I was diagnosed with CH this week. I'm getting an MRI and MRA on Friday to confirm that there's no other "more serious" issues (as if CH isn't serious enough). I'm picking up my prednisone, Topomax and an injection therapy (I'm tired, so I forget the name of it now) tomorrow. I already have the O2 tank. I bought a mask for it, but it's just a regular mask with tiny holes in each side. Do I need the rebreather? Will that give me more O2? I used it last night at the start of my headache for about 8 minutes and it worked well, but if the rebreather is necessary, I'll go get one. I have to say, I'm upset about the dx, but relieved to know what it is. I had posted about a month ago before I went to the doctor as well. Thanks all for your feedback, advice and support.

You need a NON-rebreather mask with a bag on it and yes it will work much better.

To get the best use out of what you have, tape the holes on the side shut with duct tape and lift the mask to exhale. We need 100% O2 no outside air. Please read thru the link below.

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Don

I'll betcha the injection therapy you're talking about is imitrex injections.

Those will definitely abort an attack for most of us. I have found this imitex tip:

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To hold some genuinely critical information - it has helped revolutionize my CH experience and that of many others.

Between the O2 and the imitrex, get ready for success aborting a whole lot of attacks.  8-) O2 makes a good first line of defense, imitrex is a powerful ace in the hole to have as a backup IMO.

Hi Mike,

I'm happy you have answsers and a Doctor that seems to know his CH.  I'm sorry to find out we're related.  But you are in the right place.

From the question you asked it looks like you've got some reading to do.  Follow the oxygen link suggested above and read everything there.  It'll give you your life back.

The best beast kicking weapon in this fight is a well educated clusterhead.

-Dennis-

The others already have you on the right track. Welcome to the board, hoping it's a short run for you this go round.

Joe

thanks all. It was Imitrex ($516 for 6 shots!!!). I ordered the non-rebreather mask from this site, and I started my prednisone today, and the Topomax tonight. Unfortunately I had a drink last night after work, and now I'm suffering tremendously. Never had a "hangover" start 30 minutes after a drink. I'm drinking lots of water, and will hit the oxygen later for a dose if this doesn't ease up by tonight. and tonight's the MRI, let's hope for "no news" on that front.

I drank half a beer at a party thinking the cycle should be about ever. The swift kick the beast gave to my head told me otherwise. Yeah, for many, alcohol in cycle has nasty side effects! ;)

Joe

Hey Mike,

Welcome aboard...  Don't wait to start the oxygen therapy...  Crank your regulator up to the maximum setting and start sucking it down as soon as you feel an attack approaching... 

The longer you wait...  the higher the pain will build...  and the higher the level of pain, the longer it will take to abort with oxygen therapy.

Take care and have a wonderful Easter,

V/R, Batch

Check the "imitrex tip" on the left of this page to maximise your mileage.

I second neuropath!!  Also ask your doc if you could get imitrex in viles with disposable syringes.  I asked and now I have a stock pile.  Now I can extract just a minimal amount of imitrex to elevate the CH.  No more Q-tip!!  ;)

Sounds like you have a winner of a doc.  O2, imitrex.. etc...
Wish you many pain free nights and days!
Ange