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First I would like to thank you for signing up for a trial! Some who have tried to do one are already aged out of the parameters being set. Others just cannot do it. Those who do are thought of as Hero's by most of us. Me included! Family: It is really hard on them. There isn't a lot that they can do to help except give you space, but I do have a couple of ideas. Some CHer's like a cool wash cloth during or after a hit. If you grab some caffeine on your way to the O2 to slam down, which is a really good idea BTW, perhaps someone can grab it and bring it to you. Even being able to do the smallest job to help you will please them. Let them know that you really appreciate their desire to help, but perhaps that you would like some help after the hit is over. Glass of water, washcloth, etc. Maybe let the kids know that you would love it if they could continue with whatever they were already doing while you are killing the pain? And likely you can let your wife know that kids noises do not add to your pain so she does not worry about keeping them quiet. But you need a place to be alone while you kill the hit. Maybe that will give you a start. I think that most of us try to hide our pain from our families. We don't want them to know. Later, we find out that they would have been a lot better off if we had explained it to them. If you can employ their help at some point they will be happier and so will you. Side note: I have a cat who is my O2 buddy. He always follows me to the O2 unless the dog gets in his way. He lies on the floor, not wanting pets or attention, just about a foot away to keep me company. It is nice to have him there to pet when I am doing my post hit breathing and no longer in pain. It is great that you are getting your O2 set up properly. The CH mask is the best!!! Just make sure that you have a good seal to keep out ambient air. Or use the breathing tube instead of the mask. Many find that the best way. I can't tolerate the pressure on my face, so I only use the tube. You may find that you need a 'barb' to make the connection of the tubing to the tank. It has a screw on one end to screw into the regulator and a stepped up post on the other is the barb that you push the tubing onto. Just do not use any oil or grease on any connection! That may require a trip to Lowes or an auto parts store. Just make sure that the threads are the correct number and pitch. I would take the regulator with me to get the part. Or the guy you ordered the mask from may still carry them. He supplied mine years ago. I suggest that you read the O2 file in the Clusterbuster Files setcion of the board. Proper use is paramount! Have you been able to read up on aids like caffeine? Taken at the very beginning of a hit they can reduce your pain and abort time. Many use Energy shots, Energy drinks, or coffee (hot or cold as you desire). They also can work to kill shadows too. I don't know that Motrin helps, but the Trex injections do. You are limited to two in 24 hours though. Pills are too slow for CHers and are best given to Migrainers. The nasal spray is in the middle. Unfortunately they can increase the number of hits and also extend a cycle too. In addition, insurance will normally cover only 9- 12 injections per month.So, that kind of leaves you hanging for many of the hits. Injections can be split into three doses though and still be effective. So that does help. I would strongly suggest that you read up on the D3 Regimen in the Clusterbuster Files board. It is just vitamins and works as an anti-inflammatory. Very easy to do and just requires a trip to Walmart or the drug store. It can reduce the severity of your hits and slow the ramp up time down. Both are good things. Some have gone PF on that alone!! What does of Verapamil are you taking? Three times per day sounds like the short acting variety which is what you want. CHers can need very high doses - up to 900mg or a bit more. You will need to make sure that your Blood Pressure is in a safe range as Verap is a blood Pressure reducing med. All to often the dose prescribed is too low to help. Keep reading and ask questions.