  Tell us how you did it, the flow rate, the mask you used, etc.  MAYBE you are one of the few that it does not work for, but elaborate on your methods, and maybe we can come up with something that WILL give you the relief that you deserve.

Good luck, and PLEASE keep us informed as to how your method works.  I am very interested in whatever works for any of us sufferers.

Chuck

nope all done. But that is how I shifted the timing of the headaches and believe that is the key. Also found that a forced attempt at sleeping for a straight 24hrs helps shift the timing as well.

Why do you keep saying you "shifted the timing of the headaches"?  What does that mean?  :-?

Sorry, but I'm a little suspicious, too.  A LOT of CHers use strong coffee and caffeinated beverages to bust individual hits, and I haven't seen anyone yet claim they ended a whole cycle with one coffee drink.

BTW, I'm a Master Barista, and I can tell you that espresso has only one-third the caffeine of regular coffee- so adding an espresso shot to a drink actually dilutes the caffeine content.

As doctors first told me when I was first diagnosed " if you can break the repetition of the headaches occurring at the same time each day than you can end the cycle for that year (mine appear around October, November December or January every year) The trick that I find has worked for me is once I realize I’m in the cycle I start with these coffee type drinks that I mentioned all day and then right before I go to bed. (I hate the ones that wake you up in the night) It's seems to mask the pain of any cluster that may be trying to start and then breaks up the pattern and I’m good till next year. This trick doesn't work if your already having the headache or have already had the feeling that one is coming. I find that once I know there here I don't let them even let me know they exist. Once a day or two has gone by with out a headache I’m done. I might ad that i was diagnosed with clusters 15 years ago but have had them for some 28 years.

sufferer wrote on Jan 18^th, 2009 at 3:17am:

I find that once I know there here I don't let them even let me know they exist.

HUH?.........Can you also part the red sea?....LMMFAO!!! ;D

sufferer wrote on Jan 18^th, 2009 at 3:17am:

As doctors first told me when I was first diagnosed " if you can break the repetition of the headaches occurring at the same time each day than you can end the cycle for that year (mine appear around October, November December or January every year) The trick that I find has worked for me is once I realize I’m in the cycle I start with these coffee type drinks that I mentioned all day and then right before I go to bed. (I hate the ones that wake you up in the night) It's seems to mask the pain of any cluster that may be trying to start and then breaks up the pattern and I’m good till next year. This trick doesn't work if your already having the headache or have already had the feeling that one is coming. I find that once I know there here I don't let them even let me know they exist. Once a day or two has gone by with out a headache I’m done. I might ad that i was diagnosed with clusters 15 years ago but have had them for some 28 years.

Fantastic!!!  I'm glad to know that you've found a way to cope.

One of the most frustrating things that I have found as a chronic CHer is often the sense that I do not have control. I found a psychological relief, much like you've described, in knowing that O2 is just a few feet away.

Sometimes any sense of control aids in relieving stress... a reduction of stress may have an impact on the frequency of Cluster Headaches.

If the coffee drinks help, in giving you a sense of relief... then by all means... drink to your hearts content.

I'm delighted to know that you have found something that helps you to feel better.

I'm curious though... you stated that with your method... a headache may occasionally break through despite the coffee drinks... My question to you is... how often during a cycle does that happen?

with warm regards,
Tony

Habemus rememdium, (Latin), we have a cure…….
even if it is for episodic sufferers only......

I'm glad to hear that you are PF, for the moment, and that is more then one could wish for.

But I am still very sceptical..... about the caffeine, just for the simple reason of the timing..... digestion and absorbing the caffeine into the blood stream, we all (or most of us) agree that the triptan tablets are less effective due to the time it takes for the med. to be effective, that is the same with the caffeine.... time to be absorbed into the blood system, and there for I am so much degutting this remedy as an abortive....


I am though very happy it dose work for so many, as an abortive!


I can not see how caffeine can brake a cycle, and the theory about breaking the pattern, I do not get at all.......

I have a feeling it is just a bizarre coincidence..... the timing of the caffeine and the end of the cycle.....

even though it is nice to know that your cycle is over......

Michael

I'm sorry.  I have always kept my silence when something strange is posted.  As long as someone is pain free, that is all that really matters.  But good god!!  I think you just ran into some good luck because there is no chance in hell that ended a cycle

I wished that would work for me.
Enjoy your painfree time. Maybe update your diagnosis?
all the best
the bb

What is a Baskin and Robbins?

ET.

Ellick wrote on Jan 19^th, 2009 at 6:54am:

What is a Baskin and Robbins? ET.

Here is a link to Baskin and Robbins.

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baskin robbins, sounds like the monster mean bean coffee energy drink i use.
whatever works for you is what you should do.

i like the kinder gentler potter!!!!!!

Any large cold coffee drink (Dunkin Doughnuts coolata, Basket and Robbins it doesn't really matter. I've been doing this for 10 years by the way. There is something about the cold drink as opposed to a regular hot coffee that does something quicker but i'm not sure what. Maybe the coldness (brain freeze) from the inside constricts or numbs the nerve in conjunction with the caffeine then taking effect on narrowing the blood vessel? Continuing this over several days not only keeps the headaches from occuring but breaks the timing or pattern of the headeaches and thus the cycle.
Hey but what do i know. :)

PS I’m not claiming to part the red sea, I’m not pretending to be Mr. Expert nor a bartender which are quite shocking responses from so called alumni in the same boat. Like I said I have had 28 years to weed out a ton of bad remedies and triggers.  

sufferer wrote on Jan 19^th, 2009 at 10:57am:

Any large cold coffee drink (Dunkin Doughnuts coolata,Basket and Robbins it doesn't really matter. I've been doing this for 10 years by the way. There is something about the cold drink as opposed to a regular hot coffee that does something quicker but i'm not sure what. PS i'm not claiming to part the red sea, i'm not pretending to be Mr Expert nor a bartender which are quite shocking responses from so called alumni in the same boat. Like i said i have had 28 years to weed out a ton of bad remedies and triggers.

