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Lots of good comments on when to dose. The basic rule is take these supplements with the largest meal of the day. This is particularly important for the mineral supplements as large meals trigger the release of more stomach acid and this helps dissolve the mineral supplements. The oil based supplements can be taken at any time. That said, taking everything with the largest meal is the best way to go. As far as the labs go, obtaining them before start of treatment with the supplements establishes a baseline to help measure progress. In simple terms, your assay for 25(OH)D3 should increase by at least 60 ng/mL (150 nmol/L) by day 30. Don't be concerned if your serum 25(OH)D3 concentration goes over 100 ng/mL (250 nmol/L). I've run my serum 25(OH)D3 concentration up as high as 272 ng/mL. I'm still here at 79, CH pain free and doing just fine. My PCP did go into fibrillation the first time he saw it that high, but calmed down when he saw my serum calcium was within its normal reference range and all my other annual physical labs were in the green. The calcium assay may rise to the top if its normal reference range but not over.. PTH should start dropping towards its minimum level within the normal reference range. A drop in PTH is the second best indication vitamin D3 is doing its thing properly. Stopping the CH is the best indication. For CHers new to this treatment protocol, I and many other CHers who use the Bio-Tech D3-50 50,000 IU water soluble capsules have found loading vitamin D3 at 100,000 IU/day for six days gets us CH pain free a lot faster. There's a lot more info in the Quick Start Guide. Take care and please keep us posted if you've just started this treatment protocol. V/R, Batch, a.k.a. XXX

Came across this cleanup tool (7:53) that seems to be safe and effective. "The Texas Land Office and Texas Water Commission successfully used 'oil eating' microbes to clean up large oil spills in just weeks. Microbes hunt down and eat the toxic oil and leave only a biodegradable waste that is non-toxic to humans and marine life." Has already been successfully used in the bay at Galveston TX. So why isn't it being used along the gulf coast now? If it is, why haven't we heard about?

@spinyI prefer these two options, and it depends on the severity of inflammation. If mild, I use the first. If wild, I bump it up to 2,800mg. The second one. So I don't present bias, I will present other solid options. I love Vitacost but to each its own. The Nordic Naturals Liquid 1270mg Option https://www.vitacost.com/nordic-naturals-complete-omega-liquid-lemon-8-fl-oz-1 The Nordic Naturals Liquid 2,840mg Option https://www.vitacost.com/nordic-naturals-ultimate-omega-lemon-4-fl-oz-4 The Carlson Mega Omega 2800mg Liquid Option (Unflavored) https://www.vitacost.com/carlson-norwegian-medomega-fish-oil-concentrate Carlson Very Finest (flavored) 1600mg Option https://www.vitacost.com/carlson-the-very-finest-fish-oil-orange-6-7-fl-oz-1 Liquid (pet hypothesis) appears to have superior absorption properties. Sure, it has an unpleasant taste. Pick your poison, hoarse pills that stick in your throat and don’t absorb, or a simple spoonful? Remember that “a teaspoon of sugar.” https://www.vitacost.com/carlson-the-very-finest-fish-oil-orange-6-7-fl-oz-1

Hi @shrumsh, I recall discussing this here a little while ago. OK not so much a little while , more like 7+ years ago . Back then I was using the Solgar Vegetarian DHA but I don't think it was long before I reverted back to just taking plain old high lignan flax oil for my Omega 3s. I can't claim to have any particular evidence that flax oil is an effective substitute for fish oil in the D3 regimen though.

