So even after praying they would never come back of course they have. I was just wondering if cycles change for anyone and if they ever pick a month to start and just stay that way and has anyone ever heard of them going away for good. This will be my  5th time around. the first time was in November lasted a month and then went away,2 years later in November again, 3rd time came early in June, 4th time in April and now this time instead of comming early again I got them now so that was 2 years and 7-8  months in between..It's just so hard not being able to figure out a round about time to expect them. And what really makes me angry is that I finally know what works for me, Imitrex shots and oxygen but getting what you need doesn't always seem to be easy. My doctor wants me to see another Nuerologist and I just think it's pointless, I have MRI's cat scans, spinal taps, hospital stays and they all come back with nothing wrong with me lol, go figure....just give me what works and I'll be happy!

Just venting and Thank God for this site!

I asked this very question to Prof. Goadsby in Dallas. He said that he had patients in their 80's that were still getting hit. He DID say that the remission period gets longer and longer in between.

As someone who started out once every year back in the early 70's, my last 2 cycles were 3 years apart. My last cycle was in 2000, so I have been pain free for 8 years this time. Are they over? Who knows. I am certainly hoping so.

Good luck getting your ammo. It shouldn't be that hard.

Used to be once a year for me and lasting for a week or two at the most.  That is when I was in my early 20's.  Then I had a year and half inbetween cycles, then almost 2 years inbetween this last time. (now I am almost 40) Of course my cycle lengths have increased along with the increase in remission time.   The last cycle lasted 10 weeks instead of 2 and was the most painfull cycle as well.  This cycle which just started last week has been mild so far incomparison.  Worst hit has been about a 5 so far.  Don't know if it is gonna ramp up or maybe just be a mild cycle?  Who knows?

First of all: welcome Shannon.

I was blessed with CH in my final year in high school, that was either '92 or '93 - I don't remember if it was spring or autumn.
During the nineties my headaches were all over the board. Not saying I was chronic, because I wasn't, just that I'd have a lot of unexpected shorter cycles throughout the year.
There wasn't any set time like autumn or spring. Hell, I remember one summer I had to spend mostly inside, as I'd get high kips as soon as I stepped into the sun. That was both a depressing time and I'd never been paler before lol!

I'd get hit in class that final year on high school, which was very embarrassing I can tell you.
I used to work back then with oilpaint, not realizing at first the smell of terpentine would set me off.
Was abusing the injectables a lot, so at one time I was given Sandomigran/ Pizotifene which didn't help a bit.
During my time in the army I went off the sandomigran and back to the injectables.
By the time I went to college (art school) I had swore off oilpaint, which wasn't a problem with my teachers: I could use acrylics.

Fast forward to '99. Didn't get any cycle so I assumed it was gone forever. Wasn't very educated on CH back then.
Then, in the end of 2000 and beginning of 2001 I had another cycle, and from that point on they were more predictable. So now they come every two to two and a half years: at the end of 2003, at the end of 2005, and in spring 2008.
I honest to God hope they stay that way, so I won't be due till 2010.

But you just never know really for sure. One thing is certain though: this time I will not forget the demonbi-tch. I've learned that here (and many other things).

Wishing you pf time very very soon,
Pascal.

Thank you all for your comments and letting me know what you go through. This time hasn't been as bad so far but I have to say it's the most horrible feeling in the world to not have a cure to stop them all together so to speak..I'm so thankful for this site because without it I may not of ever been able to get through..

Thanks again!

So Chuck, just how old are you compared to dirt?

Edit to add; LY Chuck!

that was to funny, you are only as old as you feel haha! I have a question I have some left over imitrex that expired november of 2007 is it safe to still use them does anyone know?

Wouldn't it be great if someone just found a cure for us! I'm having a hell of a night, not to  bad all day then bam the f'er smacked me right in the face..no sleep for me tonight..I hate to complain because I am episodic so I get breaks but for the love of God you just want to rip your head off sometimes

That's true..I pulled the vial out to look at it and it doesn't seem to look any different then my other ones.

Shannon, do you have any oxygen? Try to get your neuro to prescribe it for you. It works wonders for the head in the time of need.

Rolo…

I also agree with Racer, it may depend alot on the drug in question. I have used 2 yr old trex and it was ok but I keep it in a dark cool place also. I don't use it often so sometimes I don't nave alot on hand when I want it so out of necessity and so on...

Rolo.

Edit to add; thats great news! please check out the O2 info and proper mask for CH use...

Shannon0601 wrote on Dec 13^th, 2008 at 1:53am:

Depends on how the doc writes the script. You can purchase an even better mask than they'll give you....

B

It depends on your supplier. Hopefully the doc wrote the prescription right. It generally needs to say something like

"Oxygen, as needed, at least 15 LPM, using a non re breather mask."

The key is to get ONLY pure oxygen in your lungs. No outside air, no air you've exhaled. That's why the nasal canulas and re breather masks are no good, they dilute the pure oxygen.

Your supplier will hopefully understand what you need.

Joe