Hello,

Yes, I know "see a doctor", and in fact I did see one at the time and had blood tests and he was unable to diagnose, just prescribed codeine tablets. Seeing as this hasn't bothered me in a month now, I'm mostly just curious. I'll try to describe the headaches as best I can:

They would come on at about 10am everyday for almost a week. They would last about 4-5 hours. The pain was unilateral and behind or a little bit above my left eye. It took about an hour to peak, starting off barely painful but more just a sensation that I was about to have a headache and slowly building up (unlike typical CHs). It was a throbbing sensation. It was by far the worst pain I ever experienced and I was not nauseous or photosensitive and spent most of the time pacing around my room. It didn't respond to analgesic medication and I am not a regular pot smoker but my housemate is so I smoked a couple of cones each headache. This did mitigate the pain somewhat but it was still more severe than anything else I've ever had. My eyelid on that side was droopy but I didn't have a blocked nose. Bending down seemed to make it hurt slightly more. My neck and shoulders weren't sore at all and my vision was fine.

Eventually at the end of the week I took half a tab of acid as I had heard that they are a good treatment for severe headaches. Been pain free ever since, but I've remained curious: What WERE those God awful headaches??

Judging from the experience you had with the one doctor you did see, you REALLY need to see a headache specialist.  One who won't give you a narcotic and send you on your way.  CH cannot be dignosed with a blood test either.  Nor does a CH last 4 to 5 hours.  You could be suffering from something entirely different and need a proper diagnosis from a doctor who is knowledable.

The only other suggestion...based on your age...is start a detailed headache diary. It's the easiest way to see patterns forming, which are golden for the doc when they start trying for an accurate diagnosis. Things to include:

What time the attack starts, how fast the pain builds, how high the pain builds, how long it  stays at peak pain, how fast it recedes, any secondary symptoms, the eye, nose, neck etc., any food or drink or aroma triggers you suspect. the more detailed the diary, the better your shot at an accurate diagnosis.

Before you wander away from the board, go to the medications section, and check out the post "123 pain free days and I think I know why"

It's a daily vitamin, mineral, anti inflammatory regimen that's healthy for you with or without CH. It's been providing a lot of relief for CH'ers and migrainers. For pennies a day it's a worthwhile investment.

Now this is the daddy speaking, careful with the recreational stuff, you're never entirely sure who the rocket scientist is that's mixing that stuff up! End of lecture.

Joe