CHfather

Folks here are all about that, Joe. You can start by reading the overview of the ClusterBusters method here -- https://www.clusterheadaches.com/cb/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1290127865 -- and then reading the other pertinent files in the "ClusterBuster Files" section of this board (the files that are numbered), including "Playing Well with Others" and the "Warnings."  Ask questions -- you'll get answers. Another "natural" approach (by which I'm assuming you mean non-pharmaceutical) is the vitamin D3-based regimen that has helped a whole lot of people. Read about it here: https://www.clusterheadaches.com/cb/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1314134804. Some people have also found good results with licorice root (https://www.clusterheadaches.com/cb/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1298659068). There's also kudzu root, which you'll have to ask about if you're particularly interested (no file that I know of). I suppose you'd have to consider oxygen "natural," too. Do you have oxygen (your doctor should have prescribed it)?  Most folks here will tell you it's the #1 abortive that anyone with CH must have. Are you drinking an energy drink or energy shot, or a strong cup of coffee, at the first sign of an attack? That can help abort an attack, or reduce its severity. There's more, but I'll leave it at that for now, and we'll look forward to hearing more from you! Â

CT, keep us informed about what happens with getting oxygen. I also think Brew was suggesting, and Purp was talking about, busting, which you seem to be in a good position to try. Clearly, you now need some other strategies -- oxygen, busting, other alternatives (D3, for example), or conventional meds. Let us know what you're doing about all that, too.

You might look at the oxygen file under the MENU tab on the left side of the page to see whether there's something you could do to make your O2 more effective. A lot of possibilities: O2ptimask, higher flow rate, different breathing strategy, energy drinks . . . All have benefited many folks. Very glad your cycle seems to be ending!!!

Welcome! In terms of technical support, look at the numbered files in the "ClusterBuster Files" section of this board--particularly #1 ("The ClusterBuster Method"), #4, and #6. Here's a link to #4: https://www.clusterheadaches.com/cb/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1290128444 Of course, ask any questions you have -- you'll get help. But the files are a very good place to start. You'll have to be "detoxed" from the imitrex for at least five days before you bust. Many people have some success with busting while still taking verapamil. What's your current dosage? Also, be sure you are not taking any other meds that might block busting (that's all in file #6). Does oxygen not work for you? (Our general assumption here is that oxygen works for virtually anyone, and that those who think it doesn't work for them probably aren't using it right.) It's very valuable while you're "detoxing" from other meds.  And have you tried the vitamin D3 program? It has helped a whole lot of people: https://www.clusterheadaches.com/cb/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1314134804

I failed to mention that a good place to start your research is in the "ClusterBuster Files" section of this board, where you want to read the numbered files by TommyD. Here's a link to the introductory one: http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cb/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1290127865 (Also, just to mention that where d'maker says "a bag and no holes" up above, most standard-issue non-rebreather masks have a couple of vent holes in them (each consisting of a bunch of smaller holes), usually one with a gasket in it that lets air out but not in, and often the other one being completely open. Folks with CH typically block off that "open" hole when they are inhaling, so that no room air gets in -- they're breathing all O2 from the tank. It's also important to make sure that the gasketed hole is working properly, so no room air gets in through it. The O2 mask that he mentions and links to (formerly called the O2ptimask), has no holes in it, which is one of many features that make it easier to use and more effective.)

If you have a humidifier for your oxygen setup, you can put ice cubes in it to cool the O2. If you don't have a humidifier, here's a tip from our "sister" site about how to make one (that you can add ice cubes to): >>If you can’t get a moisturizer Make your own. Take an empty (and cleaned) mayonnaise jar (or something like that), drill two small holes in the lid, the size of the O2 air line. Cut your hose, a foot or so from where it hooks to the tank. Stick the hose from the tank into the lid, and far enough down so that it touches the bottom of the jar. Take the hose that goes to the mask, and stick it into the other hole, but just far enough to stick through the lid. Seal around both hoses with a silicon type sealant. Put an inch or two of water into the jar. No more than ¼ full! I attached mine to the tank with a bungee cord. BTW, if you put ice cubes into the water, it will cool the O2 somewhat. Many feel this helps it to work.<< You can buy a humidifier (a "bubbler") here, among other places: https://www.mooremedical.com/index.cfm?/Disposable-Humidifier/&PG=CTL&CS=HOM&FN=ProductDetail&PID=676&spx=1 If he's using medical oxygen, your O2 supplier might provide a humidifier. For other ideas about getting the most from O2, you might read the oxygen file that's under the "MENU" tab on each page here. I am also the parent of someone with CH. It's tough. I'm glad you came here. Please stick around. There's a lot to learn. Does your son drink an energy drink, or a strong cup of coffee, as soon as he feels an attack coming on? That can help. Has he tried the vitamin D3 regimen that has helped a whole lot of people? http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cb/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1314134804 Melatonin at night? Maybe you'll tell us more about him. The folks here are great, and ready to help -- and like Jeebs said, if you/he can make it to the conference, that could be a very good thing.

I've never had a problem turning them into a pretty fine powder using a mortar and pestle. Takes some work. In her advice in the CB Files section, MoxieGirl suggests doing it in batches of ten or so. If you're asking what you can do right now . . . you can put them in baggies (multiple layers) and use a small hammer or mallet on them. I try to do that slowly and somewhat gently to avoid creating heat. The powder won't be as fine, but it can be fine enough (I guess you could add a few more if you think you're losing LSA because the powder isn't fine enough). Some people use an electric coffee grinder, and insist that it works fine for them. For me, that would be a last resort (because of the heat), and I'd do it with very short pulses, spaced some time apart.

