I first found this website in the middle of the night, after months of terror and tears, I was released of the pain (for whatever reason). A year later the pain returned, again after 4 months, I was once again released. The following year, I took proactive measures, taking meds. Since then I have not had another "episode"...until 3 days ago. I am on day 4, and the uncertainty of tomorrow or next month lies ahead. I am FINE when it's not around, I am NORMAL, with exception of the wondering when it will hit. When it started 3 days ago, I knew IMMEDIATELY what it was. In fact over the last 5 years every minor headache I've had I stop to think, is this it??? This time it will be different. This time I am going to fight with all I have in me. I will survive this. I have to. I have 3 beautiful children and a husband and my two best friends, my sisters. Although none of them know the pain, or can even begin to understand, I now have this website. I've made my first appointment with the doctor today, with one goal in mind, to BEAT this! Thanks for all the encouraging posts, it's only because of these I am able to post. (I read a lot before committing to overcome, because if ALL of you can live through it, I can too!)

I like your attitude! Get to reading, educate yourself and form a partnership with your doc to kick this things ass. Most find the the best avenue is a 2 pronged approach.

1: A good preventative medication. Something you take daily while on cycle, getting hit!!!, to reduce the number and intensity of your hits. I use lithium, many others to read about on the med board. May take some trial and error but well worth it when you find the magic bullet. Lithium blocks 70-80% of my hits.

2: A good abortive strategy. An attack starts, what now? Your first line abortive should be oxygen. Read Chucks info links above the meds section, shows how you need to be set up. I can abort an attack in 6-8 minutes using oxygen, been a God send for me. Many other abortives to read up on. Absolutley unnecassary to just sit defenseless waiting for the beast to have his way with you.

Glad you're here, hope we can help you.

Joe