Hey, buddy, ALL of us have been where you are, at one period (at least) of our battle with the beast.

I know it is hard.

I know it sucks.

I know it is frustrating.

I know it drains you, physically, and emothionally.

I have been there, I have done that, Hell, I even WORE OUT the tee shirt!

BUT, you and I are both clusterheads.  We are strong.  Stronger than we know.  We are stubborn.  We are fighters.

I don't know how we make it through, but we do.

You will too.

Lean on us here.  We will back you up.  If you have a supporter, lean on that person.  Talk to that person.  Let that person know how you feel.  Get it off your chest.

If you have any of us fellow clusterhead's phone number, call it.  

I will send you a PM with my number.  Don't be afraid to use it.

Hang on, bro ... Eventually it WILL end.

Chuck

Good advice Paul. Sorry you have to deal with this horror.

Here is something that worked for me. No drugs involved.

Good luck!

                                         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.

Hang on and rant away. We like it.

Charlie