I have had these CH for long enough now to kinda know what can trigger them, and how long they usually last.  Im in a bout right now that i really hope will be over soon.  When we first found this website about 7 years ago I dont know why but I never thought about going on the message board and hearing from real life examples.  Now that I have I am so gratefull for everyone on here. 

I have gone through alot of posts and read alot of stuff about CHs that i didnt know.  Just in the past 3 days i have learned more about these than I ever knew in the 6-7 years I have been experiencing them.  When my brain decides it wants to piss me off for the next week or so, it does a really great job at it.  It usually starts off like it did this time with a slight sharp shooting pain on the right side of my head just above my ear about 3 days before it comes on full blown.  The whole time my head hurt from these little pains I knew what was coming just didnt want to believe it.  I am lucky enough to only get them for 3-4 days at a time(knock on wood).  and usually when i did get them I would get a shot for pain and some pain pills.  This time I didnt get the shot, just the pills.  They didnt work...

From this message board I learned that oxygen seems to be the fix of choice.  I also learned that something as simple as a red bull can for some reason help.  You told me to make an appointment to see a neurologist, and i did.  its a 3 month wait, but im sick and tired of this and need something.  I always wondered why they would hit really hard, then linger for another hour or so, you guys call them shadows.  My fiance cant stand to see me pace up and down the hall, sit on the floor rocking back and forth like im crazy, and just about rip my hair out.  my life is shut down when I get these.  I have never met another person that suffers from these headaches and I am sooooooo glad I joined this message board.  Reading some of these posts made me cry just thinking about some of these people that have dealt with these for 15, 20, even 30 years.  Now I know there is hope, if other people can figure somthing out, so can I.

I hope to wake up tomorrow morning with my head feeling like a million dollars.  but with the way theyve been going, ill be lucky if theyre gone by tomorrow.  all I want to do is go back to work and be normal.

thanks again to everyone on here, you really have no idea how much light you all have shed on this for me   :) :) :) :)

And we're damned glad to have you!  ;)Keep reading, an educated patient makes life infinitely easier for your neuro. Good luck with the appointment.

Joe

I second Joe's motion for good luck with the upcoming appointment. It's always good to go to your doc humbly but with good info that he/she may not have on CHs. Don't assume cuz there's a medico degree they know anything about this. It's called an orphan disease for a reason. Print out articles on the nature of CHs as well as research (which you can get by trolling this site) on what works as a preventative and abortive. Keep a headache diary. Joe's right, your best defense is your knowledge of what's comin' at you.

One other thing. A trigger is just that: a trigger. It's good to know what yours are so you can avoid them. But...CHs like to come on just because, without having to resort to anything you do to trigger them. Know your triggers, but know the beast's ways more. Blessings! lance

Great to have ya. Defenitly try some of the prevents and aborts you read about here,they really do work for a lot of people. Go to your doc with info and a headache log, makes a big difference.

Good Luck!

wow, I just had a bad CH.  It seems like anything cold I drink triggers them realllly bad.  I just had a big glass of milk, I didnt drink it fast, just nice and slow, but when I finished it...... KABLAMO!!!!  That was a rough one.  Made it about half the day at work today, working in a body shop and having these isnt fun.  certain smells really made it bad.

Also got a call from my doctors nurse today that I had get me a refferal to a neuro, my appointment is Feb 14.  She was actually suprised I got in that early.  Its a long time to wait, but it gives me plenty of time to prepare for it.  and definatly gives me some relief knowing Im actually getting somewhere with these things. 

When I went to work today I got alot of crap from everyone, but I found a video on youtube.com of a guy having an attack.  I made someone at work watch it on my phone,  and told him this is exactly what I do.  He was stunned.  Every little detail even down to blowing my nose during the attack.  I didnt let all their stupid comments bother me, if people want to be ignorant thats there problem, I know what these feel like.  :(

If you have the choice--headache specialist, not any general neurrologist!

LOCATING HEADACHE SPECIALIST

1. Search the OUCH site (button on left) for a list of recommended M.D.s.

2. Yellow Pages phone book: look for "Headache Clinics" in the M.D. section and look under "neurologist" where some docs will list speciality areas of practice.

3.  Call your hospital/medical center. They often have an office to assist in finding a physician. You may have to ask for the social worker/patient advocate.

4. START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE; On-line screen to find a physician.

5. START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE Look for "Physician Finder" search box. They will send a list of M.D.s for your state.I suggest using this source for several reasons: first, we have read several messages from people who, even seeing neurologists, are unhappy with the quality of care and ATTITUDES they have encountered; second, the clinical director of the Jefferson (Philadelphia) Headache Clinic said, in late 1999, that upwards of 40%+ of U.S. doctors have poor training in treating headache and/or hold attitudes about headache ("hysterical female disorder") which block them from sympathetic and effective work with the patient; third, it's necessary to find a doctor who has experience, skill, and a set of attitudes which give hope of success. This is the best method I know of to find such a physician.

6. START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE NEW certification program for "Headache Medicine" by the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties, an independent, non-profit, professional medical organization.
        Since this is a new program, the initial listing is limited and so it should be checked each time you have an interest in locating a headache doctor.

Whomever you get (and I'm with Bob in hoping it's a headache specialist) do call the nurse who makes the appointments and tell them how much you are suffering, and won't they please put you on a standby for cancellation list. You might get in quicker if they know you are hurting so bad. Best of luck God bless! lance