“Last time”, which would be May of 2009, I tried the “Kudzu Cocktail” which included:

Kudzu - 1000 mg, 2x per day (morning & night)
Magnesium - 250 mg, 2x per day (morning & night)
St. John's Wort - 300 mg, 2x per day (morning & night)
Skullcap - 425 mg at bedtime
Melatonin - 10 mg at bedtime

It was very rough on my GI tract; I’m still not convinced it helped.  I threw it all away some time ago.

As soon as that cycle passed, I went on Chantix™ for six months and quit smoking.  It was way past time after 40 plus years of heavy smoking interspersed with periods (none over two years) without cigarettes---during which I ALWAYS wanted them. This time, the Chantix™ attacked the nicotine addiction and I am “cleansed”.

I also got on Oxygen---thanks to Pete--- and it changed my life.  Over the last four years I kept two O2 tanks (Industrial) in sight at all times.  My wife wanted me to “put them away” but I demurred.  She understood my desire not to “jinx” it and to be ready.

I went to see a neurologist four years ago.  He was recommended on the Ouch Web Site which is to say he knew what a Cluster Headache was.  He prescribed Prednisone---I never took it, my old Chinook dog with atopic dermatitis got it in a taper.  He also prescribed intranasal lidocaine.  I tried it but it was painful in its own right and did not provide the abort I had hoped for.

BUT, thanks to O2 and perhaps not smoking and maybe the kudzu cocktail I did not, during that last cycle four years ago, have headaches as severe or lasting as long. 

I owe that more to this group than any neurologist.

So, the “beast is back” but possibly in a more tame form.  I’ve dusted off my O2 masks, checked my regulators and refilled my O2 tanks.  I bought a case of Monster™ with taurine at Sam’s Club™. I ordered some kudzu but do not think I’ll use it.  I’ve gotten VERY stingy with my evening wine since wine is a trigger for me---although clear spirits (gin or vodka) are not so much.  AND, I will, at all cost, avoid oaked wines. 

Most important, I reconnected with clusterheadaches.com. 

Shame on me for abandoning you all when I didn’t need you.

And in so doing, I learned about the D3 regimen.  BACK to Sam’s Club ™ for the ingredients.  Bought some lemonade.   Started drinking Orange and Grapefruit Juice again.

I’ve been on D3 for just over a week.  I had shadows three weeks ago but optimistically decided they weren’t.  I was wrong.

I’ve slammed one Monster™ while out walking in the wilderness with my pups…it worked.  I’ve “chugged” a quart of water another time when  I forgot the Monster™.  It worked.

Did the Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy at day six on D3:  34.7 ng/mL.  A little low, so maybe a little more D3. Recommend Request a Test.

Over the last week, I’ve aborted three CHs (not shadows) successfully with O2. The average has been 6 to 8 minutes to abort and another 6 to 8 for safety.

I’ve averaging one good shadow a day and one good headache---since getting on the D3 regimen.  Prior, I had one early day in this cycle with a headache every four hours---aborted with Oxygen.

I thought I was “cured” after four years.  What I now believe is that thanks to the recommendations of my adorable dermatologist, I do not go out in the sun any more without a wide brimmed hat, long pants and PSF 70 or better, thus thwarting normal D3 production.

I also stopped taking ALL vitamins and supplements two or three months ago due to irritable bowel syndrome.

SO! Perhaps I brought this cycle on myself?  It really is all about vitamin D3?

I really want some Chardonnay right now but…I’ll probably settle for hot tea or better, iced coffee (it is 95 degree outside). Caffeine has always helped abort.  Along with vigorous exercise and hot and cold alternating compresses.  Well, maybe a sauvignon blanc.

I’m also trying to regulate my sleep patterns---keep them regular and consistent.

I spent a quarter century in the healthcare world.  I don’t trust the medical profession much.  I have never taken any of the serious prescription drugs I hear other mention---always afraid of the side effects.

After over 20 years of suffering with NOTHING that helped, miles walked in the middle of the night, exhausting and debilitating cycles, I “believe” three things are making the difference:

Oxygen
I don’t smoke any longer
D3

Be safe.