Hey Cocobongo, The photos below illustrate the brands and doses of the anti-inflammatory regimen vitamin D3 cofactors I've taken for nearly 8 years. I'm a chronic CHer and this regimen has kept me CH pain free since I started it in October of 2010. I estimate over 2000 CHers are now taking this regimen. I switched from the Calcium - Magnesium formulation to the Costco Kirkand brand Adult 50+ Mature Multi in 2011. This mature multi is important as it contains nearly all the essential vitamin D3 cofactors. It just doesn't have enough magnesium or any vitamin K2 complex. Readers of my web page at the VitaminDWik link http://is.gd/clustervitd have downloaded 26,445 copies of the anti-inflammatory regimen treatment protocol titled CH Preventative Treatment Protocol for Neurologists - Jan 2017.pdf since I put it up online 21 Jan, 2017. In June of 2018, I switched brands and type of vitamin D3 from Nature's Bounty 5,000 IU liquid soft gels to the Bio-Tech D3-50. This is a 50,000 IU water soluble (micellized) form of vitamin D3. I've found it faster acting and more potent at the same dose than the oil-based liquid soft gel formulations. It's also less expensive. Two of the Natures Bounty 5,000 IU liquid soft gels cost 12 cents/day. If you take one of the 22 cent D3-50 capsules every 5 days (120 hours), the average cost per day is a little over 4 cents/day. As this form of vitamin D3 is more potent, most CHers will be able to take one of these 50,000 IU vitamin D3 capsules a week for an average cost a little over 3 cents/day. CHers tend to respond faster to this regimen if they start it with the 12-Day accelerated vitamin D3 loading schedule. As you can see, the 12-Day accelerated vitamin D3 loading schedule elevates serum 25(OH)D up to a therapeutic range of 60 to 100 ng/mL (80 ng/mL is the initial target serum concentration), in roughly 12 days. It can take a month to two months to elevate serum 25(OH)D into the therapeutic range taking 10,000 IU/day vitamin D3. The rationale for the 12-Day accelerated vitamin D3 loading schedule is simple... The faster you elevate your serum 25(OH)D to a therapeutic level, the sooner you'll experience a CH pain free response. It's best to take all the supplements in this regimen with the largest meal of the day. This helps absorption and also helps avoid any GI tract problems. The exception to this rule is while loading vitamin D3 during the 12-Day accelerated vitamin D3 loading schedule where you take one (1) of these 50,000 IU vitamin D3 capsules a day for 12 days then drop back to a maintenance dose of 10,000 IU/day (one capsule every 5 days/120 hours). During the loading schedule, it's best to take 800 mg/day magnesium split 400 mg with breakfast and 400 mg with the largest meal of the day. Splitting the magnesium dose like this helps avoid osmotic diarrhea. Doubling or tripling the Omega-3 fish oil to 2000 to 3000 mg/day while loading is also a good idea. If you haven't responded to the loading dose with a reduction in the frequency of your CH by the end of the first week, starting a week to 10 day course of Benadryl (Diphenhydramine HCL) may help. Take one 25 mg tablet every 4 hours during the day and at bed time. Just be careful and not drive if possible as this much Diphenhydramine will make you drowsy. If you need to drive during the day wait until you're home for the day then take 50 mg as you walk through the door and another 50 mg at bedtime. If you've still not responded by the 12th day of the accelerated vitamin D3 loading schedule, continue taking the 50,000 IU loading dose for another 4 to 6 days then drop back to the initial maintenance dose of 10,000 IU/day vitamin D3. 30 days after start of regimen, see your PCP/GP for lab tests of your serum 25(OH)D, calcium and PTH. As long as you're CH pain free, your serum calcium is within its normal reference range and your PTH is in the lower third of its reference range, your actual 25(OH)D serum concentration doesn't really matter even if its over 100 ng/mL. For reference, over the last three years I've needed to take between 25,000 and 40,000 IU/day vitamin D3 in order to stay CH pain free due to pollen and mold spore counts. This resulted in my serum 25(OH)D ranging between 150 and 188 ng/mL. My PCP has no problem with vitamin D3 doses and serum 25(OH)D this high as long as my serum calcium remains within its normal reference range... and it has. The reason I went into details on cost is simple. CHers are far better off taking this regimen daily year round, even if they're episodic. That means keeping the daily cost to a minimum is important. As shown in the above photos, the cost of this regimen is roughly 43 cents/day or $157/year. That's less than the cost of two subcutaneous injections of Imitrex (Sumatriptan Succinate). The health benefits over and above preventing CH are huge and hard to ignore. Once you've gotten your CH under control with this regimen, you'll want to get the rest of your family taking it or you'll outlive all of them. For reference, the anti-inflammatory regimen is so safe and healthy for us, I've had my close friends and entire family including 8 grand kids taking this regimen since 2012. None of them have CH or MH. The three youngest grand kids were bathed in maternal vitamin D3 at 10,000 IU/day from conception through breastfeeding. These kids have T-Rex immune systems (they don't get sick) with phenomenal physical, neuromotor and cognitive development. They're young Einstein wunderkinds and all three were speaking a second language at age 2. Diet is a very important part of this regimen as certain food types cause inflammation and this can slow or even prevent a favorable response to this regimen. I suggest an Atkins-Ketogenic diet as there are a number of studies indicating this type of diet helps prevent both cluster and migraine headache. Start this diet with at least a 24 to 36 hour fast drinking only water and taking the regimen supplements. Fasting like this burns up blood starch (glycogen) stored in the liver. This will help shift your body over to a fat burning metabolism that results in the formation of ketones, hence the name "ketogenic." For reference, the human brain runs more effectively consuming ketones than glucose. After the fast, it's a very low carbohydrate diet with zero sugars (no fruit juices either) zero wheat products (gluten) and no dairy products. Wheat products include no bread, pasta, cookies, cakes, crackers or pizza. No grain or vegetable oils like Canola or Corn oil. The best and healthiest fats are organic butter, extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil and my favorite, extra virgin coconut oil. You'll need to avoid carbohydrates and dairy products completely for the first 30 days so no high starch food types like potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams or bananas. You can eat all the free range organic meats, poultry and eggs you want. A serving or two of wild caught fish (Ahi Tuna, Coho or Sockeye salmon) a week is great. You can also eat all the organic Non GMO green and colored veggies you want. Limit fruits for the first month to a handful of dark berries a day like blackberries, blueberries or raspberries. Be sure to drink at least 2.5 liters of water a day. I keep a 2.75 liter bottle of water in the frig and refill every evening prior to bed time. Taking a probiotic can also help push you into a CH pain free response. Take the contents of the probiotic as directed on the label until the bottle is empty. The rationale for this is simple... We have friendly colonies of bacteria and biota in our GI tracts call the microbiome. Taking a probiotic will help ensure we have the right mix of friendly bacteria in our GI tracts. As the microbiome represents a major part of our immune system, taking a probiotic makes for a happy gut and a happy gut is a healthy gut. When you've been on this regimen for at least 30 days, see your PCP/GP for lab tests of your serum 25(OH)D, calcium and PTH (parathyroid hormone). Once you have the lab results in hand, please find the time to take the survey of CHers taking this regimen. To start this survey, click on the following link: http://www.esurveyspro.com/Survey.aspx?id=fb8a2415-629f-4ebc-907c-c5ce971022f6 Take care and please keep me posted. I think you'll find this regimen very effective in preventing your CH. If you have any further questions or problems, please let me know. I'm here to help. V/R, Batch

