Posted by BobG (192.212.253.8) on December 16, 2001 at 22:48:25:
In Reply to: Important Question! (But please answer seriously) posted by Ty on December 16, 2001 at 22:15:41:
This is only my opinion and not proven fact. The only fact I'm sure of is there are no facts and every one is different. When I say "Most" I'm talking about a lot of people but not "All".
Pattern: There is no one-size-fits-all pattern. Most clusters last about 6 to 8 weeks then go away for 1 to 3 years. Most have attacks (while in cycle) 1 to 3 times a day. Some have more, some have less. Some of us are chronic, meaning the attacks come every day, every week and month and can go on for years.
Most people are awakened by ch about 1 to 2 hours after falling asleep. It's when we hit the REM sleep mode when serotonin level is at it's lowest.
Most of us are smokers. I don't think smoking has anything to do with ch. I think it is an addictive trait CH'ers have. We're addicted to a lot of things.
Alcohol is a trigger for most of us. Some foods are a trigger for some of us and smells are triggers for a few of us.
I don't think stress is a ch trigger. I think the let down after the stress is a trigger for many.
Treatment: This is an individual thing. Have an MRI and/or CAT scan to rule out other possible problems. Click the buttons on the left side of the screen and read about the medications used to fight ch. There is no one treatment that fits all of us.
Preventatives: Again click the buttons on the left. Also search for mushroom treatment.
Take note of what you drank, ate or smelled that brings on ch and stay away from them.
Aborting: Oxygen is used by many, ice is used by many, heat by some, exercise by some and one guys says use the washing machine but I think he's just kidding.
This is getting way too long. Somebody else please take over.