Hi koctail
Sorry you're having a bad time. Possibly the reason the 02 isn't working so well is because you are asleep when it happens and the pain has already started to ramp up before you wake.

Have you tried sumatriptan (May be called imigran or imitrex, depending on where in the world you live). It's available in tablet form, nasal spray and auto injections. The tablets take too long to get into your system to be of much help when an attack starts. The nasal spray is a bit better, but the injections are fantastic and will abort a big one in a few minutes ( 7 minutes for me). They are easy to use, easy to carry ( I never leave home without them), and don't hurt - much. Just a 2 second sting on the skin compared to hours of pain is well worth it.

The tablets help me most if I take one before bed. Although the instructions tell you they are not to be used as a preventative, when I'm in the throes of a kip 8 instructions don't mean much. I do find that most times I can avoid a CH till about 5am. At least you get a little sleep.

Again, depending on where you live you may have insurance issues, or they may be expensive, so the best thing to do is try to carry on getting them even when your cycle has stopped, then you'll have a little stockpile to help you out when you need them. It not only saves pain time while you get the prescription filled but also spreads the cost.

If you haven't already tried it then I urge you to ask your doctor for the injections. They really are a life saver - although you can only use 2 per day. Maybe try to get a few tablets as well for bed time, but you can only have 2 doses in any form. So if you take a tablet then you can only have 1 injection in a 24 hour period.

And don't run !!!!   

Hope this helps
Maz

Hi Koctail,
1st off, mushrooms are certainly not "the best" remedy, so don't feel so bad about not breaking the law and endangering your teenagers mental and physical health. 

The best remedy is the anti inflammatory vitamin regimen which you state you are taking, including the loading dosages etc. Inexpensive, healthy year round and proven successful for 80%+ who are diligently following directions.

I would highly recommend you follow protocol exactly as recommended by Batch and if you have any doubts, PM him for clarification.

You mention you were prescribed Verapamil and that you now using immediate release opposed to sustained release, fantastic!  Many studies show the immediate release is more effective for CH's.  Some studies indicate the Verapamil and the Calcium Citrate (ingredient from the vitamin regimen) may conflict.  You might consider not taking as much Calcium or skipping it, again a Batch question if you are not sure.  Also, you may consider spacing your immediate release Verapamil 3x/daily...i.e. 6am, 12pm, 6pm.

You mentioned the transitional med-Prednisone, this is very well known for stopping attacks during the tapered prescribed period.  However, Verapamil is not necessarily designed to eliminate attacks like Pred.  Verap is designed to reduce the frequency and intensity of attacks.  Anything more than 480mg should be closely monitored by a cardiologist or internal medicine specialist that can test your heart with an EKG and regularly monitor blood pressure to make sure it doesn't get too low. 

Many pharmacies such as CVS, Walgreens, etc have free blood pressure machines that are pretty accurate. My arm is too big for their cuff, so I had to buy my own; not that expensive and certainly worth the investment as Verapamil will reduce your blood pressure that could lead to death so be careful at 600mg and monitor several times/week.

Energy drinks such as Red Bull help alot, plenty of info on this site about using energy drinks.

Melatonin before bed has been reported helpful by many people.

O2 therapy works best when hyperventilating, requires 25 lpm+ with a NON-rebreather mask, sitting in an upright position or standing. Keep in mind as soon as you feel the 1st twinge of an attack, begin o2 therapy right away, and begin panting like a dog or a runner after a marathon, the faster the breathing, the better; hence hyperventilate! After abort, you might consider breathing normal at a lower flow rate for a few minutes.

Slamming a RedBull before hitting the o2 has also proved very helpful to many CH'ers.

Daily attacks after you run?  Stop running until you are pout of cycle?! 

Diet...eat clean!  Many common triggers reported among CH'ers so do watch you what you eat. i.e. no nitrates! 

A no alcohol rule is common during cycle and doesn't mix with your Verapamil, so definitely don't drink.

Many believe diet, and also the process of food digestion has much to do with attacks.  Plenty to research on this site!

Hang in there, you are not alone!

-Gregg in Las Vegas

What Vegas said.. I've been taking Melatonin at night for years and years and it does help me get thru the night hits. I very seldom have a hit at night.

BUT sometimes it takes a while to get in your system. Take it (I take 10mg) about 45 minutes before going to bed. It gets you thru the REM sleep (Rapid Eye Movement - where the CH hits).

From what you're saying you're getting hit about the time the REM sleep hits. Try the melatonin.

And check with Batch about the D3. It's done wonders for me. 

Howdy Mike, I second third and fourth the idea of the anti inflammatory, D-3 or "Batch" regimen. I'm 54 was a 30 year plus episodic sufferer who has been pain free for 4 years on the Batch Regimen. My prevent for many years was lithium, at 900-1200 mg it blocked 60-70% of my attacks, was more effective for me then verapamil with almost zero side effects.

Hoping you catch a break soon.

Joe