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@Johnnynash1967 hey Johnny, welcome, and I’m sorry:( the fact that I had to join this group sucks, but also amazing at the same time because I don’t know where I’d be without anyone on here…such a mixed bag of emotions. So I was at a point where I was trying O2 for shadows and it wasn’t doing anything, and it made me super frustrated not thinking that o2 was working for me. I just don’t think it works for shadows because they can last all day. And I was just wasting oxygen. At $75 a pop, I had to chill. For shadows I take ginger capsules. I buy them on Amazon. They’re pretty cheap for what you’re getting. I maybe take ‘em twice a day. I am like, the biggest advocate for getting off topamax. If you feel like it’s helping, do what helps. It didn’t help me, and almost made me feel like I belonged in a nursing home at age 26. It’s a horrible drug and I don’t think it works for CH…but again. If you’re seeing improvement. Make sure you discuss this with your doctor. I personally have success with verapamil, busting, and the d3 regimen. My insurance has denied all my triptans prescriptions. So that’s what I got. Keep us posted and good luck

You guys are awesome and I appreciate all the input and advice. I’m located in Louisville Kentucky which is the “allergy capital of the US” they say because of being in the Ohio valley so Spiny you may be right on target there so I’ll load another week and then drop back to 15k. Like I was saying in my original message, towards the end of the second week of loading I felt like a new man and it was behind me so I think you’re on to something. Thank you for your suggestion. Bosco, I’m still stumped by the 11 yr remission. When I first discovered the beast 11 yrs ago it lasted only about 6 weeks and nothing since and I was doing all the things I shouldn’t have been doing back then like young and dumb guys do such as drinking, smoking and eating junk amongst other things. Now at 55, I eat clean, exercise and have no vices and the beast returns. Can’t make sense of it. However I will throw this in which MAY be something to think about…. I’ve struggled with neck and upper cervical pain since a car accident a few years ago which I’ve been getting basic treatment for such as PT, chiro, etc until 2 weeks before this cycle and I had RFA treatment which is radio frequency ablation shots in my upper back which “burns” the pain nerves in my upper back and neck area which gives me pain relief for up to a year until I will need to have it done again. It was my first time having the shots. Two weeks later after the shots, the beast returned. Not sure if there is a connection but wanted to throw that in there. And lastly, CHfather, after reading your message, I made a list and just returned from the store. Planning to start the ginger and Benadryl today. I thank you for your suggestions. I’m optimistic that these “all day shadows” that have lasted now for over 2 weeks are leading to the end but being 90 days in I’m praying I don’t convert to chronic. I just feel it’s controlling me and I need to get back in control of it. Thank you all again for your advice. I will continue to keep everyone posted. I can’t thank all of you enough.

Echoing what everyone else said 100%! Also, I take Advil every four hours when I’m in cycle as it helps me a lot with shadows.

Hi Johnny, The triptans are highly suspected to increase attacks and durations of cycles. I don't touch them unless on my death bed as they have extend my cycles and blessed me with many more attacks per day. Sometimes the effectiveness of prior aborts and prevents just simply become immune to the cluster bunny.. I do have to tell you that the topomax/Toprimax most likely wont help much unless your looking to fog out whilst being banged up. Verapamil can help a bit, but the D3 that you started is what I would consider to be much more effective. I am always so mystified by remission times of the duration you speak of and can't help but ask what you were doing during that time? Maybe your just one of folks that get the longer time off of which I am happy for you. Sure seems like it would be harder coming back to the pain after such a long remission so for that I am sorry. If you haven't already, do have some lab work done to see where your D levels are at along with your calcium (you may need to load a bit longer). The D3 reg takes a bit to kick in so stick with it and do your best to avoid the triptans. Lastly do read the blue banner (new users read here) for additional methods of treatment. I am sure at some point the more knowledgeable will come along and try and help you!