Hey Bejeeber, Got the Bat Signal. Thanks. BP, Grassrootshealth has the home bloodspot test kit for 25(OH)D3 at the following link for $79: https://daction.grassrootshealth.net/product/vitamin-d-home-test-kit/ That said, you still need labs for your serum calcium and PTH. Grassrootshealth doesn't have home test kits for these two analytes. You need all three labs [25(OH)D3, calcium and PTH] now so it's best to see your PCP for them at the soonest. The rationale for these lab tests is simple. If your serum calcium is still within its normal reference range, but not against the upper limit, and your PTH is not at the low limit of its normal reference range, you've room to maneuver with more vitamin D3 loading doses. What's likely happening with the heavy CH hits is you're experiencing an allergic reaction to something in your environment. Pollen, mold spores, dust mite poo, chemical pollutants and some food types are all possible allergens. I drove through Northern CA down to Shasta then East to Reno for the Annual Navy Tailhook Reunion and Conference last weekend. Smoke from the fires was fearsome. When allergic reactions happen, we need significantly larger maintenance doses so it's best to go straight to a loading dose for 3 to 5 days then drop back to a maintenance dose of 50,000 IU every 5 days (Doing the math, that works out to 10,000 IU/day) or reduce the dosing interval to every 4 days, 3 days down to 50,000 IU/day until you get the needed labs if you're still getting hit. There are a few things you can do at this point while waiting for labs of your serum 25(OH)D3, calcium an PTH. 1. A first-generation antihistamine like Benadry (Diphenhydramine HCL) at 25 mg four times a day. (You're already taking Quercetin but you can bump the dose up to a max of 3 grams/day). 2. 500 to 1000 mg/day Turmeric (Curcumin) and 500 to 1000 mg/day Resveratrol have helped some CHers. They're great anti-inflammatory agents. 3. You should have the Nutrasal Micro D3 by now so I would take 0.5 mL (40,000 IU) of it as the maintenance dose per the maintenance schedule above and skip the Bio-Tech D3-50 capsule until you get your lab results in hand. 4. Make sure you're drinking at least 2.5 liters of water a day. Staying hydrated while taking higher doses of vitamin D3 is very important. 5. Finally, there's diet. The Atkins-Ketogenic diet has proven effective in at least two RCTs for migraines. I would start it with a 24 Hour fast drinking only water and taking the protocol supplements. When you've completed the fast, avoid all sugars and fruit juices. Sugar is an inflammatory agent and fruit juices are high in fructose. I would also avoid all wheat products for at least 30 days. That includes grain oils like canola and corn oil. Wheat and grain products also tend to be high in Glyphosate (RoundUp) if they're GMO. Glyphosate is a herbicide. It plays hell on the friendly colonies of bacteria living in your gut called the microbiome. Good fats include organic butter, EVOO, avocado oil and my favorite, extra virgin coconut oil. I would also avoid calcium rich foods like all dairy products. You can eat all the free range organic meats, poultry and eggs you want. A serving or two of wild caught salmon, halibut or Ahi tuna a week is great. You can also eat all the organic Non GMO green and colored veggies you want. Limit fruit to a handful a day of dark berries (blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and dark grapes). I know all this seems like a hassle at this point, but the payoff is worth it. Work with your PCP in a team effort with frequent labs for 25(OH)D3, calcium and PTH so you can keep loading without going bust on serum calcium. The best indication you're getting the maximum benefit from vitamin D3 comes when your PTH reaches the low normal serum concentration and your serum calcium is still within its normal reference range. Take care and please keep us posted. V/R, Batch

Hi Batch, @xxx Things are amazing! I can't thank you enough for this regimen. I never thought I could live a normal life again. I've pretty much settled into my routine: Once a day-mature multi, magnesium, fish oil, super k and the methyl folate (vitamin b) and every 4th day I add a 50,000 IU D3. That seems to keep my headaches completely at bay, when I do get the very occasional cluster it is so mild that I don't need to take anything for it. I do have orders for bloodwork that I plan to do later this month to check on my levels. One question. I'm still taking the methyl folate(vitamin b). Should I still take that? I read on the regimen that I only need to take for 90 days. But since everything has been working so well, I have continued taking it.

