Posted by Ken Swarts (205.188.197.181) on July 15, 2000 at 07:35:07:
I have been having clusters for over 19 years. I went through a chronic period from about 82 to 84. Since then I usually have about 2 sessions a year. For about the past 3 years they are been changing. Lower pain intensity, shorter time for each headache, shorter episodes, and the pain is concentrated more on the side of my head rather than behind the eye. Much easier to deal with and I believe they are starting to go away. Over the years I have tried all the drugs but only get relief with prednisone. In the past couple of years I have discovered something that gives me a great amount of relief. At the very onset of a headache I try to get to my vehicle. I turn on the a/c as cold as possible and sit with my face directly in front of the vents (as close as possible to the vent) with the cold air blasting into my face. I am usually able to stop the headache in 5 to 10 minutes and often before it really even develops. The key is getting to the cold air quickly. Forget the freezer and fridge. Not enough volume of air. I travel a lot and even works using a hotel a/c when neccessary. Many nights I make the 2 a.m. trip out to the driveway for treatment. This may sound a little corny but has been a real blessing for me. Give it a try. Just don't give up because the cold air is uncomfortable. Let your face get REAL cold and see if it doesn't help.
Good luck!!!