I always knew I was not alone, but had no idea that I shared this "animal" with so many! Can't remember when they started, but it was a long time ago and I've never been good at history.

I grew up the "old" way with loving parents who allowed our bodies to fight aches and pains so we did not run to the Doc for antibiotics and stuff unless it was serious - My father used to say that he needed to see wet, red blood, before any serious action was contemplated.
To this day I stay away from most pills, except maybe a vitamin, in view of the fact that at the tender age of 55, I do sometimes require a little boost to mow the lawn or carry out some or other chore.

I never really overindulged when it came to alcohol, but have done my bit to keep the industry economically active. Never took a pill or powder to get rid of any after effects.

Then someone invented CH!

Not that any of the doctors I visited new about it. Went through various treatments to with my eyes, sinus, dental etc. My best friend Steve, a helicopter pilot, was at a stage flying for the Emergency services in Jnb and through his influence, I got admitted to a Trauma Unit at the hospital, where they went through my body, especially my head with all they had at their disposal, only to give me a clean bill of health, thinking that whatever I had was psychological of nature.

I eventually ended up at a Headache Clinic where, after getting a little plate to keep my tongue away from my palate actually seemed to work, I also considered these recurring pains to be all in the mind; until they came back with a vengeance, plate and all.

When my Company Medical Aid refused to pay for any further visits to the Clinic, I went back to my local GP who was aware of my pains, but previously unable to diagnose. This time however, he took out one of his thick books and without me giving him any information, described my agony in detail.
      
I then went through an unfortunate period of about 2 years during which I tried everything they threw at me, with no luck, as it took me just as long to get over the pain with or without any medication. During this whole period I never even contemplated touching alcohol, as I was well aware that it acted as trigger and also increased the severity and duration of the pain. 

At this stage my cycles were getting closer to each other and did not care whether it was day or night. The family started talking about me as the "Man in the Iron Mask" as the shadows would not leave after the pain was gone.

I stopped all medication, put the O2 cylinder in the garage and although having been warned about changing my sleeping pattern, was so exhausted that I was able to sleep 20 to 40 minutes at a time, whenever I wanted to.

I was further fortunate enough being employed in a company where we were not measured on hours worked, but deliverables. My customers are mostly internal and across the globe, so office hours was not really applicable.

Investigations eventually got me to the Clusterbusters site and after plenty procrastination and investigation, I managed to procure some shrooms, disguised in chocolate, through a colleague in Holland.

This was in May 2007 - I used, had a single attack a week later and has been PF and living a normal life, with a beer or some good wine whenever I felt like it, up to about 3 - 4  weeks ago, when the Beast returned, with a vengeance and a twist in the tail. It changed position from right to left.

I remember that when it first started, it moved across a few times before sticking to the right side. This is a new experience and seemingly more painful than those on the right side after a few years; it was like I was getting used to the pain.

Not having a contact in a place where one could "legally" source more, I struggled a bit, but then got hold of 5grams. I under-dosed with 2grams, waited a bit more than a week and tried again. Have been unable to reach the same level I did with the "chocolate"   

I am currently trying to get more but then also decided to investigate further, which led me to this site.

Whilst I would not wish a CH on my worst enemy, it is quite sad to see there are so many of us, especially children and I really hope that a complete cure is found soon.

The Headache Clinic where I was treated are making good money through surgery and that is probably the reason I never got any replies on my mails where I was trying to establish whether the "shroom" information seemed legitimate.

A lot of drug companies would also probably fight the use of anything that could be found growing wild in the veld.

Whatever happens in the future, I wish everyone involved in this site a PF Xmas and a 2010 in which a cure is found.

Welcome.  Thanks for your story!  Good luck and Happy Holidays!

Yeah, I think DAD moved around...

But CH is a different type animal.

Welcome to Clusterville. Your story is so familiar... Too many doctors... too many wrong diagnoses.. sounds familiar around here.

The RC seeds are working for a lot of people right now, but GET SOME O2 at the high flow rate and with the RIGHT mask (go to the O2 info on the left and READ). About 70% of us swear by it. It's about the only thing we agree on around here for an abort.

Keep us up to date because we're all real nosey about how our newcomers are getting along. There's someone around 24/7 to help if you need it.

Hugs BD

Good Post, Gert, welcome to the club!

I've been pretty skeptical of the mushroom therapy, but people like you are making me consider it a viable alternative.  I'd have to exhaust a lot of other means before I tried it, but I'll tell you one thing, I'd eat shrooms and drop acid before I'd ever take prednisone again.  I hated that crap. 

I've been humbled too.  I thought I had it bad until I found out that some people are chronic and have 8 to 10 hits a day.  I had no idea. 

Thanks for your story.  Looking forward to seeing you on the board.

Steve

Check your PM's Gert...

Dallas Denny