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Topic: Hi folks, they're back again... (Read 291 times) |
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BikerBob
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Hi folks, they're back again...
« on: Dec 29th, 2004, 8:37pm » |
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My cluster headaches are back again after a 4 year reprieve.
I had them every 2-3 years for over 25 years until 4 years ago. Now they're back. In the past, each bout lasted 3-6 months.
Back in the early days, I would end up in the E.R. several times per bout and they would give me a shot of Demerol. Then they switched to shots of Stadol (synthetic Demerol). Then I got prescriptions for Stadol nasal spray. Stuff I tried that didn't seem to work included Cafergot, Fioricet, Prednisone, Verapamil and Inderal.
Oxygen was my only relief until Imitrex came out several years ago. I used the miracle drug Imitrex and oxygen during the mid to late 90's during those episodes. My most recent bout was 4 years ago when I took Imitrex injections 5-6 times per week for 6 months. Then no CHs for 4 years.
A few weeks ago they started again and I'm now having Kip 7-8's every night.
I got prescriptions for Imitrex tabs and statdose cartridges. Walgreen's charges $193 for 9 50mg tabs and $158 for a cartridge of 2 injections. My Blue Shield insurance pays 80%, BUT they only cover one refill per month of 9 tabs and 2 injections.
My oxygen "H" cylinder with 10-15 lpm regulator and non-rebreather mask will be delivered on Monday.
From browsing the info on the left of this page I don't see much new in the last 4 years. Any other ideas ?
Bob
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| « Last Edit: Dec 29th, 2004, 9:15pm by BikerBob » |
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nani
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Re: Hi folks, they're back again...
« Reply #1 on: Dec 29th, 2004, 9:02pm » |
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Welcome back, Bob. Did you see the Imitrex tip on the left? That helps make it last. I hope you get some more ideas...and some relief. Have you considered the alternative treatment? Pain free wishes.
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Others may come and go, but MY power is MINE.
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unsolved1
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Re: Hi folks, they're back again...
« Reply #2 on: Dec 30th, 2004, 11:49pm » |
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Ask your doc to write a letter to the insurance company explaining that you require the injections and more of them. It has worked for others.
Check out O.U.C.H. for "Dealing with insurance companies"
Goodluck,
Unsolved
PS. Your doc or neuro should have sample injection refills. GET EM' !!
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| « Last Edit: Dec 30th, 2004, 11:50pm by unsolved1 » |
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BikerBob
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Re: Hi folks, they're back again...
« Reply #3 on: Dec 31st, 2004, 6:38pm » |
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Thanks for the advice, Unsolved1...
I just found out that the insurance will cover 80% of another refill of 2 statdose refill cartridges (4 shots) today even though it's only been 2 weeks since I got the last one, so I'm not yet sure how many shots they'll cover per month. They'll only cover 80% of one refill of 9 tablets per month, but I just found out that 100mg tablets exist ($195/9) and my prescription is for the 50mg tabs ($193/9).
I haven't seen a neuro in over 4 years and didn't like the last one and got new insurance and a new primary care doc since then. The doc who gave me these prescriptions is an internal medicine guy.
I'll get a referral to a neuro from the primary care guy on Monday; then get the samples, get the tabs prescription changed to 100mg, and have him deal with the insurance co. about the qty of injections I require. I'll also ask him about prophylactics and maybe try Prednisone again. Plus, my oxygen arrives on Monday.
Happy New Year...
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| « Last Edit: Dec 31st, 2004, 7:01pm by BikerBob » |
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