hey there all! Well i gotta question 4 u all, can some1 explain to me about cycles. george has had CH 4 three yrs but only diagnosed about 4/5 months ago, he is a chronic CH does that mean he still goes thru these "cycles" and if so what and how do they work, i know its prob different for each person but any info would be greatly appreciated thanx charlotte

worriedwife,
I'm so sorry to say but I believe chronic means "If the attacks occur for more than a year without a pain-free remission of at least one month, the condition is considered chronic." In episodic cluster headache, these attacks occur once or more daily, for a period of several weeks, followed by a headache-free period lasting weeks, months, or years.
I pray that your spouse has a break because to suffer these headaches daily is bad enough but to continually have them is insane.
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Rod

yes he def is chronic but at the same time he might getta 2/3 day break. where the shadow is always there... and these cuople of days are like heaven to him, & me to be honest. The 02 has been the only saving grace during this hell!!! thanks 4 the reply charlotte :)

Charlotte now that he has the 02 hopefully you can start discussing preventatives with the MD. My husband has good luck with lithium when he's in cycle.

Charlotte,

As a chronic he doesn't have "cycles" as would an episodic.  However, since going chronic a little over 5 yrs ago after over 20 episodic I do note "cycles" within my chronicness wherethe attacks will ramp up for a few weeks with more frequent hits, and then it will die down for a while without really ending.  After having gone chronic I really don't look forward to the breaks even though they sure do feel good, but it seems to hit a lot harder when they start up again.

There is a lot of great info here.  Keep reading and educating yourselves, and don't quit asking questions.  One day, we'll be counting on you to help educate others that come along.

Jerry

this is charlottes husband. its just as you have described it but now twice in a week i have lost my sight during the attacts and its frightening. i have been to the doctor today to inform her but they seem to take it so casual. i would be devistated if i loose my sight. george thanks

Anyone correct me if I'm wrong, but in all my research, I've never heard of CHs affecting vision.  You might have something else, something in addition to CHs or you might be have adverse side effects to meds you might be taking.  Loss of vision is serious.  If your Dr isn't taking that seriously, you might want to find a new Dr.