New to this

[Taq]

Hi all.  My name is Taqua from Orlando, FL.  I have been experiencing CH for the past month now for the first time.  This is hell.  I was a social butterfly, now I barely want to leave the house.  I have two sons who need me.  I hate having them see me like this.  Been reading some pists on possible remedies/suppressants.  The pills I've been taking (fiorecet, Advil, Excedrin Migraine, Aleve) do nothing.  Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

[CHfather]

Taqua, some basics.

If you're diagnosed with CH, the first thing you want is oxygen.  A doctor can prescribe that.  It will abort your attacks fairly quickly, with no side effects.  Most doctors are idiots when it comes to CH.  You will have better luck if you can get to a headache center.  There are certain standard pharmaceutical prescriptions for preventives and abortives in addition to oxygen.  You are right -- there are no standard "pain" medications that will help you.  If you can't see a doctor or one won't prescribe oxygen, we can talk about alternatives using welding oxygen.  Check on this list to see if there's a recommended doctor near you.

The vitamin D3 regimen, described here, helps most people.  Not usually immediately . . . but over time it has been very helpful.

Try drinking an energy shot such as 5-Hour Energy, or maybe even a strong cup of coffee, at the first sign of an attack.  That might help.  Consider taking melatonin at night, maybe starting at about 9mg and working up until you find a level that works for you.

I'd suggest that you look at the "Triggers" document over in the ClusterBuster Files section of the board to be sure that you're not making things worse for yourself.  Alcohol is a major trigger for almost everyone with CH. Food with MSG in it also seems to have bad effects for many.

[Taq]

Thank you!  I will definitely ebquire about the oxygen.  Am a social beer drinker, but have cut back in the past few weeks because I read alcohol, especially wine, is a trigger.  Not a coffee drinker, so will try the 5 hr energy shots.

[Taq]

Thank you!  I will definitely ebquire about the oxygen.  Am a social beer drinker, but have cut back in the past few weeks because I read alcohol, especially wine, is a trigger.  Not a coffee drinker, so will try the 5 hr energy shots.

[spiny]

Beer is a big trigger for many of us as well Taq. In cycle, most will forego the alcohol once they make the connection.

Caffeine in any form can be a big help. OTC meds generally do not help. The D3 Regimen can be a huge help!!! Just vitamins and easy. Reduce the frequency and intensity of your hits and can kick in pretty darn quick for many. Pollen high in your area? And barometric drops trigger many CHer's.

Heat can be a trigger as well as the alcohol. So, stay cool!!

You definitely need to see a Neuro about this. They know more than most PCP's. There are meds than can break a cycle for you.

ATB!