     After making such a  post what did you expect, a kiss?

                  Kinder gentler Potter

CH happens when and where it wants. all you can do is deal with it, or eat some mushrooms. now there is something that HAS been proven to break cycles. clusterbusters.com

sufferer wrote on Jan 19^th, 2009 at 10:57am:

Any large cold coffee drink (Dunkin Doughnuts coolata, Basket and Robbins it doesn't really matter. I've been doing this for 10 years by the way. There is something about the cold drink as opposed to a regular hot coffee that does something quicker but i'm not sure what. Maybe the coldness (brain freeze) from the inside constricts or numbs the nerve in conjunction with the caffeine then taking effect on narrowing the blood vessel? Continuing this over several days not only keeps the headaches for occuring but breaks there timing or pattern of the headeaches and thus the cycle. But what do i know. PS I’m not claiming to part the red sea, I’m not pretending to be Mr. Expert nor a bartender which are quite shocking responses from so called alumni in the same boat. Like I said I have had 28 years to weed out a ton of bad remedies and triggers.

Do you honestly think it is shocking that people might be wary of your posts claiming a way to break cycles??   First you have had CH for 15 years, now it's diagnosed for 15 had for 28.  Your first post makes it sound like you finally found the way to break a cycle, and now you claim to have been doing this for 10 years.  If you can break cycles for 10 years, why the screen name sufferer??  You obviously don't suffer much anymore.

Anyway, I am glad your method is working for you and I thank you for sharing.  Honestly, I can get myself to get 4 hours of sleep when in cycle let alone force 24.

Cold caffeine drinks make a lot of sense but they don't fully abort a single Ch for me, let alone break a cycle FOR ME.

Anyway...... I hope this hasn't been too harsh, but we get a lot of people come here touting cures and ways to break our cycle.  I will be glad to try your method during my next cycle and I'll share the results here but I honestly wont be leaving my O2 tank far behind.

;)Is your lip bleeding Frammy!? ;D ;D  Very eloquent post my friend
the bb

I am truly not saying this to be mean spirited.  I would LOVE it if Baskin Robbins was a sure fire way to bust a cycle.  I'll bet this method is much tastier than I hear seeds are!

Jeannie

#1 had headaches for 28 years
#2 did not know what they were till diagnosed 15 years ago
#3 started what i mentioned 10 years ago
I suggest reading my posts a little more accurately

Sufferer yes! In the fact that i know that the cycle of headeaches will always appear every year. For me around October, November, December, or January (has anyone ever taken a poll the see if these are common months might be a connection there as well?)

Sufferer no! In the fact that i'm in more control, sleep better and have shorter cycles.

Quote:

For me around October, November, December, or January (has anyone ever taken a poll the see if these are common months might be a connection there as well?)

Many times, the concensus is....it can change as the years go by. It's best not to put your eggs in one basket, just when you think you have something to treat it LOOKOUT because it may not work again. Just when you think you have the timing worked out llllooookout it will change. Keeps you on your toes. ;)
all the best
the bb

Many episodic suffers have cycles that coincide with the change of season.   Spring is my worst time and I have also had Fall cycles as well.  If we have an early Spring I will get hit earlier... It all depends on when the temp changes( I think).

Jeannie

sufferer wrote on Jan 19^th, 2009 at 11:54am:

#1 had headaches for 28 years #2 did not know what they were till diagnosed 15 years ago #3 started what i mentioned 10 years ago I suggest reading my posts a little more accurately Sufferer yes! In the fact that i know that the cycle of headeaches will always appear every year. For me around October, November, December, or January (has anyone ever taken a poll the see if these are common months might be a connection there as well?) Sufferer no! In the fact that i'm in more control sleep better and have less bouts and pain.

I read all your posts more than once before I posted.  I was trying to give you an idea of why people might be wary of your posts.  I guess instead you took it as an attack on your integrity or the facts surrounding your battle with the beast.  Neither was my intention.

I wish you the best of luck now and in the future.  If this is working for you, thank you for your input.  I will keep it in mind and maybe it will be useful to me in the future.  I wish you many more pain free days ahead.

31 flavors and a CH cure, I'm in.......

Wow all of that sounds yummy. If I even breath it I'd gain 15 lbs! The 02 works wonders for me...I think I'm going off cycle. No headaches in 4 days!!!

snickers wrote on Jan 19^th, 2009 at 8:29pm:

The 02 works wonders for me...I think I'm going off cycle. No headaches in 4 days!!!

I send you everything I have hoping your cycle has ended, and how about that o2 for aborting hits!! [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

PF wishes forever. ;)

No offense, but if you are sucking down that much caffeine all day long, how in the h#ll are you even GETTING to sleep?!?  :o

Sorry, but like others have said, it's a little hard to swallow when someone we don't know comes on here and touts such a simplistic cure, and a new diagnosis of how to stop clusters, no less.  

I myself have used several methods to "change the timing" of my current cycle, even stopped it cold for up to two weeks at a time, and it keeps coming back.  So I for one do not believe for a second that simply changing the timing of the headaches will stop a cycle.

I am really glad that you have your CH under control! I truly hope you continue to find success.  But you won't make a lot of friends here if you insist that this is the answer for everyone (and for godssakes, DON'T use the word "CURE"!!)  ;D

-Paige