Hey Mark, Thank you for your Service and sorry you're having such a rough time. I know what you're going through... A CHer with Migraines makes you a special case. Have the medical types at the VA ordered tests of your serum 25(OH)D, calcium and PTH? If not, you need to ask for these lab tests. What we've found over the last 8 years of CHers and migraineurs taking this regimen to prevent their headaches, is most chronic CHers and migraineurs need a higher vitamin D3 dose and higher resulting 25(OH)D response between 100 ng/mL and 150 ng/mL in order to bring their headaches under control. 25(OH)D concentrations this high cause most PCP/GP and neurologists to freak out saying you're pushing yourself into vitamin D3 toxicity. That's a scare tactic... I'm a chronic CHer and have maintained my serum 25(OH)D concentration between 120 ng/mL and 180 ng/mL over the last three years in order to remain CH pain free. This has required average vitamin D3 maintenance doses between 20,000 IU/day and 40,000 IU/day. My PCP has been OK with my 25(OH)D this high during my annual physicals as long as my serum calcium and PTH remain within their respective normal reference ranges... and they have. We've also found that the Bio-Tech D3-50 water soluble 50,000 IU form of vitamin D3 is faster acting and more potent in terms of elevating serum 25(OH)D than the same dose of the oil based liquid softgel vitamin D3 formulations. I doubt the VA has this brand and strength of vitamin D3 in their formulary so you'll need to order it from amazon.com or iherb.com. If you haven't already done so, restart the Vitamin B 100 Complex. Doing this has helped a number of CHers and Migraineurs. A number of CHers and migraineurs with problems like yours have found taking a first-generation anti-histamine like Benadryl (Diphenhydramine HCL) for a week to 10 days at 25 mg every 4 hours and at bed time helped them kick start the vitamin D3 regimen. What other Rx pharmaceuticals have doctors at the VA prescribed for you besides the CH/MH prophylactics? Most migraineurs find they need a few other supplements in addition to the anti-inflammatory regimen at higher vitamin D3 doses to control their migraine headache (MH). These additional supplements include: 300 to 900 mg/day CoQ10 1000 to 2000 mg/day Turmeric (Curcumin) 4000 mg/day Liposomal Vitamin C Probiotic with a high colony forming count containing a variety of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Streptococcus thermophilus. Take as directed on the back label until the bottle is empty. 300 to 600 mg/day Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) 500 mg/day Resveritrol 500 mg/day Quercetin 3 to 6 grams/day L-Lysine with the liposomal vitamin C I know this sounds like a lot of supplements to take on top of the anti-inflammatory regimen, but they don't all need to be taken at the same time. For example, a 20 to 30 day course of probiotic is only needed to start this regimen and following any prescribed course of antibiotic. This helps colonize or re-colonize the friendly bacteria in the GI tract called the microbiome. A number of studies have found the microbiome plays an important role in a healthy immune system. Efficacy data indicate it's best to start this regimen with CoQ10, liposomal vitamin D3 and turmeric (curcumin) and to continue taking them daily. The ALA, Resveritrol, Quercetin and L-Lysine need only be added if there's still no favorable change in migraine frequency. The Atkins or ketogentic diets are also proving to be very helpful in controlling both CH and MH. You start these diets with a 24 hour fast drinking only water (and taking the anti-inflammatory regimen). This fast burns off the blood starch (Glycogen) stored in the liver. When done with the fast, it's zero sugars and that includes commercial fruit juices and soda pop. Zero wheat products including bread, pasta, cereal, cookies, crackers and pizza... Limit foods high in starchy carbohydrates like potatoes and bananas to a small handful a day. Stay away from grain oils like Canola and Mazola/corn oil... They're usually made with genetically modified grains high in Glyphosate, the herbicide in Roundup. Good oils include organic butter, olive oil, avocado oil and my favorite, extra virgin coconut oil. You can eat all the free range organic meats, poultry and eggs you want. A serving or two a week of wild caught fish is great. You can also eat all the organic NON GMO green and colored veggies you want. Limit fresh fruits to a handful a day of dark berries like blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and dark grapes. Organic almonds make a great between meals snack. Be sure to drink at least 2.5 liters of water a day. Having your wife join you on this diet makes it a lot easier... Getting back to lab tests for 25(OH)D, calcium and PTH at the VA... If you tell them you're taking 50,000 IU/day vitamin D3 to control your CH and MH and that you want to ensure you've not pushed yourself into hypervitaminosis-D, they're required to order the 25(OH)D and calcium lab tests. Take care and please keep us posted. V/R, Batch

Has anyone experienced shadows worsening when starting D3 regime? Got to day 12 and shadows started to worsen day 20 now and are still the same from day 12. My D3 levels were: (nmol/L) 86 I have been taking the following supplements: Solgar D3 (10,000iu) x5 for 14days x1 since Solgar omega 3 fish oil concentrate x1 fish oil concentrate 2,000mg, EPA 160mg, DHA 100mg Solgar chelated Magnesium 400mg Solgar vitamin k2 Mk-7 100 MCG Solgar B-complex 100 Thorne basic nutrients Vitamin A 450mcg beta carotene/ 600mcg palmitate, Zinc 15mg, boron, 2mg, Calcium 52mg Ultra Muscles Night Magnesium 366mg, Calcium 210/ calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate 601.1mg

