So glad to have found this site.  You are all incredible....just reading your posts helps my head.  I have had chronic CH for ten years.  (I was diagnosed a few years ago, but never educated, so I just figured, "Well, it isn't a migraine.  I should just be able to grin and bear it."  It is so good to see that that isn't true...at all!!!  Incredibly validating.  I have literally hurt for 10 years, straight.  At times, it isn't severe, but hurt nonetheless.  I had a kidney transplant (at 18 years old) 13 years ago and was on dialysis two years before it.  If someone were to ask if I'd rather deal with major kidney failure or these headaches, it would hands down be kidney failure.  This is definitely no way to live.  Because of the transplant, I can't have any of the abortive medications or many of the preventative ones.  It's so frustrating.

So, question - how do you maintain a full-time job, a family, hobbies, etc.?  Since working full-time, (all 8 years) I work, sleep, and try to figure out how to decrease the pain, if there are triggers, what they are, what to do about them.  These headaches take over your life, huh?   

It feels like I have tried everything.  BUT, I often go to the Dr. and don't really convey how I am feeling....I need to go in with no make-up and no faking because they just don't get it.  It looks like I need to try oxygen.  I am sure that won't interfere with the kidney.  Do you get a prescription for it??

Good luck to all of you in your journey...I know we all need it.

Shanna

Welcome to the board ... and sorry you have to be here

O2 usually is prescribed and you sure should give it a try.
Not sure if this will work with your kidneys but energy drinks (like Red Bull) or strong coffee help a lot of us in aborting an attack.

Since your doc doesn't seem to care I'd look for another one.

Also have a look at the links on the left.

Oliver

DennisM1045 wrote on Jul 22^nd, 2008 at 2:59pm:

You also owe it to the person whose kidney has given you a new lease on life.