:( Hello, I'm ray z. !st post....I'm in a cycle now about a month in . after 4 years of NO attacks. Since i'm older now 54 allmost .one prepares to accept things in Life. You can never prepare for a cluster cycle. They come you deal with them and life goes on. I've lived my entire life with them and it does get easier ( slightly) because you learn if you pay attention. Laying down close the eyes and ICE on side affected is my helper. I do not keep ice on longer than 15 minutesw if I don't fall asleep. I try to position the ice on the back of the neck at base of skull where the pain is actually starting from the blood vessel /nerve site that is the start line in a cluster headache. The sequence of all this stilll evades me why...other than this time I am under the MOST STRESS I've EVER expierienced. hmmmm hint hint. Yes, one learns if you pay attention to the details. I'll get through this again like we all do/will. never give up fighting. Believe in Yourself and ask God for some help. you all will get thru the tough time of episodic cluster headaches. DO NOT give in to them!! You have to try and try and believe YOU WILL GET THRU THEM and unto your life you richly deserve. It takes more effort to frown so keep smiling even tho your hurting Believe in yourself , FIGHT, TRY try try don't give in/up. You will be victorious over this affliction. It starts within yourself choose to win beat the devil so to speak. Love yourself and others. Be of GOOD cheer and always have a kind word to say to others while  your smiling, it DOES HELP!!!! .....Thanks ..ray z  :) :) :)

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Laying down close the eyes and ICE on side affected is my helper. I do not keep ice on longer than 15 minutesw if I don't fall asleep

You're a better man than me then.  When I'm having an attack, there is absolutely NO WAY I can even sit down, much lay down and go to sleep.

  I like your attitude about life with clusters though and one of the things we always talk about here is living BETWEEN the hits and not allowing CH to define you.

Wecome aboard and thanks for your encouraging words.

I haven't been hit, other than with what are called "shadows" or a little zing now and then since I was 45 which is twenty years ago. Like Linda, I couldn't sit still during a hit. I paced, shook, stayed in the dark and tried to find the coldest place in my house. I didn't have much luck with ice but a cold cloth didn't do any harm. Between hits, I was tolerated by most of my friends and family. Bless 'em all.  8-)

More power to ya.

Charlie

hello Ray and welcome!  I'm sorry you have to "dance" once in a while; but I love your attitude!
Beth