Hi, my name is Jacqueline, I am nearly 50 and live in Scotland.  I have just discovered that the awful headaches I am getting are CH.  

I have suffered since I was a teenager and found that over the years, especially in the last 5 years they have got worse and worse.  :-[  I have been told by various friends, employers etc to just take a few asprins and get on with it like everyone else (OMG they have no idea!).  Luckily my husband is very supportive but still feels helpless at times when it's really bad.  

I have started on Maxalt and find this works reasonably well but doesn't take it away completely.  I am going to ask for oxygen as I have been reading with great interest about what works for other people.

It is such a relief after all these years to find this site (recommended by the doctor) and realize that there are other people out there.  What a fantastic support!  Like I said I have been battling for years on my own with this.  Delighted to meet everyone.

Jacqueline  :)

Get in touch with this excellent group:
START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE. They will support and provide  much needed guidance.
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HERE ARE TWO MAJOR DOCUMENTS WITH RECOMMENDED TREATMENTS FOR CLUSTER HEADACHE, ONE FROM A U.S. PHYSICIAN, THE SECOND FROM EUROPE.
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Here is a link to read and print and take to your doctor.  It describes preventive, transitional, abortive and surgical treatments for CH. Written by one of the better headache docs in the U.S.  (2002. Rozen)
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Treatment guidelines from Europe

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A. May, M. Leone, J. Áfra, M. Linde, P. S. Sándor, S. Evers, P. J. Goadsby:
EFNS guidelines on the treatment of cluster headache and other
trigeminalautonomic cephalalgias.
European Journal of Neurology. 2006; 13: 1066–1077.

Download free full text:
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(Thanks to "cluster" for link.)
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Hi Jacqueline,

Welcome to the best place on the internet for cluster heads and their supporters.  I'd encourage your husband to join up too.  There is a lot you both can learn.

Sounds like you've got a Dr that's plugged in.  That's a great thing.  Most folks spend a lot of time educating their Doctors.

So, read up and fire away with whatever questions you have.

-Dennis-

Hi Jacqueline and welcome to your new family. You are not alone with this fight anymore.

Good to hear you are going to talk to your doc regarding getting the o2. It is my #1 defense in fighting this monster. I take Verapamil as a preventive which works pretty good for me. Be sure to let the doc know you need at least a 15 lpm regulator and a non-rebreather mask, no out side air, 100% o2. Get on it as soon as you feel the very first sign of an on-coming hit.

Read all you can to your left and once again welcome.

  Barry :)

 

Thanks guys for all the useful links and tips

Jacqueline  :)

Hi Jacqueline,
   Almost hate to see someone new pop up, but I'm glad you found this site.  Lots of help for ya here.
                 Good PF luck to ya.
                        JPC

Welcome aboard!  Glad you have a dr from the 21st century!!!  

While you are waiting to get oxygen i would recommend energy drinks like Red Bull.  Chugged down as quickly as you can as soon as you feel an attack coming on they can abort a hit for you in just a few minutes.  It is not for an everytime use, but works well when you can't get to O2.

Read all you can here.  there is a wealth of info for you to digest, and for your husband too.  Personally I feel he has a more trying task than you.  I know I would not want to be a supporter!

Look into Kudzu as a preventative.  It worked well for me.

There is a letter at the top of the "getting to know ya" page titled "Letter to Employers and Collegues".  It is an excellent way to introduce your friends and family to your situation.  Simon explains it very well and so that those unfamiliar with CH understand what you deal with on a daily basis.  He has been good enough to allow us to print it out and give it to others as long as we leave his name on it.  

All the best,
Jerry