Hi everyone
I've been in remission for 3 years until 2 weeks ago.  What I don't understand is that it's not full-blown attacks.  It's more like KIP scale 3 and lasts only for about half-hour to hour.  Then it subsides just to start a hour later with same affects.  I don't want to waste any Imitrex on shadows but it really affects my life right now.   Can't go to work because I'm in constant pain but NOT full-blown.  Any input will be greatly appreciated.

Hi Linda
Your CH sounds a lot like myCH. I never really go out of cycle any more, apart from maybe 2 weeks here and there. So my life is plagued with almost constant shadows and very mild CHs. (not sure if that means I have become chronic). Then at my normal cycle time the pain ramps up for a few weeks, and then goes back to shadows and kip3s till my next cycle is due.Fortunately for me I don't work now so oxygen takes care of it, but I do remember what it was like trying to work with CH. Occasionally, during the shadows and mild pain, I will get a "one off" rip roaring kip 9 or 10 - all on it's own and then back to shadows for weeks. It's really weird.

What form of imitrex are you taking? If pills, you could try half a pill which may be enough to take care of the mild ones. If spray, then a shorter burst of the spray (if it's not a predetermined dose) and the injections can be split so it's possible to get 2 or even 3 doses from one 6mg injection. Most people say 2 or 3 mg is enough even for a full blown CH.  If you google "cluster headaches splitting injections" there is a guy on you tube shows you how to do it. It's a bit fiddly but if you are desperate it's worth a go.

Also follow Bobs advice re the enegy drinks. Any thing with a combination of caffiene and taurine - redbull, monster and rockstar are faves. Drink it REALLY FAST at the very first sign of pain, don't wait till it gets bad. The combi of caffiene and taurine in a sudden hit is what does the trick. Does not work for every one, but does for many, so again it's worth a try.

Hope this helps
Maz.