Hi all, I'm Dirt. Been here in the past, but never registered. Was chronic for a little over 10 years, then tried some "alternate" self treatments, and beat the beast down. Was headache free for over a year, and now they have returned. About 3 wks deep at this point. Just wanted to introduce myself, as I'm sure I'll be spending some time here with you folks. Still hopeful at this point...

Hi Dirt.. i'm Anna.. nice to meet you 

what did mean by "alternate" self treatments?

i had two years off of "the beast" but it came back month ago and still knocking down my life..

ha ha mike... i know what you mean by vengeance 

well when i have a real hard attack there is nothing that helps me that much except for extremely hot compresses and desire to jump off the highest building..

but when i feel it coming i drink energy drink and it really helping to lessen the pain..

almost every night before bed time i go for a walk in the park (i don't have O2 tank at home) or walk by the sea

next week i have first acupuncture session so i guess I'll be writing about it here

that's all for now.. how about you?

oh by the way i have pills too and i don't know if they help me or not... can't tell for sure.

Energy drinks definitely seem to take the edge off if taken in time for me as well. A hot shower will ease some pain sometimes also.

Alternate methods:
There are a few things I tried, most of which are illegal.
Psylocybin is what I think did the trick for me. I just slacked on preventative measures, so now I'm back to dealing with it. I'll try not to make that mistake again.

Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or

Maybe ya'll should check out the cluster busters website if you haven't already.  Somehow the traditional mushroom medicine has an effect on the cluster headache pain and can alter the cycle.  Been a lifesaver for so many.  There is a protocol that seems to work and there are some precautions. 

Good luck!

--Shaggy

Check the address I posted and I think that will get you onto the site now.  If not keep checking back for all things "alternative", which should be mainstream. 

Legality will depend on your local government, but in most cases they are not legal.  Some of them are traditional medicines used by shaman in Mexico and South America.  I  got a book fom our library "Plants of the Gods" (or something like that) that details the various plants and traditional uses.  So in certain countries they are part of the culture and other cultures they are illegal. 

The point is however, some of these plants can absolutely change our clusterhead lives for the better without any of the physical effects that people associate with their use.  I was blown away when I read stories of CH sufferers using this technique and even more blown away when it worked for me. 

Keep reading here and at the busters and see the recent studies and articles.  At some point we should push for legal medicinal use of certain compounds to fight back against the pain.

Good luck!

--Shaggy

Shaggy... the link you posted takes me to cluster forum..
whats the name of those mashroms i want to check it out here if its legal..

Steve... what is alt method? where can i find something about it?

thanks!

Well said Neuro,  I second that emotion.  Read through the site Anna and use your best judgement.

Here in the U.S. they are illegal but it is a recreational drug that it seems like many try in their formative years.  It grows naturally in some parts of the country so people can pick them out in fields or wherever.  **Their mushroom look a likes can be deadly so the mushroom picker must be very good at identifying the right species**  psilocybes.  All mushrooms are that way, some are so tasty and some are so poisonous. 

Find your local mycologist and see what they know.  Good luck! (crazy eye guy for you)

--Shaggy

napa1026 wrote on Apr 21^st, 2010 at 8:46pm:


Yes. I took a small dose last night. Today my condition has improved greatly. I have had a few "phantoms" today, but no full blown attacks. Going to try another, bigger dose tonight.
It's nice to have a day with no real pain. 

Well after the 2nd dose... 0 CH attacks.

Let's hope they stay gone for a while! 

Damn we like success stories around here...congrats dude!

Joe