Hi all - I have in past few days come to know that I suffer from these absolutely disturbing painful things. I understand exactly why they call them suicide headaches and the worst pain you can experience.

I had them 2 years ago same time of year as now; summer. At the time my mum was terminally ill and doc had put it down to stress; it went away thankfully.

It's back its bold it's killing me. Either 6pm at night of 2 hours after going to sleep - boom. Fast to come on and last up to two hours and just intense. Throbbing stabbing pain behind my right eye and pressure on my right temple. Nosed blocked on right side. I just hold my hand over my face and ride it out. Praying painkillers will kick in. I was thinking shit I have a brain tumor or something but reading posts etc this is exactly what I have. I hope like hell it goes away for another 2 years or more, I'm on my second week of it and it really affects your whole life. It's debilitating and I'm dumbfounded it seems we don't know any more about it in detail. I notice any alcohol and hello next minute after a half glass of wine I'm have a ch. I no longer drink. I'm a heavy smoker and read that it contributes, I've put on patches and smoke just one in the evening to relax now prior to quitting altogether (it's hard)

Why me? What do we all have in common? Must be something.
I smoke a little odd stuff on odd occasion, of the natural variety; mostly to relax before I go to bed as lead a busy demanding lifestyle.

Doctor referred me to neurologist; waiting appointment.

In meantime he issued 800mg ibuprofen 2x a day as needed. Also amytriptoline to be taken before bed, seems it helps but I worry about the fact that these drugs are hiding something that I should be addressing ie. Root cause.

Perhaps this is my body showing me kick the smoking, eat healthier, start running like you used to etc. 

Alas if you can help tell me if my doctor is on the right path with pain medication and if there is any other advice you have?

I would also be interested to talk to any other New Zealanders on the service please feel free to reply and say hello!

Hi and welcome from a fellow kiwi

The most important thing right now is to get an accurate diagnosis, which means you need to see someone with the knowledge and experience required to correctly diagnose what is affecting you. That was you can get the right treatment for whatever it is you have, which could be CH or it might be something else.

If it is CH, then smoking the "odd stuff" won't help with the CH since it is a vasodilator and that is the opposite of what you need, which is a vasoconstrictor.

Painkillers don't help with a CH, they don't touch the pain, even with the strongest narcotics, however doctors who don't know any better will frequently just give you them.

For the neuro appointment if it is months in advance, ring up and ask about cancellations or if you can afford it to see if you can go private quicker. I can recommend the one I see here in Auckland.

Where in NZ are you?

Read up like crazy and get educated about CH, which will help when you see your specialist. Any questions, just ask.