Posted by Margi on November 09, 2001 at 16:28:38:
In Reply to: 1st time poster - trying to learn more posted by Jack on November 09, 2001 at 16:15:54:
sorry you have a reason to find us, but glad you did.
First of all, chronic means that you will have been in a cycle of cluster headaches for more than a 12 months period, without more than a 2 week unmedicated pain free period. So, I don't think you have to worry about that.
There are some non-medicinal things you can try to relieve your pain, though. Probably the most widely used abortive here is inhaling oxygen. If used properly and early enough in an attack - for my husband, anyways - it will abort 80% of the attacks.
Next, a lot of folks here have experience relief by placing ice directly on the pain. A gel-filled ice bag or frozen peas or corn works just as well. Being pliable like that, it can mold to your face.
You may also want to try using Dramamine/Gravol to help you sleep, if the attacks are waking you at night. Benadryl also can produce sleep as a side effect.
If you can't get oxygen, sometimes strenuous exercise at the onset can abort an attack as well.
Hope you find some relief soon, Jack - pull up a chair and read all the buttons at the left.
Cheers
Margi