My name is Andrea. I am 28 years old and I have been suffering from CH for 15 years now.  I thought that I had them under control since i havent had attack in 2 years.   I can feel the demon starting to fester in my right side of my brain.  As a child I would suffer from these but of course we didnt have insurance so I suffered with no Dr.   I wasw finally diagnoised when I was 19, but the Dr said there wasnt anything that they could do for me except go to the ER when I had an attack.  My life has totally changed since then and my attacks got worse for awhile in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and dissapeared for a few years and then when I was pregnant with my son i got them again.  The trigger in 2002 was the preganacy with my daughter.  They tried everthing to keep me form hurting and nothing worked finally the Dr induced me early so that they could give me Meds that would work.  I just dont know what too do any more.  If they are comeing back as I suspect I think that they are really gonna have to commit me cause I dont think that i can do this again.  Especially with 2 very rowdy children.  

Thank you for listening
Andrea :'(

Hi and welcome. You've come to a great place for support and answers.

You should read as much of the information on this site as you can, especially about the different options for controlling and aborting attacks. Most people on this site swear by the use of oxygen as an abortive, though I have no experience with its use, myself. I'm sure there are plenty of others who can answer your questions should you have any.

My cycle tends to come around the months of May-Aug somewhere, and last about 6 weeks. I'll get hit with 1 to 3 attacks every few days and sometimes daily throughout the cycle. Then, as suddenly as they started... they're gone, and I'll remain in remission for 2 to 3 years. Of course, they never fail to come back, though. You may want to keep a log of your attacks to better help you in determining what works and what doesn't.

Anyway, I wish you the best in finding the relief you need, and though I am sorry you have to be here, it is still very nice to meet you. Pain-free wishes.

LOCATING HEADACHE SPECIALIST

1. Search the OUCH site (button on left) for a list of recommended M.D.s.

2. Yellow Pages phone book: look for "Headache Clinics" in the M.D. section and look under "neurologist" where some docs will list speciality areas of practice.

3.  Call your hospital/medical center. They often have an office to assist in finding a physician. You may have to ask for the social worker/patient advocate.

4. START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE  On-line screen to find a physician.

5. START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE Look for "Physician Finder" search box.  Call 1-800-643-5552; they will send a list of M.D.s for your state.I suggest using this source for several reasons: first, we have read several messages from people who, even seeing neurologists, are unhappy with the quality of care and ATTITUDES they have encountered; second, the clinical director of the Jefferson (Philadelphia) Headache Clinic said, in late 1999, that upwards of 40%+ of U.S. doctors have poor training in treating headache and/or hold attitudes about headache ("hysterical female disorder") which block them from sympathetic and effective work with the patient; third, it's necessary to find a doctor who has experience, skill, and a set of attitudes which give hope of success. This is the best method I know of to find such a physician.
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START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

Here is a link to read and print and take to your doctor.  It describes preventive, transitional, abortive and surgical treatments for CH. Written by one of the better headache docs in the U.S.  (2002)
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Michigan Headache & Neurological Institute for another list of treatments and other articles:

START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE


 

Hi Andrea, your very welcome to the site.

Maybe you could tell us a later more about what medications you are currently on and how this is working out for you. We're all on the same boat with CH's as they can be a right old pain in the Arse sorry i meant head :) At least now you have found this site and hopefully we can get you on the right track.

best wishes


Lefty...!