Just realized I have been suffering from ch for the last 15 years about an hour ago. Started right after xmas this year and I haven't slept much since. I can't believe it took me this long and how dramatic the repercussions have been. I realize now that after suffering with my first episode for a couple of weeks I received acupuncture and they stopped. I was so impressed and grateful that its now how I make my living.  I don't know if it limits the severity or frequency but I am in remission for a couple 3 years normally. I do know it does nothing while I'm fighting the beast or even hiding from shadows (like right now) Starting water therapy tomorrow, not drinking any alcohol and getting back to my normal sleep pattern (if I can sleep at all) for the first time since xmas.

Thank you for existing. As a health care provider I see on a regular basis how much comfort people get just from having a diagnosis. Somehow I missed this chapter in school or more likely it was only given cursory attention.  I'll prowl around some more before I ask anything, just wanted to say hi and I feel better already.

Brian
brianwilson71@msn.com
integralacupuncturetaiji@gmail.com

Have you diagnosed yourself or have you had a diagnosis from a neurologist?

There are potentially multiple conditions that have very similar symptoms to CH so getting a diagnosis from a professional is essential, preferably from a neuro specializing in headaches.

Have you got anything to act as a preventive, like verapamil, lithium or topomax?

Anything to abort CHs, like oxygen or imitrex?

If you actually get relief from CH, using accupuncture, you'd be the first. As a health care professional, surely you realize the error in attempting a self diagnosis based only on symptomology. There are numerous malady's which mimic CH, which must be eliminated before a firm diagnosis can be made. Would strongly suggest you get to a headache neuro for a work up and diagnosis.

Joe

Hey Brian, as an accupuncturist, I imagine you're more into the non toxic/natural treatments than the pharmaceuticals (?)

Well there is info and advice on the natural route to be found here, with high flow non rebreather O2 being an effective and super popular one, then there's stuff like the herb Kudzu, that some feel helps their CH, 9 mg or more of melatonin at bed, which prevents night time hits for many, and the movement towards the powerful preventative effects of "busting" - here's a Nesweek article on busting and CH: START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE