While searching for remedies for my headaches i realized that they are CH's. They started 2 years ago and at that time only lasted about 2 weeks but as time goes by they get longer this episode has lasted going on 6 weeks 2 to 6 times a day 20 min to 2 hrs each time. I look forward to meeting some people that understand the pain that we suffer. This is my first time on this site so i still have alot to learn about them. Seems as though most believe in the O2 so maybe that is something i will look into.

Glad you found this site!  I have had clusters for 25 years and only found it this year, so you are lucky.  Read all you can here and the more you can tell us about your headaches, treatments and side effects then the more people can give you suggestions that might help you.  Of course we aren't doctors...just have learned a lot over the years.  You didn't mention a doctor and that is something you need!  A neurologist specializing in headaches.  More people will come along with much info!

Good luck!
Joni

Hello Bo, it's nice to meet you!

As Joni said, the first thing that stood out for me too is that you didn't mention a doctor or an accurate diagnosis.

It is essential that you do see a doctor and a headache specialist neurologist. There are over 600 types of headache and many symptoms overlap. Meds for one condition can, literally, kill for another.

You need an MRI as well, this can't be stressed enough. I have a very personal reason for hammering this into everyone who comes along so forgive me for my rant on the subject but for me, it's become a mission to make sure people know that. With pain of this severity, more insidious things have to be ruled out.

Looking forward to hearing more from you, we'll help all we can with supporting you, helping oyu get a diagnosis, proper meds, tips on how to do stuff - the works! You won't be alone with all of this and that I CAN promise!

Helen

No i have not been to the doctor about them in fact i have not been to a doctor for any thing in over 10 years. As you all have suggested my wife has also told me that I need to see a doctor about them, but for some reason i just want go. I guess i should go. so i guess you can say i am self diagnosed hopefully with the right assumption. In the past the pain has not been that severe maybe a 4 or 5 but for some reason this time they are just unbareable. They are behind my right eye and above it just a little. My eye becomes red , droopy, and tearing. The only thing that i have found to ease the pain is a hot steamy shower until i run out of hot water than an ice pack. Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Hello Bo,
I too didn't see a doctor through a lot of my cycles.  I didn't understand that there was anything I could do for these headaches. Finally, they got so bad and painful (13 yrs in) I went to the ER.  I had given up my battle on my own.  I needed help.
Believe me, the first or the second doctor didn't help.  I was diagnosed with migraines and a sinus infection.  I wasn't satisfied with that answer, so I went back to another doctor and got the help I needed.  He informed me of CH's. Never heard of them and did my own research and found this site.  The good doctor and me started treating CH's and I found relief for the first time! I was able to abort my first headache.  What a miracle!
Little things you can do till you see a doc is:
Pound a red bull at the first signs of a headache or drink a strong cup of coffee and ice the back of your neck. 
Be sure to do research and arm yourself with CH knowledge.  Ask for O2!!!  I don't have a rx for O2, I just pick up a bottle on my own.  15 LPM with a non-rebreather mask.  I have imitrex (shot) and I use the tip on the side menu if I have a breakthrough on the O2 or if I am not at the house.  I also take Verapamil for my preventive. I take 80mg tablets 4 times a day (total 320mg).  I also drink lots and lots of water.  I now only get 1 minor one in the morning (usually), or have an irritating shadow that I can eliminate with 2 minutes of O2.
I do all this during my cycle.  My cycles can last 1-2 months and then I am PF for 1-3 years.  I am now on my 18th year.  I think I got a handle on this.  Remember, CH's are part of you and you a part of them.  They are part of your life now and forever (for most).  Find your ground with them and don't let them take you down!

I hope I helped.
PFD,
Angela

Edit: I also take 9mg of Melatonin at night.  That is over the counter.  You can get that now.

I too started to get CH when I was 14. Not untill I walked to the emergency room my self when i was 18 when i found out about CH. then diagnosed with them later.  I had a cycle like yours two years ago. Literally made me insane. At night its like I turned into a Lycan. Ripping my clothes off screaming, pacing around, crying, more screaming. I would always scream what am I supposed to do. I would lay down, sit up, pace some more, do jumping jacks, then fetal possission. Then do it again in an hour, once I fell asleep. This past cycle was bad but I've had much worse. I was mote prepared though.  I am so sorry you had to find us this way. I too did the college thing and would sit in class and just get rocked. People would look at me. And all I could was leave if it got to bad.   This website has saved my life. And I am always on. Reading these post from my phone. I reply as often as I get a chance. I am still crying, after reading your post. Because I 100 percent understand what your dealing with. The longest one I got was 11 hours. I eneded up in emergency. Also, the cycle after that 18 months later my wife at the time found me in the bushes unconcious because I had jumped through our  living room window. Please forgive my poor grammar as I am typing on my phone.  But get o2, don't get complacent. I could've saved my self alot of unnecessary suffering had I been prepared before the cycles started.  To Many years I would wait till the last minute to get o2 and trex prednisone  etc.  I wish you all the best. Please read this site and tell us your successes and struggles. Were all in this together bro. 

Hope you get PFDAN

jrcox



I've been through my fair share of docs as well. Most of my ch pain could have been more manageble had I kept visiting my doc in cycle and out.  But i am stubborn. And I have suffered allot of bad CH because if it. It only hurts my self and my family in the end.  I totally understand the feeling of just wanting them to go away. They won't. They may give you a long remission, than wham they  hit you harder then ever. They like us  stubborn people. Complacency is their friend. You have to fight back. see your doctor, get a plan together. For the first time in 14 years. I am going to take action. Be ready for them. Not scramble last minute to get o2. My old plan before was wait till they start and then tell myself " maybe it won't get that bad" then I'm dancing at 2 am with the beast.  Then I'd call my doc. And get o2 and wait sometime two weeks to get in to see him. Then start verapmil. sometimes prednisone.  Even topomax. I've had allot of doctors. Been on alot of different messs but nothing consistant.  It's been a cat and mouse game for me. This site has finally empowered me to get involved and
Fight back.  Get a diagnosed, and come back and share with us. Their is allot of good info here.

I wish you the best PFDAN 
Jrcox

     

Lol guess I wasn't done writting. I type allot on my phone. Sometimes it's hard to see what I've typed. So I type into a notes program  and then paste into the forum  It's easier to read that way before I post. Guess I copied my last post here too. Lol. 


Jrcox :D

Hi and welcome.
I am new to this site and I have just been diagnosed with CH 5 weeks ago, though I have suffered from it for years.
All I can say is "see a doctor!"