For some reason, I developed Imitrex intolerance/sensitivity after I used injections in one episode when it first came out (15 years ago?).  It does work like a magic, but any more than 1/3 a shot makes me throw up in no time (but aborts the CH).  Yes, I'd rather throw up than put up with the pain.  But exhaustion from the pain AND vomiting is something I want to avoid if all possible.

Since then I've found out 100mg tablets cut in quarters can abort the HA in less than half an hour, while O2 is suppressing the pain.  About a week ago, I jacked it up to two 1/4 pieces, about 40-60mg.  I thought, oh crap, now 1/4 a pill doesn't work too well.  My stomach got upset a couple of days ago, and I had a baaaad feeling about it.

Tonight while I was typing a different post which I never finished, I felt one coming on.  Got up, nuked coffee, took two 1/4 Imitrex, and started O2 in the kitchen.  Less than 10 minutes later, I threw up everything I had for dinner.  Needless to say, I had to leave the O2 while throwing up into the kitchen sink.  Crap again.  My E tank is almost empty.  Yelled at DH who was blasting the movie volume in his room.  He eventually heard me to change the tank for me.  I felt like rolling around on the kitchen floor.

Moved to the bedroom, DH followed me with O2.  NOT WORKING.  Afraid to take anymore Imitrex.  After half an hour, I stopped my last tank of O2 to conserve it until Monday.  Took another 1/4 Imitrex.  Was I having attacks back-to-back??  I went through freezing and sweating repeatedly (I'm not menopausal!).  Now it's been almost 7 hours since the first onset, and I still have a low-grade pain lingering.  Took a small bite of ice cream.  Thinking about another 1/4 pill.

I'm miserable.

We're between insurance until December.  DH checked with the airgas place and found out that the E tank refill is $75 (what a joke).  Purchasing a 50 CF welder's O2 tank is $130 (comes full), with $30 to refill.  I'd need a different regulator, but it sounds like that's the way to go.

Usually after the CH takes its "course", my head is clear as if nothing happened, and I get to sleep like a baby from exhaustion.  I can't get rid of this pressure in my skull this time........actually this is the second time in this episode.  Very very depressing.

Just venting.....

That's WAAAY too much for a REFIL on an E-tank. Call around for a different supplier....

Pay attention to Batch... He knows his O2.

Hope you're better soon.

Hugs BD

P.S. Might try chugging some Red Bull at onset.

Imitrex can cause rebound headaches, have you tried just laying off it for a coupple of days? It might help. I quit Imitrex all together because of the rebounds and because I believe it prolongs my cycle. I'd rather grit my teeth and do the dance than touch the stuff. The Imitrex pills are a bad idea anyway, you get more of the stuff in you than with nasalspray or injection, and it doesn't really help much for the ongoing attack because it works to slow. Instead it might be rebounding when you really should be painfree. The o2 might be what really aborts your attack while you are waiting for the pill to kick in?

He can handle it. So can you. You are not helpless and he needs you to be there. If you can find some 02, welders 02 will work. 100% 02 at 15lpm for 15 min should do.You can suck it right out of the hose if you have to. Caffeine and energy drinks can work as well.
Here are some common treatments for CH. Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or
You will need to get referral to a neuro and get the proper diagnosis and treatment.
Check your PMs
all the best
thebb

my insurance wouldnt cover my o2 and i just got from medical supplier

1-M tank with 1 15lpm regulator
3-E tanks with 1 15lpm  regulator
all tanks were full
total price $75
i have been chronic for 10 years and have used imitrex inj for all of them but im tired of fighting insurance to be pain free,,so i decided to try o2 because of this place,,i followed the strict guidelines and made sure the supplier gave me what i needed (15lpm) so it would work and not be a waste..well i just used it for the first time and it worked great..i think you should look for a different supplier and keep trying,,and definatly listen to these guys they got me on the right road and i am very greatful for it