Hi James   

I am also in the UK (Portsmouth), 63 year old female. Most, but by no means all of the posts here are from the USA, but every one of them is worth reading. Between us all we have amassed more knowledge about this thing than any doctor.

First, it is vital that you get a proper diagnosis. There are dozens of conditions that mimic cluster headaches, and what meds works for one will not have any effect on another. For example, indomethacin (ask your doc if you can try it) will work every time if you have paroxysmal hemicrania, but won't touch cluster headaches. Gabapentin is an anti epileptic which works for trigeminal neuralgia. I took it for years before I got my diagnosis, but it was useless. I now have sumatiptan auto injections which will abort a cluster in 5-7mins. Again, ask if you can try it.  Another favourite abort method is oxygen. There is a highlighted tab on the left of your screen with all the info. It MUST be used correctly for it to work, but I can imagine it would be a bit inconvenient if you are at work and your pain is constant.

If you search around these boards you will find lots of threads about vitamin D3. This regime of vitamins and minerals has had a massive impact among us, and is successful for 80% of people who try it. I've only been taking it for 2 1/2 months but already I know it is working. I have still gone into my usual cycle ( I can feel the signs) but nothing more than kip2 or 3. No matter which kind of headache you have it has a good chance of helping. Some people, chronic for 30 years or more have found TOTAL relief. Once again, it has to be used correctly, and you must get your blood tests done for your own safety, but please give it a try. You can buy everything you need over the counter, but if you shop around on the internet you will find it at 1/2 the price of the chemist shops, and you will also find the high doses you need. Even without the headaches, it's good for you, as most people in the UK are D3 deficient.

Another tip which works for many - swig down a red bull really fast when you first feel a pain coming on. It's the combination of caffeine and taurine in a sudden hit that does the trick, so any high energy drink with those ingredients will do. Doesn't work for every one but many will swear by it, so worth a try.

Also, melatonin has often been found to be excellent in stopping the night time attacks. It takes a couple of weeks to kick in so persevere.

Finally, you have come to the right place for help and understanding - something you will get little of from non sufferers. All our clusters are different, and as I said you may have some thing different, but we know your pain.

Hope some of this has been a help, but don't be afraid to come back and ask questions, or just rant if you feel the need.

Good luck with it all
Maz.

You could always have the oxygen at home, and keep a red bull in your locker at work. As for the D3 I'm glad you have decided to give it a go. As I said in my previous post I have noticed a big difference even though my blood test showed that I was not yet up to the required level. I am expecting to be completely pain free in about 3 weeks. But even if that doesn't happen I can live with my current k2s. Some people respond to it quicker than others. It can be from as little as 24 hours to about 2 months. I was not in cycle when I started so don't know how long it was for me, but I do know that the cycle I am in now is almost a non-event.

Shop around. I use bodykind (just google it) for my calcium citrate, magnesium and D3 5000iu.and iherb.com for the melatonin. Iherb is in America but even with the shipping cost it still works out much cheaper than here.

I hope you find the relief you need. Don't hesitate to contact me if I can help more.
Maz.

Frank wrote,
I got mugged,hit over the back of the head with something,and got my face kicked in (6yrs ago).Ever since then i have had.

Hi Frank,
Getting hit over the back of the head can cause neck trauma to the top of your spine, this is known to cause
cluster like headaches. Folk who have suffered such an
injury have found relief from a chiropractor.

Cheers, Hoppy.