Dealing with CH since 1987, I know it is so easy to fall into the sitting around an waiting for the next attack, talk about it to those that will listen, go to different doctors trying to find one that will "understand" what I'm going through, but when the attack hits, it becomes really about you and your attitude. I am new to 02, and oh what a relief. Should have done it years ago, but didn't want my wife to think I was a medical case - too much pride look like I was weak. - The main reason for this post - I was at a volleyball game last night, 02 in the car, imitrex in my pocket - armed for the bastard, then I watch a guy that was diagnosed with MS last Januuary - went to a cane, a walker, then a wheelchair in 8 months - we have head pain, that can, if your smart, be aborted - I was getting seriously depressed on the last hardcore round (5-8 hits a day) - worst ever, but was it ever as bad as the guy with MS - a good attitude is a must. Just been on my mind all day - so I thought I would share - Good luck all !

Great post!!!

This can't be stressed enough. 

Thanks for sharing.

-Dennis-

Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or

Great post and topic!

Good coping skills are a must especially when dealing with CH!

Totally agree. I am an avid cyclist and sometimes weightlifter. During my last cycle (which was my first "diagnosed" cycle), I found exercise helped a lot for both O2 uptake to abort pain and uplifted my mood, in general. I recommend exercise to anyone who can and has time to do it while in cycle. It's amazing how I go from kip 6 or 7 to nothing just by riding my bike. Plus, the increased lung capacity seems to help me take up O2 better in general. Everyone has their thing, whether it's yoga, cycling, running or some other activity; all I'm saying is you need to find that thing to help you through it, and maybe avoid the O2 tank or the trex shot a little while longer.

Amen. My sister just got diagnosed with MS, and is in the same boat as your friend in regards to how quickly its effected her. I too had my problem put in to perspective, when I considered how lucky I am in comparison.

I found meditation, and to some degree Buddhism, gave me some ability to be calm and positive while struggling with CH's.

black wrote on Oct 2^nd, 2010 at 3:16pm:


Black, I think you've mixed two different ideas together. I agree totally with your understanding of confidence, or hope, in real interventions and how that contributes to a positive attitude. But...how I feel toward someone else who is in pain, even if I am also....this is the true test of my compassion, and my ability to love others as I love myself. Who here, having suffered, can feel anything other than pain for someone else's suffering? The alternative is to become so narcissistically self-focused we become an alien to ourselves and to our society.

I can do both-have a positive attitude, and foster compassion toward others. This is how we make pain redemptive and not simply destructive. Blessings. lance

black wrote on Oct 4^th, 2010 at 11:09am:

I ate it all, because I was hungry, and if my Grandma cooked it, it was good.

Just to add on to this, one thing I always learned, as you all know, is that someone always has it worse. Even my CH is not half as bad as many of you here. I feel bad for those of you who have it worse, but I am grateful that I am not as bad as many. The second thing, which my wife always points out, is that I am a sufferer. I enjoy suffering physical pain. Perhaps it's years of sports, injuries, poking and prodding, and just my personality. I don't feel alive unless I'm suffering. I can tell you with CH, I feel very alive.....