Its been a while since I've experienced a cluster period but they have once again returned to make my life a living hell. I'm glad i found this cite though its refreshing to know that other people understand what I'm going through.

Welcome Rbanks! 

Sorry you had to find us but glad you did.  There is loads of info. here that may help your battle with the beast.  Read, read, read and check out the O2 page.

Wishing you many PF days and nights!

And the Helpful Hints link at the top of the Cluster Headache Specific department thingie or whatever we call it. And may I also welcome you to the Board! Hell is hell even with company, but company makes this hell a little more tolerable. God bless! lance

Welcome to the board, no question that misery loves company. Do you have a decent treatment regimen, a neuro who listens to you, oxygen, a good prevent? Wishing you a short run this go round.

Joe

Hello and welcome!! 

Yes we know what you are going through - but can we help you??  Do let us know what you are doing, using (meds etc) to keep it in check.  You just might find something here that works even better!!   You'd be surprised how many doctors are ill equipped to treat this thing.  Sure CH is hellish, but it can also (often) be managed so that it becomes more of an inconvenience rather than burning hell!!! 

Let us know how you're doing,

Kate

Happy Thanksgiving!  I hope you all are doing well. I would actually really appreciate some input on treating my headaches. I haven't seen a neurologist since high-school and i don't have insurance. All I'm doing is avoiding triggers and trying to maintain a positive attitude. I use to take Maxalt when i was younger and it helped some of the time but at the moment i have nothing. PLEASE HELP!!   

Your best bet then is welders oxygen. Read the oxygen info tab on the left, it'll give you the layout of what you need. 6-10 minutes huffing 02 you'll be pain free. It's cheap and believe me, it works awesome.

Energy drinks, Rock Star, Red Bull, any containing the combo of caffeine and taurine. Chug one down at the first sign of an attack, many can abort or reduce attacks that way.

Melatonin at night if you get the wake up attacks. Start with 9 mg 30 minutes before bedtime. May have to adjust dose up or down, give it a few days to work.

Add the following daily regimen to reduce attacks, Calcium Citrate with Vit D, Zinc and Magnesium, washed down with lemonade, up to 4X daily. Alters your arterial PH making you less succeptible to attacks.

Any chance there's a university hospital in the area you might see for some assistance? There's lots more help available but it's all prescription and requires blood work and some monitoring.

Joe

Just wanted to jump in and agree with the oxygen advice - really has changed my life and so many others - well worth checking out!!!!  Personally I stay clear of the meds these days cos I don't like the side effects, so its 02 all the way!!


Oh, one other thing and it's not good for everyone, but when I get 'shadows' low level head ache that tends to linger,  I go for a long walk or kick the footy around with my son.  Vigorous exercise works for some of us - have also aborted a hit by moving fast at the first sign  :P  looks ridiculous but has saved me in the past.

Good luck, keep posting and let us know how you're getting on.

Kate