I was told I have cluster headaches last month.
I have been through quite a bit of painful things in my life but these ranked right up there.
I thought there was something seriously wrong.
Got some oxygen, steroids, & vicadin and been OK since.
However I get soreness once in a while like they are going to come back soon.

Does anyone out there feel like a total freak when this happens at work? Just curious. I felt like a big baby whining about my poor little head.
I work in an office.
Anyways....
Glad I found this site, it gives me some comfort and informative. 8-)

PLEASE! Spend time reading the information given to others who are just learning how to cope and what CH is.

You have only jumped the first hurdle....

If the meds mentioned are all you have tried, the good news is there is a boatload of stuff you can try that has been working for many.

Oxygen...great! 31 years here and it's still my first line and most effective abortive. Imitrex injectable is my second string if I get caught away from my 02.

You didn't mention any prevents. A prevent med is one you take every day, to reduce the number and intensity of your attacks. When the cycle starts up again, look into a good prevent. Verapamil is the most common one I see people having luck with here. I use lithium at 1200 mg a day, will generally block about 70% of my attacks....althiugh it's not too terribly effective right now!

You mentioned steroids...we call those a transitional med. You take the steroids for 10 days while you're waiting for your verapamil, lithium, or topomax to kick in. Most don't use them long term as they have a lengthy list of side effects.

Have you tried energy drinks yet? Both for attacks and also for those lingering shadows you get. I use Red Bull sugar free but any containing caffeine and taurine are worth a shot. Chug one down at the first hint of an attack.

As Bob mentioned, you have  a lot of reading to do!!!


Welcome to the board....
Joe

I am still getting used to this message boards style.
Thanks for the welcome.
I have noticed i kind of go on a binge of drinking and eating stuff to prevent them from happening. I was actually craving caffeine at the time and it did seem to help.
So I guess I figured that one out Inadvertently LOL.
I'll be around. And thanks for the info and advice.
My downfall is I am very anti medication.
I take vitamins and fish oil and that is it. I pretty much refuse to take anything regularly or as a prevent.
But as these things get worse I am sure I will be taking something....:(

Clusterbusters.com             They discuss in great detail non conventional ways to treat CH. If you're so inclined the success rate is almost scary. Either route you take good luck......CH can really suck at times. ;)

Joe

I am checking out that site now.
Thanks!

What up Big K MAN! 

Yes, I feel like a freak when I start sweating, eye drooping, not being able to talk and only want to squeeze that sweet spot somewhere on my head...search for it, search for it...there it is...dig the fingers in just right...ahhhhhh....oops, bruised it, I'll feel that tomorrow.

A lot of social issues have come up lately here and we all have them.  Not all of us are really seen in pain and out of control that often.  Maybe we get used to it??  There is a good letter to colleagues on this site that helps explain what is going on.  If you are around them a lot, they'll see it, you might as well address the topic??

Anywho, look around see what fits your life and still works on the pain. 8-)

--Shaggy

Just curious-did you take the cluster quiz on the left side menu? How were you diagnosed? Careful with the Vicadin. It doesn't really help CHs and can get you into a lot of trouble.

I only had them at work a few times so far, so I haven't officially brought anything up.
As far as the Vicotin I only took for about 2 days.
The roids for 5 days.
Haven't taken anything since so I am good there.
But I can really tell there going to be back soon.
I will check out the quiz as mentioned.
Thanks!