My pain started slowly within the last three weeks. I have been under a tremendous amount of stress the last two years that ended with putting my now x-partner in rehab. Now that I am picking up the pieces of my life and business I began to exersise again vigorously riding my bike. I am also a smoker. So, after my ride, 12 miles to burn out some anxiety, I was getting a very strong head ache in my left eye almost every time I did my ride. Asprin worked but it was always the same head ache. I then started waking up at night with the same head ache. I took a week off from riding because I hurt my ankle after a fall, no head ache. Yesterday, I felt better and rode 9miles and last night I woke up to the worst ever head ache in my left eye. I took advil to no avail, the excruciating pain traveled from my eye to my ear, jaw, throat, teeth. My left eye was swolen and tearing, eyelid half mast and left nostral stuffed up.  My face only on the left side was very sensetive to touch. All I could do was sit up and rock back and forth till the crazy pain went away. The preasure in my eye was so great that I was affraid to look twards my neighbors house for fear that my eye would act like a canon ball and knock it down. The pain subsided and then came back I think about 2 hours later. I am 42 and wondering if this is a lifelong affliction? I can't believe what I have read here today, I am more than a little spooked and definately nervous about it happening again tonight. I also must say that if I do have CH I am really happy to have found such a great site. My heart goes out to all of you, I don't know how you find the strength to manage with this pain so regularly...I wish all of you a restfull painless night.

Sincerely,
Patrick

Im with you maalstrom.
get to a doctor and start the sometimes ardious jorney to a diagnosis.
the more headache knowledge and friendliness the doctor the better preferably a neuro, but most of them want a refferal, might try a energy drink next time like redbull, rock star or monster.

Hi Patrick,

Sorry for your pain.  You have been given great advice...see a doctor!  If it is Clusters, there are many ways the doctor can help you. 

For now, energy drinks ( Red Bull, Rock Star,ect.) at the onset of a HA can help.  Even very strong coffee is helpful to some.  Drink either as fast as you can at the first hint of a hit.  Hyperventilating during an attack also helps some. 

Read as much as you can...then you will be armed to help your doctor with a proper diagnosis.

PF wishes,

Jeannie