Hey Scott, Yes, 19 ng/mL is low when it come to serum 25(OH)D3 serum concentrations. The normal reference range for this lab test is 30 to 100 ng/mL. Vitamin D experts will tell you any serum concentration below 40 ng/mL is low. Data collected from the online survey of CHers taking the anti-inflammatory regimen with at least 10,000 IU/day vitamin D3 plus the cofactors are illustrated in the baseline normal distribution curve for 25(OH)D3 lab results before starting this regimen. As you can see, your 25(OH)D3 serum concentration falls under this curve. As a CHer, you need to elevate and maintain your 25(OH)D3 serum concentration between 80 and 100 ng/mL in order to enjoy a CH pain free state. You can find the anti-inflammatory regimen CH preventative treatment protocol at the following link. Discuss it with your PCP/GP or neurologist then follow this treatment protocol and you'll elevate your 25(OH)D3 to a therapeutic level that will keep you CH pain free: http://www.vitamindwiki.com/tiki-download_wiki_attachment.php?attId=7708 I've updated this treatment protocol by suggesting the supplements illustrated in the following photo. You can order all of the above from amazon.com if you live in the US. If not, you may need to order most of these same brands from iherb.com. I've listed links at amazon and iherb.com below for each item. A. Bio-Tech D3-50, 100 water soluble 50,000 IU capsules https://www.amazon.com/Bio-Tech-Pharmacal-D3-50-100-Count/dp/B000A0F2B2?psc=1&SubscriptionId=AKIAILSHYYTFIVPWUY6Q&tag=duckduckgo-ffnt-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B000A0F2B2 https://www.iherb.com/pr/Bio-Tech-Pharmacal-Inc-D3-50-Cholecalciferol-100-Capsules/55186 B. Kirkland Adult 50+ Mature Multi https://www.amazon.com/Kirkland-Signature-Mature-Vitamin-Tablets/dp/B00P8ZAWK0/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Kirkland+Adult+50%2B+Mature+Multi&qid=1576305520&s=hpc&sr=1-3 https://www.iherb.com/pr/21st-Century-Sentry-Senior-Multivitamin-Multimineral-Supplement-Adults-50-220-Tablets/43845 C. Nature Made Extra Strength 400 mg Magnesium https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Made-High-Potency-Magnesium/dp/B07G2TYKR1/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=Nature+Made+Extra+Strength+400+mg+Magnesium&qid=1576305613&s=hpc&sr=1-4 https://www.iherb.com/pr/Nature-Made-Magnesium-Extra-Strength-400-mg-60-Softgels/76915. Order three (3) D. Nature Made Omega-3 Fish Oil Liquid Softgels https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Made-Omega-3-Liquid-Softgels/dp/B00KKA0G04/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=Nature+Made+Omega-3+Fish+Oil&qid=1576305953&s=hpc&sr=1-5 https://www.iherb.com/pr/Nature-Made-Fish-Oil-Burp-Less-1-000-mg-150-Softgels/40457 E. LifeExtension Super K with Advanced K2 Complex https://www.amazon.com/Life-Extension-Advanced-Complex-two-pack/dp/B00ATD4JKA/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=LifeExtension+Super+K+with+Advanced+K2+Complex&qid=1578005023&s=hpc&sr=1-6 Order two for a year's supply https://www.iherb.com/pr/Life-Extension-Super-K-90-Softgels/90368 Order four bottles for a year's supply F. METHYL FOLATE +. https://www.amazon.com/Bioactive-Formulated-Pharmaceutical-Methylcobalamin-Synergistically/dp/B01MQJVHHC/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=METHYL+FOLATE+%2B&qid=1578006730&s=hpc&sr=1-5 https://www.iherb.com/pr/Thorne-Research-Basic-B-Complex-60-Capsules/18791?refid=683bbb72-92bc-45ee-9bb0-6b7aecacf850&reftype=rec We've made some adjustments to the treatment protocol available at the link above. I say "We" as none of this would have been possible without the participation of thousands of CHers here at Clusterbusters and CH.com over the last 10 years. In a very real sense, this is your regimen and treatment protocol. Direct feedback from CHers taking this regimen is so valuable. For example, this feedback indicates the efficacy of this regimen increases with time and higher serum concentrations of 25(OH)D3 due to higher daily maintenance doses of vitamin D3. These protocol adjustments have been simple, yet effective. When I first started posting about the efficacy of this regimen in December of 2010, it was one size fits all with 10,000 IU/day vitamin D3 plus the cofactors. The first adjustment involved starting this regimen with a 2-Week or 4-Week accelerated vitamin D3 loading schedule to elevate serum 25(OH)D3 more rapidly and achieve a favorable response more rapidly. Over the next two years that loading schedule evolved to a 12-Day loading schedule taking 50,000 IU/day vitamin D3 for 12 days. It was just as effective and took less time to reach a therapeutic effect. I attribute the increase in the raw efficacy of this regimen and CH preventative treatment protocol to the switch to the Bio-Tech D3-50 and the 12-Day accelerated vitamin D3 loading schedule. My analysis of survey data through the end of 2018 indicated the mean 25(OH)D3 serum concentration for Episodic CHers experiencing a favorable response to the anti-inflammatory regimen was 80 ng/mL while the mean 25(OH)D3 serum concentration for Chronic CHers experiencing a favorable response to the anti-inflammatory regimen was 90 ng/mL. Clearly, one size does not fit all... Accordingly, I've made the following changes to the vitamin D3 dosing strategy regarding the target 25(OH)D3 serum concentration ranges and accelerated vitamin D3 loading dose duration ranges. Episodic CHer Target: 80 to 100 ng/mL - Load at 50,000 IU/day for 12 - 14 days Chronic CHer Target: 90 to 120 ng/mL - Load at 50,000 IU/day for 14 - 16 days Migraineur Target: 100 to 140 ng/mL - Load at 50,000 IU/day for 16 - 18 days It's important to understand these suggested 25(OH)D3 serum concentration target ranges and loading schedules are starting points for the average CHer. Many of us (like me) will require a higher 25(OH)D3 serum concentration, a longer period of loading at 50,000 IU/day and a higher maintenance dose to experience and maintain a CH pain free response. At the completion of these loading schedules reduce the vitamin D3 intake to an initial maintenance dose of 10,000 IU/day with the oil-based liquid softgel vitamin D3 formulations or if you're taking the suggested Bio-Tech D3-50, you'll need to take one (1) of these 50,000 IU water soluble vitamin D3 capsules a week. Doing the math, that works out to an average dose of 7,140 IU/day. Given the higher bioequivalence of the D3-50, this should be sufficient for most CHers. Changing the dose is a simple matter of adding or subtracting a day or more between doses. Take care and please keep us posted. V/R, Batch

