i am new to the site. i have been having what i believe to be CH's for about 20 yrs. however,  almost exactly three years elapses between cycles and my cycles are much shorter (3 wks) than what most research suggest is typical. the pain, diurnal precision, and agony are all there. but, the fact that so much research suggests seasonality leaves me wondering how several fall/springs pass without incident.

I also have a question about the purported histamine connection. if this were so, would not an antihistamine pharmacological approach be effective?

I'm aware of the fact that I should consider myself lucky, and i gratefully do, that i do not suffer attacks as frequently as most. However, I am still curious to find a cause, a reason, to explain that which no one else in my family nor anyone else i know suffers from.

I know one guy in the UK who has a 2 week cycle every 23 months - there are quite a few people who have a off pattern like you do.

Anti histamines help some of us but, as with everything and CH, not everyone!

It seems the one predictable thing about CH is that nothing about it is predictable - makes it so hard to treat as you know already!

Welcome!! Sounds like it's time to get a diagnosis and some meds  :)

Helen

What Helen said.

Welcome to the family, but sure wish we could disown you! ;D

Jerry

They don't play by the rules.

Mine were very regular fall and spring events until I got hit for one week in August many years ago. My regular October hit every year wasn't affected.

Charlie

i currently take topomax daily as a prophylactic and perhaps that is why its been three years. who knows if i would have had a cycle had i not been taking the topo. the dosage was upped dramatically once the cycle started to no avail. i take axert and maxalt as abortives with mixed results. have tried phenylephrine and capsaicin nasal sprays with mixed results. if i am not on my vessel( i am employed as a third mate) i will take a prescription pain reliever if i am having a night time CH. but, due to the nature of my work, this is not an option while on board.

I am currently having the longest cycle i ever have and nothing seems to be working. the nature of the headaches themselves are changing, as once the initial attack is over the headache lingers all day like a sore muscle after a cramp until i have the next attack. i have a rx for prednisone but have never taken it and am thus a little reticent.

Quote:

i have a rx for prednisone but have never taken it and am thus a little reticent.

Take it. I presume it has been prescribed as a taper?

I just started a 15 day taper of Decradron, another type of steroid.  I'm on day two.  I feel better today than I have in two months!   I've heard that sometimes it will break a cycle.  I can hope! 

Jeannie

Take it. I presume it has been prescribed as a taper?

yes. 1 wk. to break cycle. what can i expect?
also, having nosebleeds. this has never happened before? i am assuming this would be from blood vessel dilation and thus precipitate an attack. however, this does not seem to be the case. is it in fact the result of vasoconstriction?