ThatHurtsMyHead

Moxie, After reading your post and timeline, I have to ask. And, why would you eat a chocolate bar instead of nuts or something else? I don't know if chocolate is on your trigger foods list, but I know it's right at the top of the scale with alcohol for triggers for me and many others. From your post you said you had the snickers bar and right after had another attack that was longer and more intense. That's how I eventually figured out chocolate was a BIG trigger for me. Wait a day and try eating another snickers bar. I suspect you'll get hit again. My attacks would come 20 to 30 minutes after eating chocolate. When in cycle, I have a very strict diet. I've found I can prevent 90+% of attacks if I stick to it. Drawback is I drop weight like you wouldn't believe. Thinking I lost 5+ pounds a week the last time a cycle slipped in, which isn't healthy either, but a lot better than the number and intensity of attacks I would normally get. PFW, J

Timmyy, Over the last 4 years I've used RC Seeds, HBWR Seeds and Mushrooms (sorry not any truffles). Mushrooms have provided the most consistent dose and relief out of the substances I've used. Since truffles have the same chemicals just lower concentration, you should be fine dosing with truffles. O2: I agree with Potter. The O2 setup you had wouldn't have done anything to help your CH. Please review the link CHFather provided above. Using O2 correct (with a NON-Rebreather mask) is the #1 abortive for most people with CH (particularly once they ditch the setup from the doctor and get their own high flow system.) It's a complete game changer on attacks. PFW, J

Timmyy, I wonder if when you used the O2 you got on the high flow before the attack came full blown? Myself and I'd say most others would agree O2 is useless unless you are able to get on it before the attack really hits. As soon as I feel the 'knowing' that an attack is coming I get on the high flow. Then the attack comes, but it's very short as long as I get on the O2 quick enough. If for some reason I don't get to the O2 by the time the attack starts, I'm in for a very painful long attack. With the truffels I'd target a threshold trip level to start with. Then adjust your second dose up or down depending on how you felt. It's normal for the attacks to change time of day and actually get a little worse for the few days after dosing. Then the attacks start reducing in pain and frequency. PFW, J

Lapsan, Ditto what CHF said. His script is on the money. Energy drinks might actually help you sleep. I've never had them keep me awake when the night attacks come, but they definitely help with reducing the severity and frequency of attacks when combined with high flow O2. When the night attack comes. Slam half a Monster (blue can, low carb) energy drink. Then get on the HIGH flow O2 ASAP. Start deep huffing. Once the attack passes, stay on the O2 for maybe 5 more minutes. Staying on a little longer helps to reduce the likelihood of the attack coming back quickly. Hope you find as I have, that this combination may give you more sleep time between attacks. I know where you're coming from on the no sleep thing. It's a world of sucks.... But you'll get through it. Order the RC (and maybe some backup HBWR, so you have it if you find RC doesn't work). Things will get better, I guarantee it.. J

It could also be legitimate users checking the board from roaming devices, iPads, phones etc. I've done that before and just read the board as a guest because either logging in was a pain in the A, or didn't feel like taking the time. J

Tony, Not sure if you've tried that aquarium pump system and got it to work. A friend of someone I knew tried it long time back and ruined some nice.. umm oyster mushrooms. Even tried a high volume 4X output aquarium pump. It wouldn't clear the CO2. Pretty sure the air came out at such a low volume that it just drifts to the top w/o reducing the high CO2 at the bottom of the terrarium. You could open the top and stick your face in, and know immediately there's too much CO2. Air is thick and unbreathable. After killing quite a few cakes, the entire idea hit the trash. J

Art, One solution that might help: Get a timer from Lowes, Home Depot etc, that has 15 minute on/off increments. Plug a small vacuum with a hose attached to your chamber. Then set the timer for 4 to 6 times a day to turn on and vacuum the CO2 from the chamber. If you're using soaked perlite for your humidity control it should re-humidify the chamber. Just don't vacuum the chamber too often. Can't tell you why I know this works... : J

Gotta love Ricardo.... This just says it all: "Holy friggin hallucinations!".... I wonder if the action is similar to an MAOI? Feeling up, longer and more intense trip are similar effects. J

Moxie, In my case (and others I've read that are episodic). It's not remembering dreams more because of waking up with an attack. These dreams precede my CH coming back usually by one to two weeks. They're a clear indicator that I know my CH hell is about to start. Been this way for years. My CH (and vivid dreams) started right after being given an experimental drug when in the Army. Lariam... It's some BAD stuff that's banned in most countries (accept the US). It was an experimental treatment (preventative) for Malaria. One guy in my unit went insane (which is one of the side effects they found out). Another side effect is VERY intense vivid dreams. I've always suspected the Lariam triggered the vivid dreams right before my CH cycles start. Though there might not be a direct connection since a fair number of others have similar dreams right before their CH starts. J

