I can't explain how happy I am that there is a site dedicated to CH sufferers and a place where I can sound off (vent/whine/complain :-/) to people that understand!

I am in a bout right now and this is week 3.  I have been doing this for 11 years (usually once a year at fall but sometimes at spring, too). Up until now I have been diagnosed and treated for migraines.  For some reason it had never dawned on me to do my own research ???  I am most certainly suffering from CH. 

Checked the site out a bit before my post and found that I do have what is referred to as "shadows". I always know it (the devil!!) is coming a couple weeks before it happens although I do not have any other type of warning, i.e. aura. I have tried so many meds but right now I'm in a particularly bad spot as I have no insurance.  I have some leftover Imitrex and why I still attempt to take Excedrin migraine I do not know...desperation I guess. 

It's crazy because the other day I actually looked in the mirror during an attack..which I have apparently not done in 11 years.  I always knew my right eye would feel swollen nearly shut - not to mention the pain..but I guess I just didn't realize I looked like the poster child of CH. So, obviously my pain is always on the right side.  And of course you all know how it feels...I wish to die just about every time.  I'm not suicidal and would not do anything to myself..but during an attack, I honestly wish whatever is happening would just kill me!  It is so exhausting.

So on to a couple of questions....
Has anyone found a remedy (besides meds or anything that requires Rx) that seems to ease the pain or lessen the amount of attacks (I'm at about 4 per day right now)?  I'm trying to save the meds I have left for when I have an attack at work-which happens between 2 and 3 pm everyday. Meaning I have to ride most of them out which is excruciating!  :'(

Also, this time I feel so much more depressed about the situation.  It is really affecting me.  I now have anxiety even when I am not having an attack because I am always anticipating the next one.  One of my big issues is I feel as though my SO doesn't care-or possibly doesn't believe the amount of pain I am in (?).  I don't expect him to "get it" fully...although I have sent him some literature from my research...And, I know I am extra sensitive about it at the moment.  I just really need support.  I'm so frustrated with this.  I have a doctor's appointment in 2 weeks..I sooo hope this bout is over by then but maybe we can figure out something for next time.  Not really about the Verapimil as a preventive..I have taken this before with no results.

In closing, just looking for some tips so I do not feel totally alone in this and maybe how to cut my SO some slack for not fully understanding what I am going through.
Also, anything that seems to help the pain w/o the use of meds.

Thanks in advance! I really think being a part of this group will help me tremendously.  Just reading posts of others experiences that are so similar to mine was very comforting.
:)

Not for a second are you alone, old fruit, because you just became part of a family that truly understands and cares.

Starting simply, get yourself some cans of Red Bull and guzzle one down at the first hint of a hit. Sounds silly, I know, but many people get a bit of help from it.

Also look at the Oxygen button to the left of your screen. This really is the big one in belting the beast - drug free, not terribly expensive, and remarkably few side effects.

Then there's a batch of vitamins we call the D3 regimen which has helped so many people back into the real world.

Keep reading. Keep asking. We're here to help in any way we can.

Have you looked into the vitamin D3 remedy on here? It
has lots of us CH free, myself included, nearly two years
after suffering from CHs for 43yrs.

Cheers, Hoppy.

thank you!  I have been reading some about the O2 but will look into it a little deeper via the link here.  I have not seen the d3 regimen details and do not see it as a link to the left...am I missing it?

If you go too the main board, and click onto Medications,
Treatment, Therapies, then click on Anti-Inflammatory
Regimen, "Batch" you will find all the information there.

Hoppy.

Hi, I'm new here also, been reading awhile. This site is great. O2 is prob. the best abort, if you can get it, if not, I have used apple cider vinegar and water heated on the stove top just enough to create fumes. Breathing this with enough room air so you don't gag, has helped me and my son both abort hits within 5 min. or less. Boy did I feel foolish the first time I tried it, but it is now my back-up if I run out of O2.

I'm 59 y.o. male started with CH @ age 15.
My son is 25 and was just diagnosed.
Hope this helps, thanks for reading.

'Medications, Treatment, Therapies' would've been a good place to look, lol.  I truly do not think straight when I'm in a bout.
and Cranky-I will not feel foolish trying anything.  At this point I am desperate and if it helps, I don't care!
Thank you for the tips!

Hon, you are definitely not alone, I too am looking for remedies outside of Rx meds, as I have no insurance and cannot afford them.  Please know you're not alone, I have tried rocking, crying, pressure to the area, hitting the area, even labor breathing (Lamaze) and focus onto another area, and it didn't really help...If you find something, I hope it helps you.  HUGS

Oh good luck to you....it's so frustrating when you are unable to get the things you need.  I will be making payments for my dr's visits!  I am going try the d3 regimen as well.  Maybe you could look into that since it is all OTC.
:)

Not very common but it's possible to have a mixed migraine-Cluster disorder. Makes treatment more complex and so it's very important to be working with a doc with deep experience/knowledge.

Most docs, even neurologists, lack education/training so don't be shy about taking to your present doc about his background in this area.

If you want to consider a headache specialist:

LOCATING HEADACHE SPECIALIST

1. 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.

2.  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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE NEW certification program for "Headache Medicine" by the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties, an independent, non-profit, professional medical organization.
        Since this is a new program, the initial listing is limited and so it should be checked each time you have an interest in locating a headache doctor.
=====================================================================
WHY A HEADACHE SPECIALIST IS RECOMMENDED


Headache. 2012 Jan;52(1):99-113.
Cluster headache in the United States of America: demographics, clinical characteristics, triggers, suicidality, and personal burden.
Rozen TD, Fishman RS.

THERE REMAINS A SIGNIFICANT DIAGNOSTIC DELAY FOR CLUSTER HEADACHE PATIENTS ON AVERAGE 5+ YEARS WITH ONLY 21% RECEIVING A CORRECT DIAGNOSIS AT TIME OF INITIAL PRESENTATION.
====
I beleive there is mateial, in the buttons, left, addressed to our family, fiends, etc. See if something useful for you.
=====
Finally, before you start using any treatment ideas you read here, that you get a firm Dx. Do you have Cluster, onlyh, or a mixed Cluster/migraine picture. Will affect your treatment.
==

These sites which are worth your attention: medical literature, films, plus the expected information
about CH.

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

START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE Search under "cluster headache"
-------
START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE
  Full of articles, blogs, book: written by one of the best headache docs in the Chicago area.
  Worth exploring. The latest book is in e-book edition, $10; comprehensive and worth buying for
  a careful read.