I'm male, age 45.  I started having CH two years ago.  It was very irritating at first.  I started getting the HA after reading and went to my GP.  An eye test showed that my left eye was pretty fuzzy (HA on left side).  So off to the eye doctor.  Glasses and the "well you're over forty explanation".  Still got the HA.  I also feel it in my upper teeth, so off to the dentist for a new night guard (teeth grinding).  I did a lot of reading, and learned a little about CH.  Mentioned this to my GP and returned to her with two weeks of a headache diary.  She agreed with the CH diagnosis and gave me some samples to help with the pain (Imitrix, Zomeg etc. didn't help)  I had a few more attacks, but then they just stopped.  Out of site, out of mind.  I didn't think about it all winter and spring.  That stopped a few weeks ago.  When I started my diary last year, I had labeled a few attacks as "10".  Unfortunately, I have had to change those entries to KIP 5.  I had a KIP 9 the other night OMG.

I called my GP and told the nurse I was having CH again.  She had me in the office that afternoon.  She is more aware of CH now and was eager to help.  I mentioned the O2, and she said she would look into it.  She also started me on Gabapentin.  She called back the next day.  After speaking to a Neuro friend, she immediately gave me the Rx for O2, and started me on Prednisone.

I have been eating exedrin migraine whenever I felt a twinge.  A month ago this became every 4 hours, and I now think that may have been doing more harm than good (rebound headaches?)  When they got past the excedrin I would grab an ice pack and start the dance.

I had an attack two nights ago.  Some may think I'm nuts, but I didn't do anything to stop it.  I had to know if the oxygen would help.  Kip 4, 5 ...6!  Run for the tank.  IT WORKED!!!  After about 10 minutes at 15lpm it was gone.

A huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders.  Just knowing that I have a way to fight back has given me a new look on life.  I was getting pretty depressed.

You all, and the info on this site have given me the kick in the butt I needed.  

Things I have learned from this site.
1)  Read read read.  Print articles for your Dr.  Most don't know what this is, but they will be eager to learn so they can help.  (If not, find a new Dr.)
2)  Get O2 today!!!
3)  Don't lose hope, you can fight back!

THANK YOU for being here!!

Todd

Good onya and keep on huffin.

          Potter

We're all very happy you found us too Todd.

Yep...oxygen is  ;)a savior all right.  Notice my button on the bottom of my posts and others also.   ;)

I'd like to add one thing to what you said....don't wait til it gets to a KIP 5 or 6.  Take it at the first little twinge.  Why suffer longer than you need to?  AND...sometimes if you wait too long, even 02 won't work.  


Welcome and I hope this cycle is a short one.

Linda

If you haven't already - get the O2ptimask - you'll love it!

Hope this is a short cycle for you. Glad you found the O2. I'm with Ted - get the RIGHT mask - it makes ALL the difference in the world.

And get to the O2 tank at the FIRST twinge of a hit. Works gooder that way...

You might try melatonin at night before bedtime. It helps me get thru the night hits and sleep thru the night.

Hugs BD :-*