Ajax, You should be able to do a search on the site for dreams. There's been a few discussions over the last few years. To answer your question: Yes, some of us get very weird, vivid or violent dreams that start just before our cycle. Mine are usually major catastrophes from a third party point of view. Just watching helplessly or sometimes being in the catastrophe. Plane crashes, boats sinking and people screaming for help in the water etc. They're unbelievably vivid. Needless to say they're somewhat distressing, but I only have them just before a cycle starts. I've noted if I get three of these in a row, I dose immediately. The CH doesn't materialize and the dreams immediately stop. J

G-Man, I think the seed concoction get's pretty nasty if kept longer than 24 hours in water. It's been noted, that there isn't any benefit to soaking longer than 2 hours. I can say that instead of water, if you use PGA (Pure Grain Alcohol). Something like 190+ proof. You can in fact store the solution for very long periods without degradation of the chemicals. ie. Soak in the alcohol for 2+ hours, strain, and store only the extracted liquid. Putting in a 50ml shot bottle in the freezer is how I did it once upon a time. Drawback: If you're in cycle, alcohol might be a no-no for you. I was fine doing preventative doses this way, though it's some pretty vile stuff mixed with PGA. In the long term fungus is much better (Than HBWR), both in efficacy and stomach discomfort. J

Kika, In efficacy: Going from TrancePlants to I Am Shaman. Is I Am Shaman better? It's always good to get reports of who has fresh seeds, as it can change from time to time! J

g-man, I'm guessing more refinement of what, when, how much and how have transpired since you've been on the board. Might want to graze over to the CB files on the main site (menu on the left of this page). Standard now is dosing 5 days apart as it's been found dosing too close together seems to significantly reduce the effectiveness of the chemicals. Lots of people have had reduced effectiveness with seeds (RC) as compared to HBWR and Fungus. Sorry to hear you're hitting KIP 8's, hoping you can get it knocked back soon. J

Oh, great... Another medicine that trashes your body, they only want US ClusterHeads to have... (Bartender, another double of prednisone please, I still have functioning cartilage in my body....) J

SOS, From the years of reports and use of RC here, one thing that's very consistent is it's very inconsistent. Most likely due to the age / strength of the seeds as the chemicals significantly degrade after 6 months from harvest. HBWR has quite a few more unpleasant side effects, but seem to be a little more consistent for our use. Of course I'm an enormous advocate of the "M". It's been a life saver for many, many, many... Have you tried bumping the dose up? J

MJIT, Please watch the video and ensure you have a complete understanding of what substances to use, how, how much and why before taking anything for your CH. Education and understanding of these substances is paramount before taking them. J

On second thought. "Might" just doesn't cut it. I "Will" take vacation to come next year. Love all you guys / gals, J

OMG, I know those people!..... The last snip of the kid in the hospital bed made me tear up. Love you guys / gals! I might have to plan some vacation around next years HOH!! J

Echo, Please make sure you talk to your doc about how much Lithium you're taking before stopping cold turkey. I know you've only been on it for a short term, but there are a lot of negative side effects that could happen stopping cold turkey. Normally one would taper down. Your doc can tell you how quickly your taper should be based on dose and length taken. Keep safe, J

Echo, Sounds like you're doing a great job educating your doc. Also sounds like he's open minded and maybe he'll take that knowledge to the next patient he sees! Doesn't sound like you've tried the truffles or mushies yet? When/if you do, I hope you have the same "wow" moment I did. Living painfree (or pretty darn close to it) is something I can only hope for everyone with CH. J

Echo, I think it helps some with the night time attacks. Won't do anything for the day though. I tried it and didn't help any (but again, quite a few have said it's a life saver for some peoples night attacks). Definitely worth a try for ya. PFW, J

T2B, Please review the main documents on the ClusterBusters website for a complete description of ClusterHeadaches. In short: CH is normally characterized by intense pain on one side of the head around the temple and eye socket. Attacks usually come for 15 to 90 minutes 2 to 8 times a day. Most people are episodic meaning they get the attacks for 1 to 3 months out of the year. Some people are chronic meaning the attacks can come and go without an annual break that episodic get. That said, there are some cases that are outside of the above description. Many people have varying cycles, degree of pain, location duration etc. CH is commonly referred to as the most intense pain humans endure. Please post questions everyone here is VERY helpful and caring. J

iPain, Are you also preventative dosing (fungus, seeds)? Just curious as to any other factors to your calm cycle window. (and on another note, glad it's calm!! ) J

WOW, that stuff is expensive. I didn't think much could top the cost of imitrex.. yeowch... There's so much interesting and great stuff coming out of the closet along with maryJ legalization in some states. It's only a matter of time before it gets cheaper and more detailed on effectiveness for various ailments. The future is bright! (keep the lights turned on J

DD, Great story. yea, I'd agree the alcohol would scare the $hit out of me. But might be great for preventative dosing (whatever it is)... Too bad he can't get the ingredients. J