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You've already had the best answers but I wanted to give my 2 cents as it differs a bit. My CH started as I hit 30, and soon after had two children. Having the added load of a young family to support when you're struggling to keep your job because of CH can push it over the edge. I was close to suicide for a long time, when a chance but failed therapy helped me out the darkness. Back in the mid 2000s I had a sympathetic doctor but no official diagnosis. As a shot in the dark we agreed for me to try amitriptyline as it was used off-label for neuropathic pain. Although it didn't help much, and my doses were way below the usual for its supposed anti-depressant uses, I found that over a few months it gave me back the mental strength that CH drains from us so readily. I stopped it when I was officially diagnosed, and moved onto Imitrex. Big mistake in my book, I am firmly of the belief that I received worse slap-backs because of that drug. Those 3 years were the worst of my life. I've been back on amitriptyline for 5 years and not touched sumitriptan since. However, this does bring complications. You must thoroughly research any drug you are taking and how it might interact with the options available to treat CH. Of course, also discuss it with a medical professional. In my case, I taper off the amitriptyline for 2 weeks before busting (mushrooms / RC seeds) and that works for me. There could still be a risk involved with that, but frankly I am wiling to roll the dice on that one for the benefits I have felt (and by extension, my family). Good luck with everything.

Do not apologize. WE all need to rant on occasion! I cannot take trex in any form. But, you will find a paper on the site that tells you how to split those injections. You can get 2 to 3 doses out of one auto-dose. Most only need 2-3mg, not the full 6mg in the injector. So, that can be a huge help when you do need them. Many 'stockpile theirs when out of cycle to have enough for the next cycle. Building your arsenal is a good thing! You appear to be past the point of needing your O2, but we have a paper and many who will help you to optimize it for best relief. Neuros seem to just hand it to you with no instructions on how to use it because they don't know. With proper technique, you will be able to kill most hits in 5 to 10 minutes and then do about 5 minutes of 'post hit' breathing to assure that hit stays g.o.n.e.! Owning the Cluster-mask will improve your aborts on O2 a lot too!!! And we do understand the terror it brings. Better than our doctors do for certain. We are always here for rants and all. When you get dealt a $hit hand, it is nice to have others in the same boat to talk to when wanted or needed. They are the ones who understand what you mean and why you are worried. ATB!!!

Thank you all who replied for your concern, comments and suggestions. I cannot say how much this means to me, because I know I am not facing this alone. The commuinty on clusterbusters keeps me sane. You guys are out there. Only you understand. Thank you without end.

i just found out sleep apnea can be a cause of cH too.. interferes with sleep cycle and that messes with the hypothalamus which sets sleep cycle. it is thought [mea culpa, can’t remember medical citation] that CH often hits during transition feom or to REM.