Hi Shaun, When I first started the D3 regimen Batch had suggested 100,000 IU a day for 12 days and then drop back to a maintenance dose of 15,000 IU/day with the oil-based liquid soft gel vitamin D3 formulations or 100,000 IU/week with the Bio-Tech D3 50 50,000 IU water soluble vitamin D3. Additionally you will need to take all the co-factors see below. Here is a copy and paste from some of his protocol overview and the link if you want to sift through it as well: https://vitamindwiki.com/Cluster+Headaches+treated+by+high-dose+Vitamin+D%2C+etc.+(interview+and+transcript)+-+Feb+2022 Hope this helps get you started!

Hey RSG, CH Father gave you the right link for the anti-inflammatory regimen treatment protocol at http://www.vitamindwiki.com/tiki-download_wiki_attachment.php?attId=7708 I've made a couple changes since I posted that 2017 version. In July of 2018, I switched brands and type of vitamin D3 from the Nature's Bounty oil-based 5000 IU liquid softgels to the Bio-Tech D3-50 50,000 IU water soluble (micellized) vitamin D3. I've found the Bio-Tech D3-50 to be faster acting and more potent in elevating serum 25(OH)D than the oil-based formulations. Data from the online survey of CHers taking this regimen now supports a longer accelerated vitamin D3 loading schedule from 12-Days at 50,000 IU/day vitamin D3 to 14-Days at 50,000 IU/day. This change increases the total loading dose of vitamin D3 from 600,000 IU to 700,000 IU spread over 14 days at 50,000 IU/day for episodic CHers and 16 days for chronic CHers. This also results in a new initial target serum concentration from 80 ng/mL to 90 ng/mL for episodic CHers and from 80 ng/mL to 100 ng/mL for chronic CHers. The initial vitamin D3 maintenance dose of vitamin D3 is now 15,000 IU/day. These loading schedules and maintenance doses apply to the oil-based liquid softgel vitamin D3 formulations, If you follow my lead and that of several other CHers who switched to the Bio-Tech D3-50 50,000 IU vitamin D3 capsules as I have, the loading and maintenance doses will be different as follows. If you're an episodic CHer start this regimen with the 12-Day loading schedule at 50,000 IU/day (one of the Bio-Tech D3-50 capsules a day for 12 days) then fall back to a new initial maintenance dose with the Bio-Tech D3-50 of one (1) capsule a week. If you're a chronic CHer, start this regimen with a 14-Day accelerated vitamin D3 loading schedule (one of the Bio-Tech D3-50 capsules a day for 14 days) then fall back to a new initial maintenance dose with the Bio-Tech D3-50 of one (1) capsule a week. If you do the math, 50,000 IU divided by 7 days comes to roughly 7,000 IU/day as the maintenance dose with the Bio-Tech D3-50. Due to the increased potency of the Bio-Tech D3-50 compared to the oil-based liquid softgel vitamin D3 formulations at the same dose, this equates to an equivalent of 15,000 IU/day of the liquid softgel vitamin D3 formulations. With either type of vitamin D3, if you haven't experienced a favorable response or complete cessation of CH symptoms by the end of the loading cycle, increase the loading period by two days at 50,000 IU/day for two days then drop back to the maintenance dose. If there's still no response, within three days of the additional loading doses, you may be experiencing an allergic reaction to airborne of food borne allergens. These allergic reactions can be subclinical with no outward or obvious symptoms. In this case, start a week to 10-day course of a first-generation antihistamine like Benadryl (Diphenhydramine HCL) at 25 mg every four hours throughout the day. Just be careful and not drive as this much Diphenhydramine will make you drowsy. If you need to drive during the day, wait until you're home for the day then take 50 mg of Benadryl as you walk through the door, and another 50 mg at bedtime. If there's no response to the Benadryl after five days, discontinue as an allergy is not the likely culprit preventing a favorable response to this regimen. It's important to take all of the vitamin D3 cofactors and conutrients illustrated in the following photo. In particular, it's best to double the magnesium dose from 400 mg/day to 800 mg/day while loading vitamin D3. Take 400 mg of magnesium in the morning with breakfast and the other 400 mg in the evening with dinner. Doing this will help avoid osmotic diarrhea. The Kirkland brand Adult 50+ Mature Multi is also very important as it's formulated with most of the vitamin D3 cofactors. It just doesn't have enough magnesium or any vitamin K2 complex (MK4 and MK7). At 22 cents per capsule taken at a maintenance dose of one (1) capsule a week, the Bio-Tech D3-50 is also the least expensive form of vitamin D3 at 3 cents/day. The Nature's Bounty has a price of 6 cents per 5000 IU vitamin D3 liquid softgel or 12 cents/day for the 10,000 IU maintenance dose. It is very important to see your PCP/GP or neurologist for lab tests of your serum 25(OH)D, calcium and PTH 30 days after start of regimen. As long as you're CH pain free or have experienced a significant reduction in the frequency of your CH and your serum calcium concentration is within its normal reference range, your actual 25(OH)D serum concentration doesn't really matter. Hope all this makes sense. I'll be publishing a revised version of this treatment protocol on VitaminDWiki as soon as a few key vitamin D3 experts and physicians have had an opportunity to comment on the new protocol. Take care and please keep us posted. V/R, Batch

