Hi - I'm a chronic newby needing info

[kismet]

Hi all,

I have had episodic CH for many years. In the past few years the pattern has been 12 - 14 weeks (often, but not always in the winter quarter - I live in the UK). I have managed to get through these periods pretty well.

I am now into my 14th month this time and so exhausted that I have had to stop working full time. Fortunately Oxygen and Sumatriptan work well enough, in that I don't have to suffer the excruciating pain for very long i.e., oxy stops the pain within minutes and I keep taking that periodically until the meds work - then I can sleep. I consider myself very fortunate in this respect. I can't believe some folks still struggle to get prescribed oxygen - it's a crime!

I have tried all the suggested meds in the medical model - nothing has worked and I had a dreadful reaction to Topiramate. I draw the line at Lithium - no thanks. I really don't fancy any of the invasive procedures either - perhaps I am not that desperate.

So now I am looking at all the alternatives. I have looked at much information on this site - bless you all. I am in touch with a local herbalist who is happy to support me in the Vitamin protocol approach, but of course, I am also most interested in other approaches. I live in the UK and haven't a clue how to go about that. I notice that there are some UK based members who regularly post here and I wondered if they could help me e.g advise about recommended sources

and some general encouragement.

I do smoke and have done for years. I am quite confused about the conflict around smoking being a trigger/cause and people who have kicked the habit, but not had any relief with the headaches. What's the consensus of opinion on this one please?

Anyway, I look forward to some friendly advice any of you might have, particularly in respect of the UK. I am a member of OUCH in the UK as well.

Many thanks and good wishes to you all.