I'm not one for message boards, but after a recent spat with my CHs and the way it has affected my life, I need to throw out a line. 

Some background: When I was 16, I was diagnosed with CHs.  Had the MRI, CT, checkups with the pediatric neurologist and everything cleared with flying colors.  I was given the heavy hitter painkillers and some other medication to make sure I didn't get physically sick from the first medication.  That was about it.

I have not, due to being away from school, been back to a Dr. and have dealt with my monsters either by over the counter meds or, in most circumstance, no meds at all.  Usually I have two weeks worth of CHs in the winter months, usually about 12 terrible ones in all and then a few shadows/smaller ones.  The average time of my headaches last usually from 40 minutes to an hour and the Kips are about 9.7 Max , 8.5 Avg for one headache.  When they are done, they are done; I have very few shadows and that's it.

I'm coming to this board because very few (0.4% in males, 0.08% in females) know the pain this can reek on a sufferers' mind and the residual affect on their life.  I need to find relief first and then some understanding.  On the 12th, I had my first at 10:00 PM after taking some NyQuil to clear up a cold I had.  It lasted two hours, the longest it ever had, and finally ended when I took some tension headache meds.  The next day I was clear.  Saturday I was clear.  Then today I have had 3 (and one that continues to linger still); 7:30 (15 mins), 12:20 (15 mins), 2:22 (hour, with continuing shadows). 

I guess I'm venting here, but I am concerned that the change in my Ch habit is because I have been taking headache medication and that the increase in duration and number is due to rebound effects.  I am awfully fed up with my CHs and would like to deal with them proactively--but not quite sure where to start. 

Secondly, would you suggest the o2?  Are there any concerns taking it?  Any rebound like effects?

Thirdly, does living with CH get any easier over time?

Thanks for listening and I hope to meet all of you.

Welcome,yes I believe o2 is the way to go.

There is loads of info on this site read and read some more.

Educate yourself and Force on.

All the best Iddy

All I can do is say what everyone else has alrady said. O2 O2 O2...

OTC meds usually aren't worth buying. And they can cause rebounds.

Melatonin at night can help you get thru the REM sleep and cut out the night hits (for a lot of us). about 9-18 mg taken before bedtime.

Red Bull at the "first sign" of a hit can sometimes abort the hit, but after it gets going doesn't do much for it.

Strong coffee helps on the first (shadow).

there are prevenatatives... have you been to your doc lately? Verapamil, lithium, topamax have worked on a few here.

But most of us depend on O2 for aborts....

Stick around and read, read, read. We DO know how you feel cause we're all in the same boat you are. I've been chronic since 97 and don't think this cycle is ending any time soon (at least I haven't noticed a let up lately). 

Hugs BD

you know i'm not much on message boards either. i've been pf for over a year now. my remission lasts 3 to 5 years. when i got on the board i was desperate and the members of this board gave me more help in a few weeks than i have found anywhere else in the past 20 years. since then i've developed some great friendships here. i think you'll fit right in with us and i think you'll find that you have allot to offer us in return.

                                          welcome