Hey Frilling, As BoscoPico indicated, your husband needs to start this treatment protocol now. The supplements you'll need are illustrated in the photo below of what I take and suggest to fellow CHers. Anti-Inflammatory Regimen Supplements: VITAMIN D3 A. Nutrasal Micro D3 Nano Emulsion – 0.5 mL/day used when loading B. Bio-Tech D3-50 – 1 or 2 capsules a week as Maintenance dose COFACTORS C. Kirkland Adult 50+ Mature Multi - 1 capsule a day D. Nature Made Extra Strength 400 mg Magnesium softgel - 1 capsule a day E. Nature Made Omega-3 Fish Oil – 2 capsules a day F. Methyl Folate + Vitamin B Complex - 1 capsule a day G. LifeExtension Super K with Advanced K2 Complex - 1 capsule a day Take care and please keep us posted, V/R, Batch

Yes, the Vit D3 did wonder to the cluster headache. Thank you to CHfather for sharing this. In addition to Vit D3, I also find this help, eat watermelons and drink coconut water (from real coconut if possible), eat more nearing and during cluster period. Also go for massage to relax and rest more. To abort the headache, put peppermint oil (from young living) in forehead and behind the ear and if the headache still there, use oxygen (inhale deeply and hold for 1-2 second before exhale)

@Darrin. The nat geo show comes on after a show called trafficked with Maria van zeller she dives into the black market for literally every thing from body parts to as tonight’s episode was black market crude oil for terrorist it wonder she’s still alive. I do hope they somehow do a repeat of the CH episode all we can do is hope. I wish you luck in trying to find it..

I ended up buying a bottle of CBD oil today to try when I go to bed tonight. The brand I purchased is called "Saving Grace Oil." I have no idea what the concentration is; I'm concerned it may not be concentrated enough, according to what @Freud recommended. It looks like the oil I bought only contains 11 mg of hemp extract, so I'm gathering I didn't buy the highest-quality oil, unfortunately. Not sure if that will affect the effectiveness. Sigh. I'm really hoping this will prevent a cycle.

Uff so I'm sick. Sore throat started last night I thought it was because I left the window open for my older lab but no. Almost 9 pm here and still a Sore throat after peppermint tea all day and body ache I did increase the d and c but feel yuck. Shadowing bad anything else I should increase or just ride it out??

@ZBM hey I’m a 30 year old female and I’ve been on the regimen since I was 26. The cofactors are nothing but good vitamins you should probably be on every day anyway. Magnesium (good anti inflammatory properties), and fish oil is good for the heart. You can even add any turmeric supplement in there too. Really good anti inflammatory properties there as well. @xxx will chime in shortly I hope. He is the d3 GOD

So I am currently taking vitamin D3 (I thought I had been taking 10,000 IU but just found out it was only 5,000IU...oops) as well as 400mg Magnesium, just started on the Omega 3 fish oil, feverfew, and Riboflavin. I will see if I can get my labs drawn in Neurology on my appointment on the 25th to see where I am at to know how I need to adjust.

This is interesting. I will put a little piece of paper towel or tissue with Frankincense oil on it and press it to the roof of my mouth for about 3 minutes to help abort an attack. Used like a 5hr energy drink along with the oxygen and it does seem to help me. My wife found out about this on some essential oil website a few years ago.

