Too much pain right now to remember.  Chronic for 11 years now.  If I didn't have two kids 16 and 18 I wouldn't even be here (their mother died last yea). Ready to try mushrooms but afraid I would get the wrong kind. On 960 mgs of verapamil, esgic for pain and Oxygen for the bad ones. Any help would be appreciated.

Have you been down the D-3 route yet? Several of my best friends on this board, one who was chronic and NOTHING was working, have found success with it. I'm pain free over 3.5 years after a 30 plus year episodic life with CH:

Follow this link to the medications section of this board and read the post 

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It’s a vitamin/mineral/fish oil supplement, all over the counter stuff. It’s up to an 81% success rate of those who try it and respond to the survey so you’re just shooting yourself in the foot if you don’t give it a shot.  Best of all, it’s healthy for you even without CH!

As of January 20, 2013, the compiled raw data indicates an efficacy of 80%. 240 out of the 300 CH'ers who have started this regimen and stayed on it for a month or more have experienced a significant reduction in the frequency and severity of their CH... 78% of the 300 CH'ers experienced a pain free response and 60% of the 300 have remained essentially pain free. Episodic and chronic CH'ers respond to this regimen at roughly the same rate.

Preliminary survey results indicate most of these CH'ers were pain free before the end of the third week with some responding in a little as 12 to 24 hours. The average time to respond is five days



Joe

Being chronic, I understand someone who is chronic. I noticed two things about your post: first, your prevent isn't working. I had to add lithium (300mg) to the high dose of verapamil before I saw any relief. Second, you need to beef up your abort regimen. O2 is not just for the bad ones. In fact, there is some research to suggest the more you use O2 and the earlier you get on it (when an attack is coming) the better it works to abort. You need a high flow (25lpm+) and a nonrebreather mask to get full effect. You also need to add energy drinks, Imitrex injections, and possibly Migranal nasal spray to your arsenal. You will feel more in control if you do, and that will ease some of the depression you are experiencing. Write anytime. God bless. lance

From the # of posts you have made here you will see how often we encourage working with a headache specialist. Given the meds you are taking this suggestion is really important for managing Chronic can be a bear.

I have suffered from CH for 20 years. I am episodic, have one hit per day during cycles (typically at night), cycles normally last 6 weeks, and am pain free from 18 months to 5 years. I was PF for 5 years. I moved to Portland 3 1/2 years ago and have not had a reason to find a doctor. Last week a new cycle began. Not having a physician, oxygen was not an immediate option. I checked CH.com and found posts on energy drink treatment interesting. I suffered through the first CH on this cycle with only an ice pack. Next, I purchased 16oz, original formula (green) Monster energy drink (Nectar), put in the refrigerator, and waited. Like clockwork, the next morning I had a visitor. At the instant I felt the hit, I popped (1) Aleve gelcap, then guzzled 16oz of Nectar. The hit never got above kip2 and was gone within 10 minutes. I was amazed, but cautious. This had to be a fluke. Over the next three days hits have come, I drink Monster, and the headaches disappear within 10 minutes. My current cycle will probably last another 4-5 weeks. Monster does jack me up for a couple of hours, but at least I am on my feet and can function PF. I realize that energy drink therapy is not the best solution. I am incorporating Melatonin, Magnesium, and B2, one by one to determine effectiveness of each. Results will vary from sufferer to sufferer, but in my case, after 4 straight doses, it is working. I will re-post results as my cycle continues. I am most thankful for CH.com and all who contribute. God bless...

Great to here the energy drinks work so well for you! I'd still work on developing a relationship with a GP or a neuro. Get the legwork done now for an oxygen prescription. That way, if the energy drinks fail you, you're a phone call away from getting an 02 set up delivered! As you well know, EVERYTHING is so much harder when you're hurting! ;) Here's hoping the energy drinks never fail ya.

Joe

Hang in there, and I know that is much easier said then done.  Listen to what others have said here about increasing your arsenal DO NOT let the bastard win throw everything you can at it.  Shrooms have helped many, there is a TON of info out there on how to grow your own, pm if need be, I've had great success in the past.  I wish you many PFDANs!