thank you all. been reading tons. Hubby has suffered for approx 12 yrs. usually 2-3 yr then a 2-3wk cycle. Havent kept track, guess we thought they would go away. New they were called cluster headaches but that was about all. Tried some traditional methods (accupunture ect. looked at diet - couldn't figure them out.... till now. Thank you again, and my fists are up and ready to go to bat for him! Just found you 2 nites ago, I think he is in the middle of his cycle. Went out and got him melatonine and energy drinks, to soon to tell exactly - but he slept the next night (only woke up once with a shadow - then actually went back to sleep (You know how AMAZING this was to him!!) I told him to take 3 of the 3mg Melatonins 1 hour b4 bed and to slam another Redbull if he feels anything tonight (he is out of town on a bus. trip) I am dying to know if he is getting any sleep or "dancing" alone in a hotel room :(  His systoms are textbook to what i have read on here for a non Chronic CHers. Shadows, increasing pain and duration then - bam - up to a 9-10 in no time. Then after a couple weeks they start to go away.  He can not sit still - and an ice pack to the right side of his head has been his only "relief??" until now. We will keep better track of recording the time and durations from now on out. So after reading as much as I can (so far), I think our first step should be finding a neuro who is at least familiar with CH, (we are in Washington State) any suggestions on how to find one? and then, I am assuming oxygen is the safest treatment for abortive measures? so we would want to get a prescr. for "oxy as needed". and get the right valves and masks and such... is there a link or thread discussing the dangers (to the lungs?) if any, while using oxygen. He is a smoker. Thanks SO very much. I finally am able to do SOMETHING concrete to help him! He is such a good man.
Praying for PFD&N to all of you!

I shamelessly stole one of Bob Johnson's posts and copied it for you. A GREAT system for finding a headache specialist neuro. (Once again, my apologies for the theft Bob!)

Following that is a link on oxugen therapy, kind of lengthy, but has everything you need to know about 02. Our 02 guru, Batch, flew fighter jets off of carriers for many years, they breathe 100% oxygen for hours at a time and have no ill effects. So please don't worry about that. I'm a 33 year episodic sufferer, I abort with 02 in about 6-8 minutes. Has almost eliminated my use of imitrex.

LOCATING HEADACHE SPECIALIST

1. Search the OUCH site (button on left) for a list of recommended M.D.s.

2. Yellow Pages phone book: look for "Headache Clinics" in the M.D. section and look under "neurologist" where some docs will list speciality areas of practice.

3.  Call your hospital/medical center. They often have an office to assist in finding a physician. You may have to ask for the social worker/patient advocate.

4. START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE ; On-line screen to find a physician.

5. START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE Look for "Physician Finder" search box. They will send a list of M.D.s for your state.I suggest using this source for several reasons: first, we have read several messages from people who, even seeing neurologists, are unhappy with the quality of care and ATTITUDES they have encountered; second, the clinical director of the Jefferson (Philadelphia) Headache Clinic said, in late 1999, that upwards of 40%+ of U.S. doctors have poor training in treating headache and/or hold attitudes about headache ("hysterical female disorder") which block them from sympathetic and effective work with the patient; third, it's necessary to find a doctor who has experience, skill, and a set of attitudes which give hope of success. This is the best method I know of to find such a physician

START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

Since you're already surfing, check out   clusterbusters.com     a site devoted to alternative treatments for CH, mushrooms, RC seeds etc., showing some tremendous results, especialy for those for whom traditional meds were failing.

I'll stop for now, suffice it to say you have a lot of reading to do here. In a very short time you will know more about CH, it's symptoms, triggers and treatments then 90% of the medical profession. As a supporter, you're every bit as much a part of this family as a sufferer. We appreciate and love you guys! [smiley=hug.gif] Thanks for doing the footwork for your sufferer!

Joe

Your husband has got a great supporter being here, finding out more about CH which will help him get through his CH episode.

Oxygen is a great way to abort CHs. I can be pain free in about 6 min, which also means that I don't feel so beaten up afterwards too never mind skipping about an hour of intense pain.

For people who smoke (and those that don't) they need to be careful. Oxygen will saturate clothing, bedding, sofas, so allow 30 minutes or so before being near a naked flame, which could be a cigarette, a BBQ or a gas cooker. There are quite a few people here who smoke and have oxygen, it's just a matter of not mixing the two.

Thank you!
you guys rock! [smiley=heart.gif]