Sorry that you have CH.  As for me, when I feel one coming on, I run for the nearest phone booth, strip off all of my "outside clothes" to reveal my skin tight underclothes with a big "S" on the front, a red cape and fly "up, up and away!"  My CH goes away and I only run into a piece of kryptonite and then the pain returns-damn you Lex Luthor!

Good medical care is the foundation, of course, but then it's helpful to develop a mental/emotional state of mind which does not leave you a "victim".
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"Pain vs. Suffering--research support", a message posted on 1/7/07.

SSRIs used to treat depression have gained a good track record but docs have been long aware of relapses when the med is stopped. Research has lead to a recommendation that the med be continued for up to 18-months after the depression has lifted because this reduces the rate of relapse. Parallel research revealed that this longer use of the meds allows our brain to "rewire" itself leading to better long term outcomes.

The article (available on the OUCH site, last line) "Pain vs. Suffering" is based on cognitive therapy. These forms of counseling/psychotherapy have been strongly supported by good research. Now some evidence is appearing that these therapies act like the SSRIs to stimulate our brains to "rewire", affording protection against strong anxiety conditions. Bottom line: looks like it may be possible to alter brain functioning to build in a permanent reduction of the anxiety which besets many folks with CH. While the gods may not have made a final pronouncement yet, experience with cognitive therapy, so far, really supports its use to treat anxiety & depression. While using "pain vs. suffering" takes time, commitment, and practice, it beats endless use of benzos, etc.

"“My brain is generating another obsessive thought. Don’t I know it is just some garbage thrown up by a faulty circuit?” After 10 weeks of mindfulness- based therapy, 12 out of 18 patients improved significantly. Before-and-after brain scans showed that activity in the orbital frontal cortex, the core of the OCD circuit, had fallen dramatically and in exactly the way that drugs effective against OCD affect the brain. Schwartz called it “self-directed neuroplasticity’ concluding that “the mind can change the brain?’ (TIME, 1/29/07. Major article on the human brain.) (OCD is classified as an anxiety disorder.)

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I noticed your other question about the job interview. I wouldn't recommend disclosing your personal medical conditions in an interview. not sure what the market is like in Israel but here there are too many candidates applying for 1 job, so all other things being equal, an employer would likely make another choice.

But to echo what other said, work with your neuro to have an effective prevent/abort plan. Joe carried his 02 in his squad car and had other tools (imitrex, redbull enery drink etc) at his disposal all the time.

thank you all.. it really means a lot for me that you're here..

i don't have a lots of supporters coz i hear "its only a headache, take a pill" they don't really understand what it like to have this killing pain for 4 hours continuously..

i don't want to sound like whiner and it's all kinda new to me.. that's why i cancelled country club.. it's like i afraid of my friends to see me like this..

about my job, i won't tell them.. they don't need to know for now.. i still hope that it will go away like it did two years ago...

and thanks again to you all!!! 

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Are you shore you have CH Joe ?   

Sorry dude 

thanks vegas! i was teken to er in that hospital..

i do have a doctor that diagnosted me... but i will check this dr. rachel..

thanks a lot!!! 

Get oxygen, preferrably 25lpm or higher, but a minimum of 15lpm.  You won't be dealing with 4 hour hits.  Most of mine I can kill within 5-8 mins, at least to the point of being functional.  Maybe not at my peak, but well enough that I don't hesitate to be in public.

Get a good preventative.  Many use Verapomil, Topomax, Lithium, and a few others, sometimes in combo.  Personally I prefer Kudzu, an herbal suppliment that works better for me than any of the prescribed meds I've used.  Each of us is different, and each of us reacts differently to each med/method of treatment.  You will have to learn what works for you and be ready to change when/if it quits working. 

Above all, you have to control CH, or it will control you and run your life.  Live between the hits, and let it stop you only for the minimum and go on.  As to friends, show them the letter Brew linked for you, refer them to this site or the OUCH site for their education.  If they still don't understand enough to accept you the way you are you really don't have friends.  Let them go their way and get on living your life.

Jerry

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very good advise.i had this lesson taken lately the bad way thinking in first place that honesty deserves a better treatment.but things seem to work differently...