I just found this sight today. I've been having these for about 18 yrs now, and always been told it was sinus or stress headaches. My new Dr. diagnosed me with CH two yrs ago, but mine only last a month, 2-3 times a year. From what I've read here they definitely sound like CH. Am I just lucky to get them for a short time compared to most people? The oxygen is the only thing that helps so far. I feel better knowing I'm not alone in having these, so glad to have found this site. I am from the Reading area of PA.

Hi, Jesman, and welcome. Sorry you need to be here, but glad you found us. It sounds as if you have quite a bit of reading and research to do, as it is unlinely your docs will be as invested in your condition as are you. My first and best piece of advice is to troll this site as much as you can, taking notes and asking questions. Like the one you've already asked. Here's a quick answer:

No, you are not lucky. There is nothing lucky about CHs for that matter. But...short is better than long. Chs vary in both cycle (episodic vs chronic) and duration (for both cycle and individual attack). In other words, most people are episodic with attacks coming in periods for anywhere between 2 weeks to 3 months of the year, with each individual attack lasting anywhere from 15 minutes to 3 hours. Anywhere in that range is "typical." But keep in mind, each of us is different when it comes to the beast's appearances.

Also be warned that while our attacks come with near maddening regularity (hence the name "clusters") they do morph-cycles change time, hits vary in duration and intensity, that kind of thing. So, always be prepared.

Glad you found O2. What flow rate, and what kind of mask? Are you on a preventative medicine? Do you have other abortives? Check out the Batch Regimen of vitamin D3, our use of melatonin at night, and the broad acceptance that energy drinks can help a lot when aborting hits.

That's it for now. But, read, write and ask quetions! God bless. lance