I'm only on my fourth attack but I know I'm in the right place.  I've been to the neurologist today and all my symptoms fit.  It's a good thing too because w/o the sample of Treximet he gave me I would be rocking back and forth holding my head still.  This is so crazy.  I can't believe I have this.  I've always been the one that never gets sick.  Well I just wanted to introduce myself and let you know that the Treximet worked in about 15 minutes.  I'm still not 100% normal, but maybe I can go to sleep.  I'm starting a journal of all my attacks to I can keep track of them including time, treatment, duration.

Welcome and OXYGEN OXYGEN OXYGEN! You'll hear that a lot on the board as it's becoming such a succesful treatment for so many. Pure 02, at a high flow rate, at least 15 LPM, using a non re breather mask. I can abort in as little as 6 minutes without having to use my imitrex!

You have much reading to do, sounds like you lucked out and found a neuro early on who knows CH, you're a lucky man. Many wander years before they get an accurate diagnosis! Welcome to your new second home!

Guiseppi

Please see my post in the first section, "Cluster Headache Specific" in the message, "What is normal for CH?".

Welcome to the madhouse. Nobody should have to deal with this horror but you'll find some good stuff and support here.

This is one that worked for me:

                                         Dr. Wright’s Circulatory Technique:

I am not sure what mechanism is triggered by this but whatever it is, at least indirectly helps kill the pain. I do know that this technique has nothing to do with meditation, relaxation, or psychic ability. It is entirely physical and takes some work. It involves concentrating on trying to redirect a little circulation to the arms, hands, or legs. Think of feeling your pulse in your hand. Increased circulation will result in a reddening and warming of the hands. The important and difficult part is that it has to be done without interruption through the pain. Do not give up in frustration. It may not work on the first try. Try experimenting between attacks. You will find that it gets easier with practice. Every now and then it will work almost immediately. I lived for those moments.

I was given less than five minutes instruction in the use of method. The doctor, while placing his arm on his desk, showed me that he could slightly increase his arm and hand circulation. After several attempts, I was able to repeat this procedure and use it successfully. I have had about a 75% success rate shortening these attacks. My 20 minute attacks were often reduced to 10 minutes or less. Once proven that I had a chance to effectively deal with this horror, I always gave it a try as I had nothing to lose but pain.

I used to try to imagine I was pushing blood away from my neck into my arm. Use your imagination. There is one man who wrote that his standing barefoot on a concrete floor shortened his attacks. This may be similar as it draws some circulation away from the head. Cold water, exercise, or anything affecting circulation, seems to be worth a try. My suggestion is to not let up immediately when the pain goes. Waiting a minute is probably a good idea. So long as you do not slack off, this has a chance of working.

This technique is very useful while waiting for medication to take effect or when none is available. It costs nothing, is non-invasive, and can be used just about anywhere. It is not a miracle but it helped me deal with this horror. It can be a bit exhausting but the success rate was good enough for me and a cluster headache sufferer will do just about anything to end the pain. It gives us a fighting chance.

Charlie      

None of us are normal! :D  Normal is only average, and I don't think we should hve to lower ourselves! ;D

Glad you found us, and that you found a Dr that had a clue.

You have a lot of reading to do.  It is up to you to learn as much as you can so that you can direct your own treatment.  There is a wealth of info availalbe here, so take advantage of it.  As Giuseppi said, look into the Oxygen.  Energy drinks can also be helpful sometimes.

Jerry