Thanks for the tips CHfather, As soon as one hits (which is always when I'm sleeping) I make myself a cup of high octane coffee. I do take 2 benadryls before bed, and I do dose up with CBD 2x/day (sublingual oil). I also use Colloidal Silver nasal spray. I've found that if I can keep my left nostril clear, the severity is not as bad. I also dab peppermint oil just inside the nostril. I will try and breathe cold air next! Thank you too Moxie! I hope all is well with you on the other side of the pond! CH's were something I learned in school and continuing ed. but never treated. I've had great success treating migrainers. I'm pretty much dictating my treatment with my PCP. Once I finish this round of prednisone, I'll wait 5 days and try dosing with MM. I don't think I've hit a 10, but I average a 7-9 when hit hard. The shadow follows me all day! Thank you all for your input

Freud My wife was into essential oils and has given my a little frankincense oil on a little piece of tissue about the size of a tab of L. I would keep it on my tongue or under it or just in my mouth any way I could for a few minutes and it did seem to help. I could not set this up in advance to give myself and I could not get the oil on the tissue when I had a cluster but when she was around id did help. I used this before I got my oxygen and early on when I started busting. At this point I dont get the major hits like I did in the past so I have not done it in a long time. I meant to look around my house this weekend for a few triptan shots I had stashed away that I dont use anymore but I got hit a bunch this weekend and a few that lasted an hour each, must be that time of year in our parts.They are expired but should still be fine. I use to use them past the date stamped on them and had no issues. If you break them apart you can get a few out of one shot. I will make it a point to find them and try to get them over to you. I will let you know what I come up with. I may even still have a little Frankincense oil.

Hey Sparklegirl, I remember getting hit 8 times/day. It was bad. See your PCP for assays of your serum 25(OH)D3, calcium and PTH (Parathyroid Hormone). It's a safe bet your serum 25(OH)D3 concentration is low < 30 ng/mL (75 nmol/L). If I'm correct, starting the anti-inflammatory regimen CH and MH preventative treatment protocol is prudent and the best way to get your CH under control. The following photo illustrates the supplements by brand and doses I take and suggest to other CHers. It helps to start this protocol by loading vitamin D3 to elevate serum 25(OH)D3 more rapidly. The loading dose I've used is two of the 50,000 IU Bio-Tech D3-50 capsules/day plus 0.5 mL/day of the Nutrasal Micro D3 nano emulsion taken sublingual (under the tongue for two minutes without swallowing). This brings the loading dose to 140,000 IU/day and It's taken for five (5) days for a total of 700,000 IU of vitamin 'D3 then drop back to an initial maintenance dose of 100,000 IU/week of the Bio-Tech D3-50. It's also helpful to double the magnesium dose by taking 400 mg with breakfast and 400 mg with the evening meal. This provides 12 hours and 12 feet GI tract separation between doses and that helps avoid osmotic diarrhea. See your PCP in 30 days for another round of assays for serum 25(OH)D3, calcium and PTH. Your 25(OH)D3 serum concentration should be up around 80 to 100 ng/mL (200 to 250 nmol/L). If the CH beast is still jumping ugly after completing the above loading schedule, I would start the antihistamine Full Monty. This is a clutch of supplements with antihistamine properties that includes 2 to 3 grams/day Turmeric (Curcumin), Quercetin, Resveratrol, Omega-3 (EPA and DHA) fish oil. It also includes 8 grams/day viramin C, 5 mg/day Melatonin (taken at bedtime), 250 mcg Selenium and 1000 mg/day NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine). Stay at this dose for 5 days then drop the dose of the first four supplements to one gram/day. Take care and please keep us posted. V/R, Batch

Could also try real Frankincense oil drip on the tongue, that has helped me just as good as the energy drinks.

Hey Alikhan, Thank you for the update, lab results and list of supplements. They look great. That you haven't responded with your 25(OH)D up at 110 ng/mL (well into the green zone for CHers) tells me we are missing something... Are you taking any other Rx medications? If so, what are they. There are a number of other supplements you can take that have helped CHers improve their response to the anti-inflammatory regimen with a 25(OH)D serum concentration in the green zone. They include: A first-generation antibiotic like Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) 25 mg every four hours for a week to 10 days. This helps if you've an allergic reaction cooking away. These can be subclinical, i.e., no obvious or outward symptoms, but the allergic reaction is still there pumping out histamine... a CH trigger. Second-and third-generation "non-drowsy" antihistamines are not as effective as they can't pass through the blood brain barrier to block histamine H1 receptors. Accordingly, see your local chemist for available first-generation antihistamines then take as directed. 1000 mg/day Turmeric (Curcumin) - I would think there's plenty of this in traditional Pakistani meals. Additional vitamin B2 (riboflavin) up to 400 mg/day total. 4 grams/day Liposomal Vitamin C (1000 mg every 2 hours with water.) 300 to 900 mg/day CoQ10. Very important if taking statins. 500 mg/day Quercetin - This supplement helps activate the vitamin D3 receptors (VDR) on DNA strands to enable more effective genetic expression made possible by vitamin D3. Probiotic - This helps build friendly colonies of bacteria in the GI tract called the microbiome Diet and water - The Atkins or ketogenic diets are a good choice. Zero sugar, zero wheat products and very limited carbs. Avoid all grain oils. Olive oil, butter, avocado oil and my favorite extra virgin coconut oil are all very good for you. Eat all the free range meat, poultry and wild caught fish you want along with organic veggies and fruits. Most importantly, drink at least 2.5 liters of water a day. Take care and please keep us posted. V/R, Batch