Last cycle was June 2009.  Last week they came back.  Saw a headache specialist in 2009. By the time I saw the doc the headaches had stopped.  He said I didn't fit the "true" profile of cluster sufferers....I get one a day (he said typical was 2 or more), I am female (most are male), I am late 50's (most are younger) mine last 15-20 minutes (he said most last longer)...BUT....I did get MRI's (2) nothing abnormal, and a bunch of blood tests, nothing abnormal.  Told me to come in again when they started again, if they did.....that was 2009 and here it is 2011 and I have had one every night for last 6 days...same time, etc. etc.  Mt friend said "15 to 20 minutes isn't so bad"....they have no idea!  Hope this is a short cycle!

One of the few benefits of aging! Appears our cycles tend to be less frequent, often stopping completely in the 60-70 area.

Grandma,

One thing we've all learned a long time ago is that cluster headaches are never consistant.  What works one time, won't work the next.  They can switch sides, when others ALWAYS have them on one side only.  One cycle is short and fairly mild, while the next is long and much worse. 

Please don't let anyone...and I mean anyone, tell you that because you'ree a women it must be Migraines or something like that.  It's true more men get them than women, but I was chronic for 24 years and when someone tells me women don't get CH them is fighting words to me.   lol

I hope you will read a lot around here.  Even though there is no cure there are ways to make your life a whole lot easier.   Oh,  and welcome.   You're not alone and we're all here to help you with any questions you have after reading around here, especially the links on 02 to the left of here.

Linda

Welcome Grandma,

Quite an informative place... this forum, great deal of excellent experiences and help.

Oxygen has been my go to for years now, I wonder how we did it without this.... OK... I remember, just don't like to think about it... ;)

I too hope this is a short cycle for you and you're back to  Pain Free days in no time. Hang in there.

All the best,

Baer

Another "migrainer woman" faking CH! ;D Remember, only men, taller then average, smokers, with orange peel complexion and "lionesque features" get CH. (from the early 1980's diagnostic guidelines for CH!)

As linda points out, we still have miles to go in our education of the medical community. Keep educating yourself as to treatment options, enjoy your pain free time, always be ready to battle the beast. Hoping you catch a short go this round.

joe

Went out for dinner last night for my birthday...had a glass of wine (wrong move!), by the time I got home it hit.. was one of my worst.....in the past they have always been 15 to 20 minutes....it was a hour last night.    Nothing really works except waiting them out.  Right now ice packs are all I use.  Guess it is time to make another appointment with that doctor. 

OUCH, an alcohol triggered attack without O2! Do consider oxygen treatment... it should be a pleasant supprise... seriously. Imagine only having to tuff it out for 5 minutes.
And I guess you found out the hard way... alcohol bad.

ok..so this make any sense?  cycle started Sept 12, every night around 10:30 pm....30 to 40 minutes.  5 nights ago they stopped...nothing and then I get one last night....in the past I haven't had them stop and start, what is going on now?

The beasts more annoying trait, his desire to constantly morph. Just when it seems you have a handle on when cycles start and stop, he'll throw a nasty change up.

That being said, any radical change in what you're taking to prevent/abort them?

Joe

I do not take anything.  I use an ice pack most often and just wait it out.  I tried the energy drinks but didn't do anything.  My last cycle was 3 years ago.  I have never gotten more than one per day (knock on wood) and from what I am reading they are short (30 -40 minutes).  I am so fortunate that I do not suffer as many of the rest of you are and I can't even imagine how you do it.  The last 3 times the cycle was 6-8 weeks for me.  Guess I really should consider something...I keep thinking I can through it once again. 

You say you don't take anything..and that makes me ask, WHY?   

oxygen is a lifesaver for us.  It's cheap, effective, no side-effects like other drugs we take,  and did I mention...IT WORKS!!!!!!!

Preventative meds like Lithium and Verapamil work to shorten attacks and make them less intense.

If you have a doctor you can work with,  I have no idea of why you wouldn't ask for some relief.  You said you "just wait it out"  I can't even imagine why you'd do this.   :(     why in the wor;ld would anyone suffer when it wasn't nesessary????????????????

If you could explain it to us, we'd appreciate  it.

[quote author=684B495E5858543B0 link=1316201615/4#4 date=1316263965]Another "migrainer woman" faking CH! ;D Remember, only men, taller then average, smokers, with orange peel complexion and "lionesque features" get CH. (from the early 1980's diagnostic guidelines for CH!)

I remember, my ex-wife faked it... must have been my orange peel complextion and lionesque features...  ;)   ;D

Oh, sorry you were referring to CH.... I digress... Carry on.....

Baer

As linda points out, we still have miles to go in our education of the medical community. Keep educating yourself as to treatment options, enjoy your pain free time, always be ready to battle the beast. Hoping you catch a short go this round. Well said Joe.....

Grandma, I could have written that post myself because my headaches returned after 2 yrs just this morning.  Two HA - let me sleep 1-1/2 hrs then BOOM .. I just called about getting oxygen and was surprised that my insurance will NOT pay any part of the oxygen therapy because my SATS have to be below 88 and they are not.  I was also told the supplier would supply what I needed but at the LPM rate I'd need it's a whole different story and it would cost me close to $200 a month .. Maybe these insurance head honchos need a sample of just what a Cluster Headache is and see how quickly those policies change...'

$200 a month is excessive for O2.  Perhaps if you were on it as if it was COPD but at CH flow rates.  Wen you can knock out a hit in 5-8 mins at 25 lpm you really don't use all that much O2.  I was killing 5+ a day for a while and my M tank lasted me over 3 months.

Jerry