Hello to all. I just found the site and have been reading and learning for a couple days.  I've been a ch for over 20 yrs, and am currently in the middle of a cycle.  I am episodic.  Still like to read and pick up on different things that worked for others.  I want to commend all of you on your information.

Thanks Lacey for the nice words!
Welcome to the forum.  Please tell us more.  How often are your episodes, what are you using for preventatives and abortives?
Are you using O2? The bestest thing in the world!

We hope to hear more,
Angela

Hi Lacey!

Glad you decided to post.  I hope this cycle is short and mild.  If you do not have 02 please don't put off getting it!   

Jeannie

Hi Lacy

   welcome home.   Lots of info here!         lorac

Glad you jumped in, hope to see you around here! ;)

Joe

Howdydoo Lacey.  :)

When O2 is being raved about here it is assuming the newer, very improved style of use, with a non rebreather mask and often times high LPM.

You probably already read about that here I suppose, just mentioning it because as someone who's been a CHer for 30 years, I know that when O2 comes up for a 20 year vet such as yourself, it may not be obvious that a whole new ballgame is being referred to.  8-)

hey just wanted to say this is the best thing that ever happened to the internet...    glad you found it....   

thanks for the warm welcome.  yes bejeeber, im learning there are all kinds of new tricks lol..honestly thought i was a freak for yrs..female with ch? no way!..i convinced myself i had a undectable brain tumor for the 1st 7 yrs lmao..now after 20 yrs..i found somewhere that can offer other solutions for me to suggest trying to a dr..funny how i thought it was supposed to be the other way around. i am very curious to try o2..but i am a smoker..soooooo..i honestly think b4 this cycle is done..ill be willing to attempt quitting my ciggies yet once again.

Lacey,

Lots of CHer's are smokers.  They just use caution.  Don't put off getting the 02.  I did for years and just got it this week.  It is the AMAZING!!!!   Please get it!

Jeannie

Welcome, Lacey,

I haven't been around this place long enough to know what the consesnsus is on smoking and clusters, but since I quit, the frequency and severity of mine have dropped by at least half.  I wouldn't go so far as to say the headaches are a blessing in disguise, but they were definitely the catalyst that caused me to give up the cigarettes for good.  I sometimes wonder how much longer I would have smoked if it wasn't for the clusters.  As much as I loved smoking, I hate the headaches waaaay more.

Jury is still out on the smoking link, some have quit and seen a reduction, some have quit and seen no change, some claim an increase!!!!

Smoking doesn't exclude you from using oxygen. Obviously it's critical you take precautions. Like going for a 5 minute walk outside to clear out any 02 concentrations before you light up! With a few precautions there's no reason why you can't get it. Been an absolute sanity saver for me!

joe

As a smoker and an O2 user - one precaution --- Don't smoke while using O2!!!! :)

But O2 will NOT blow up! It is safe to keep in the house (been doing it for years). All the horror stories you hear - don't listen!

It's been a lifesaver for about 70% of us and we are still around to tell the tale.

Hugs BD :-*