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@Bejeeber @BoscoPiko @xBoss @devonrex @CHfather Thank you all for your kind responses and all that you do for the CH community. I made this post about 2ish weeks into the D3 regimen, and fortunately things have gotten much much better since then. Still not completely PF (constant low-level shadows that are getting incrementally better each day) and am over 3 weeks removed from my last Kip 6+ attack. because of this, I didn’t find my way back here until just now. Something about when you’re finally not in agonizing pain, you almost want to forget it ever happened and avoid even the thought of it. I spent hours combing through the files and posts here regarding pristiq and L and have come to the conclusion to just go for it. There’s so much anecdotal evidence from both sides of the coin that I just really have to find out for myself if it dampens to effects. I have finally gotten ahold of some vitamins L and M and actually just dropped 1 tab about 20 minutes ago. Fingers crossed for some good ole D3 + L synergy to help me cross the final hurdle into PF bliss. Will dose again in 5 day intervals until this motherfucker gets the hint and leaves me be. Will update how the trip goes!! PF wishes to you all!! Also… O2 is in the works! Have an appt with my PCP next week for blood work and to discuss oxygen. I know he will write me a script for it, fortunately he’s a huge patient advocate and realizes that he doesn’t know everything there’s is to know about everything, and he was super receptive to the information and data I brought to my appointments showing the efficiency of O2 and even tryptamines

Dr. Larry Schor is a psychotherapist who has CH. He has spoken at many CB conferences and is an exceptionally good guy. I don't know whether he works with clients remotely, but it might be worthwhile to contact him and find out if he has any suggestions for you: http://www.carrolltoncounseling.com/ Yes, indeed. Take that step now, please, and let us know how it's going. There are some links in here -- https://clusterbusters.org/forums/topic/6213-basic-non-busting-information/ --to help persuade a doctor, but s/he should just know from looking at any standard online or printed medical reference that O2 is the #1 recommended abortive (along with injected triptans, but of course the difference in side effects is night and day). Some people here, including me, theorize that doctors' resistance to prescribing O2 is often not that they don't know about it, but (a) they don't have patients using high-flow O2 and don't know how to "manage" it; (b) they don't know how to write a prescription for O2 for CH; and/or (c) they figure Imitrex works just fine. (The prescription language is something like "Oxygen therapy for Cluster Headache: 15 minutes at 12-15 liters per minute with non-rebreather mask.") Welding O2 is a very reasonable alternative. I agree with Jeebs that some busting substances might improve mental wellbeing in physiological ways, and I would also say that oxygen has improved the mental wellbeing of many, many people with CH, taking away some of the dread that you describe. I get lost on this topic, but it's my understanding that some antidepressants might block busting and some do not. Could be wrong about that. I would suggest that you name the specific antidepressants involved and then maybe people can give some direct advice/guidance. (You can also use the search bar at the top right of every page to enter a term and see what people have said about it.)

@doctornugz Hey hi! I'm gonna start by just saying kudos to you for putting all your going though into words. Gosh do you remind me of myself when I first found this place to live. Seems you have been around but maybe have not interacted much (massively ok). I am so happy that you have gleaned as much as you have from this awesome sauce site! I would not assume that you did anything to fluff the bunny. CH is complicated and hard to keep in your pocket. It morphs to find holes. Never stop the D3 regimen..your body is only better for it. (I'm operating from my phone so please excuse typos and punctuation). You have options but you also need to read on here. I myself had an unpredicted attack today even though I've been clear for a week. Ginger and curcumin may help the shadows. I tried to skim your post but am sure I'm missing some of the important things. You're stronger than you know!

Man what a captivating report - well done @doctornugz With all your reading, I bet you've well noted that the busting can potentially help with the PTSD-like stuff too, so it sounds to me like you're preparing for a good shot at some double whammy busting benefits. All appendages quadruply crossed for best outcomes. I've now taken appendage crossing to another level @BoscoPiko , try to beat that!

@CHfather Most definitely. Seemed noteworthy enough to make a record of and sparsely discussed at any time on the board.

Update on this in case it ever helps anyone. After taking baclofen for a couple nights I actually got a few pain free nights without any form of medication. Two nights ago I was back to my usual number of hits which I attribute to using some cannabis before bed. Last night I again used 20mg baclofen and slept for 11 hours pain free. Woke up with very minor headache aborted in ~5-10 minutes with oxygen and energy drink. Likely will use the baclofen through the weekend and try to go without starting Sunday night to see if I can get back to PF with no drugs.