Hi Everyone:  I am 43 years old and live in Bethlehem, PA.  I am new to the message board, but first came along this site back in 2001.  I was diagnosed with cluster headache in 1998, by a neurologist.  At first, my clusters where episodic, but somewhere back around 2003 or so they became chronic....clusters nearly every day, with no break lasting more than a week.  I have been on just about every medication for prevention you can imagine.  Many, many different anti-seizure medications, along with a large dose of Verapamil.  Topomax made me stupid, and I believe has left lasting side effects.  I was on lithium for a while and it gave me hallucinations.  I currently use 720 mg of Verapamil daily.  I also use 10 mg of Melatonin at night.  I abort with Imitrex injections (the tabs and nasal spray did not work for me) and I also use oxygen.  Been using oxygen for over a decade now and it has probably saved my life.   The chronic clusters have pretty much changed my life forever.  I am unable to work because of the chronic, constant fatigue and the unpredictablilty of the attacks.    I think the constant struggle day in and day out with no let up has turned my brain to goo.  About two years ago, I started having significant cognitive problems, which the topomax increased.  I often wake up in the morning very confused and disoriented.  I have a lot of problems with word recall and memory.  Plus, I have discovered that I can no longer multi-task at all.  I can only focus on one thing at a time.  Not that long ago I was a manager at medium sized non-profit organization.  Now, if I get two loads of laundry done, that is a good day.  Last year, I had an occipital neurostimulator implanted.  I have to say, it has helped a little (I have since been able to get off the anti-seizure meds), but it is not a cure-all.  I actually don't recommend it.  I had many complications from the surgery.  In fact, I ended up having 5 surgeries last year, all related to the implant.  Anyway, I think I am done.  I just wanted to introduce myself a bit!  Hope you all have great days and I wish you all peace.

Thank you Joe.  I will take a look at that.  I don't think that is something I have explored yet.  I do take magnesium supplements, and they have helped a bit.  I like it also because it is non-prescription and I have not noticed any side effects.

It's good to hear from you, Slim, albeit you are still struggling to get the beast under control. Like you, I am chronic and have been for over 15 years. Until then I was episodic. Also, like you, I have been resistant to most meds. My best friends are O2 (25lpm+ with a nonrebreather mask), imitrex injections and Migranal spray. I count my remissions in hours or days rather than in weeks or months. We are always searching for new ways to help, and I would draw your attention to clusterbusters. They represent an alternate and effective means of chaining the beast. Some here will talk to you about it but your best bet is to visit the site. Good luck and God bless. lance

Thank you Lance.  Great to hear from another chronic who counts remissions as I do.  Thank you for the encouragement!