Hi there,

I just joined and made my first post yesterday, although I've been visiting the site for a few years now.

I have suffered from CH since 2005. Fortunately I am episodic and have only suffered three cycles. I had my first cycle in 2005, then another in 2006, skipped 2007 and got hit again in 2008. The first cycle was in the autumn I think, and the other two were in the summer. The cycles lasted maybe 6-8 weeks at a time, and I got a CH on average once every other day I'd say. Had shadows intermittently between hits.  So, fortunately much less severe than many people here.

I moved from the UK to Australia in 2008 and have not suffered a cycle of CH since then. I'm hoping that they may never return, but from stuff I've read here I guess I'll never know - they could come back at any time.

I found two definite triggers whilst in cycle - hot, stuffy air and wheat beers.

I tried regular pain killers at first, which did nothing. I was also prescribed a stronger pain killer at one time, because I'd read about it helping some people. Can't remember which one it was now, but I declined to take them as I was worried about potential side-effects. My method of controlling CHs during my last cycle involved chugging an energy drink as soon as I could feel a hit coming (I usually got a 5 or 10 min warning with shadows before the main hit would arrive). If I managed to drink during these first few minutes then it often staved off the attack, and would always reduce the severity.

Happy to have been pain free for two years now. Joined to post regarding wheat beer as a specific trigger, rather than all beers.

Cheers,
Dan.

Welcome from another Aussie!

Agree with Joe, Hope you stay PF for a long time!

Regards Shell

Hi Dan,

Glad you made it here.  Good to hear that your not suffering at the moment - very wise to get in here and start researching for the next bout.  Lots of people getting good results from oxygen - worth looking up - link on the left.

Keep in contact and let us know how you're getting on,

Kate in Vic