This is going to sound a little harsh, but he is probably not admitting it because that's the way junkies talk. He likely wants an excuse to keep taking the pain meds.

If he truly wants to be pain free, he will have to get off the opiates. And you will not be able to make that decision for him.

He can cowboy up or he can lay there and bleed. He still has a choice while he's granted the ability to take breath.

Just my humble opinion based on the limited knowledge I have of your situation. Your mileage may vary.

I would have to say if he's starting to sleep through the night since you've started giving him the D3 and Fish Oil that they are making a difference.

Him telling you that things are the same is him just wanting to take the painkillers.  From what we've talked about in the past he has been on them for quiet some time and doesn't seem to be willing to let those go, but I promise those painkillers aren't doing a whole lot for his CH.

My hubby takes morphine for his back and neck pain, but he will be the first one to say that it doesn't do shit for his CH.  The doctors used to throw all kinds of painkillers his way and not a single solitary one touched his CH.

Even if you can't get the doc to prescribe O2 it's still fairly cheap through welding supply from what I understand.  You will figure this out and like Linda said he has nothing to lose by trying the o2 and it has no side effects.

Thank you all for your encouraging words.  And No Brew, I don't feel you are being harsh, but honest.  My fear about his pain meds and becoming addicted whether he needs them or not has been a real one for a long time.  He takes dilaudid.  Although since the last neurologist suggested he detox and then they can start on different treatments, he questions about being the "guinea pig" again.  That is why he won't try the O2.  They tried that before...but not like this.  I HAVE bought the Optimask; it  sits at the house.  He is becoming a bit mean, and years ago, had to detox from alcohol and cocaine.  Five years clean...CH hit!  I hated to see him start narcotics!!  I prayed there were other answers, but at the time, no one gave us any and I hadn't found you all yet.   I remember that attitude, and have to say, I am a bit scared all over.  There have been a couple issues that have happened in the past months, that cost us...but he will not see that he could have been because of him being on those meds.  He is becoming more careless.  Although he is only permitted 5 8mg tablets in 24 hours instead of 8...that has been the only cutback Drs. have put him on.  I felt the last neuro we went to hit the nail on the head! My CHer didn't like what he said.  He is one of the best in his field at the Cleveland Clinic OH! We were lucky to get a chance to meet him.  Now under the VA, we can't go back unless their own Neuro specialists direct us there. 

I understand where you are coming from, cause even when he takes the pain killers, they barely take the edge off after 20 min. Then an hour and a half later, "they are finally kicking in"....huh???? I don't have CH, and honestly can hardly deal with a normal headache myself. But after all of the posts I have read, I am assuming...that is the  CH going away on its own...until the next hit. 

@ ClosetCHer...and you are correct too.  My Cher is a proud man. He really doesn't confide in anyone. Has been like that all his life; and only with me on a few things. So, yes, he probably doesn't want to worry me more, or have me worrying about him any more than I do.  Or babying him either.  I try not to. He will get up and work, doing what he can.  He does not drive much with the narcs in his system; could be big trouble if something happens and they find out about it.  (Had a close call about a month ago)  But he cannot go back to his former job...until...no narcs!!  He, in his mind, cannot see a life with CH.  I do now...after reading and researching.  But I don't know how much longer I can do the addictions.  (With the addicted mindset) I love him and care about him; he thinks I don't because I agree with the former Neuro and don't know what he is going through.

@ flipperlips...You and I know they aren't doing anything for the CH.  But at this time..after all these years...I'm afraid it is too late to change his mind just with words.  He also takes a med for muscle spasms in his back...but that is another story. I believe since his dosage has lowered of the dilaudid, he is feeling more in his back and takes more of those now.  I switched the melatonin to 10 mg at night, because he was issued 20mg and when I put them in his med case, he always added two more.  So I started putting two 5's in there and he takes two more.  Now he is on a safer dose.  I put them in the 10mg bottle tho, so he doesn't know.  He would be furious...but he has been sleeping a bit better with that and the vitamins.  I HATE being sneaky.  I just don't want to wake up with a cold body beside me some morning.

If the Dr. doesn't go along with the O2...I AM going to purchase some.  If he doesn't give me the boot first.  I will be there for him...even quietly..if he wants me there.  But I cannot enable him anymore.  I cannot express to you all my gratitude to you for your thoughts, prayers, kind words, and care!!  Thanks for being here for me. 

Beth

If what you said is true eight, 8mg dilaudid a day,  your husband would be dead.

               Potter

Beth...Please listen to me about this one thing !!!!!!!

Oxygen will NOT interfere with detoxing and will help so much with the attacks when he does get them. All you can do at this point as a supporter is help him to get the 02.  Whether he uses it, is totally up to him. 

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   You're most likely correct in that assumption dear.  We're all behind you here and we support you.