Hello everyone,
Name's Ferris and I'm an ICU nurse, but I'm having a really hard time looking for relief in medication mainly because I'm just too stubborn and nothing worked last time. I tried the oxygen, sumatriptan (both IV and intranasal), etc.
I had this dance 6 years ago, felt like PTSD for years afterward waiting for it to come back. Nothing till just now when it was almost a failing memory. I'm in the thick of it right now, but it feels different.
My CH's seem different than most others though. They start out about an hour after I wake. It's a slow incline they keep rising till its unbearable. Fortunately the last few days they have only gotten to an 8. I guess what I can't understand is why mine last so much longer. They last for approximately 4 hours, sometimes 6. The peak of the pain only lasts 30-60 min though. This seems to be the only symptom that varies from everyone else, the amount of time they last that is. I guess I just want to make sure they are CH's and not anything else that is treatable.
Another question, what is this D3 treatment?
Also, does anyone else have peri-orbital sensitivity around their eyes for hours afterward?
Thank you so much for your time!

-Ferris

Ferris,

Welcome.

It sounds like you have never received a formal diagnosis from a qualified neurologist specialising in primary headache conditions.

If that is the case then you need to do this as soon as possible. There are many headache conditions that mimic Cluster Headaches and you must get a proper diagnosis before any remedial action can be taken.

In your line of work you may have access to a headache specialist of good reputation. If not, tell us where you are in the world and we nay be able to steer you in the right direction.

The D3 regimen is a vitamin based programme that is working well for a lot of CHers. However, the danger is that without a proper diagnosis you could place your hopes in it helping you and overlook the possibility of something else being amiss.

Establish what the problem is before attempting to treat it.

Keep in touch.

Peter.

Hello Peter,
Thanks for the response. I have actually gone to see a GP, I was diagnosed in 2010 from a GP. I did go to see a Neurologist and we tried a few different things. Nothing they tried worked though. Then, after 10 days it was gone. If there were more treatments out there I couldn't try them because there was no way to tell whether it was working because I had no more HA's at that point.
Also, I live in Southern California currently.
Thanks,
-Ferris

Hi Ferris and welcome,
It's always best to check in with a Headache Specialist for a proper diagnosis as doctors and neuros have limited knowledge in this field.

Hoppy.

Ferris,

The given wisdom from CHers all over the globe is that GPs are not qualified to diagnose primary headaches. Nor are most neurologists. Thus the need for a proven headache specialist.

A couple of things in your first post seem untypical of Cluster Headache. The duration of 4-6 hours and the sensitivity around the eyes for hours after an attack.

There are members here from California and I'm sure advice as to where to seek an appropriately qualified headache specialist in your area will be along shortly.

Peter.

Just wanna bump this one back up.

Anyone out there in Southern California who can give Ferris some advice on a good headache specialist?

Cheers,

P.

Where in California do you live?  We have many sufferers in California who have found a good headache specialist, but before I research..it would be good to know where you live, so I can find one nearest you.

   Linda