Believe me, that will get you nowhere. (Inside joke--sorry.)

Or . . . head for the Bomba Shack: http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cb/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1297450426/22  (I suppose that if they're legally serving shroom drinks, maybe shrooms are legal in the British Virgin Islands in general?) Hey Minnie, what else are you doing for CH? Tried the D3 approach? Got oxygen? Also, as Ricardo suggests, you have very close to a zero percent chance of getting in trouble with LSA. As I remember it, Louisiana is the only state where it's illegal to possess rivea corymbosa seeds.

Thanks, Cindy. Jerry

Yes, Wow.

i agree with what jeff advised, didg. the best way to keep from falling asleep with the mask on is to cut off the strap. there's absolutely no reason to set the flow rate at 8. your son is only going to inhale what he inhales (it's not like it comes rushing into his lungs on its own); the higher flow rate just makes sure the bag is full when he's ready to inhale. as for hyperventilating, etc., he'll find what works for him. most folks here would say you should order the o2ptimask. look at the oxygen file under the MENU tab on the left for tips that will make his use better. i would strongly recommend that he do a few inhales right now, so he's comfortable when the time comes. also, you can make sure the mask fits properly and that he gets a good seal. many people prefer a breathing tube (one comes with the o2ptimask) to a mask.

Cindy, I don't know whether others have a similar issue, but I'm not comfortable giving "Causes" (or anyone) access to what they're asking for here -- "your public profile, friend list, email address, birthday, hometown, current city and your friends' current cities." Am I doing this wrong? Or is there another way to donate? Jerry

What they said, Elly. What a joy to read this!!!!!!!!!!!

well, jgb, you can see you've come to the right place. the people here are so great that i am touched every time -- whenever someone needs help, they're right there. read the advice you've received, and ask questions. get the seeds. get the oxygen if he doesn't have it (or upgrade his system if it's not working as well as it once did -- see the oxygen page under the MENU tab on the left side of the page). use the energy drinks (or strong coffee). start the D3 regimen (see http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cb/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1314134804). read what's in the "clusterbuster files" section of the board. only general thing i can think of that hasn't been mentioned is melatonin at night, starting with maybe 6-9 mg and working up to where it's helping (some people go as high as 20-30 mg). i don't happen to be a big melatonin fan, but there are folks here who swear by it. ask, ask, ask. these great folks will be right there for you, and it will get better for your husband (and you). he's lucky he has you.

Ann -- they prescribed nothing??? First thing you want is oxygen (read the file under the MENU tab on the left side of the page). You should demand that, immediately. Once you've looked at some of the files Bob mentions, particularly the numbered ones about the ClusterBusters method, let us know whether you're interested in busting. (You don't have to be to stay here and get great advice, but if you are, we can advise you). You're probably right at some level that "no doctor can fix this," at least not right now, but there are treatments, pharmaceutical and alternative, that can help. I'd suggest that you read about the "vitamin D3" regimen that has helped a lot of people: http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cb/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1314134804)

She's in her thirties. They started when she was in college, or maybe sooner, but she didn't seek treatment for them until considerably later (and then had a misdiagnosis for several years). They have some patterns that seem related to the time of year, but they're not "like clockwork" in that regard.

glad you've got kudrow on your side. my daughter's okay, thanks . . . but it's been a rough cycle. jerry

how is your son doing, didg?

Crap. I think you might consider ordering 100 (or even 50) from another site and hoping you get them sooner. www.ktbotanicals.com and www.psychoactiveherbs.com both are considered reliable here. I'm not sure whether either has a quick shipping method. Here's a place that seems to offer priority mail, which could mean that if they ship 'em tomorrow, you could get them on Saturday, or Monday at the latest: http://www.shamanic-extracts.com/xcart/shamanic-ethnobotanicals/rivea-corymbosa/

Denali, if you're going to be in the US for a while and you want to bust, you could order some rivea corymbosa (RC) seeds. They're legal to order and possess (not legal to prepare and drink), and the effects are almost always mild enough that you wouldn't have to worry about any kind of trip, which I suppose for some people could be an issue while staying with family. You'd have to stop the trex, though, and that's another reason why oxygen would be important.

Norm, since you've busted before and been in touch with one of the greats (no matter which Bob it was), these questions are just cautionary, since you don't mention them: (1) You're not on any meds, for CH or anything else, that will block busting? (2) You're aware that you might experience "slapbacks" or "post-dose hits" after your first couple of busts--attacks that are more severe, or more frequent, or at unusual hours? Also: I think you've ordered from Tranceplants, or you are about to order from them. A few times in the past they've been kind of slow with deliveries (usually they're right on it). Since you seem to be ready to bust, you might consider, if you haven't ordered yet, using one of the quicker shipping methods they offer.

Norm, the only suggestion I would make regarding MoxieGirl's excellent file is that 10-30 seeds, or at least the lower end of that scale, is a relatively small dose (MG herself suggests this when she says that she uses 40-50). I think most of us would recommend starting with 30, and if you are okay with the slight possibility of a mild trip, 35 or 40 or more. (As Tony says, 95% of people get no trip effects from those kinds of doses.) Yes, you can work your way up from a lower dose, but since waiting five days between doses is pretty much mandatory, you might be wasting some time with a smaller dose.

with the name denali, i can see why you're drawn to mountains! have you considered getting welding oxygen as the basis for an O2 setup? i know of some places (via google) that are about 20 miles away from harper's ferry, but there might be ones that are closer.

Thanks very much, TO. I've known people with Bell's palsy, but never really thought about it in this situation. Another reason for her to get oxygen and stop messing around.