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        New Message Board Archives >> 2002 Posts >> Diamond Headache Clinic
        
(Message started by: bart on Nov 7^th, 2002, 11:10pm)

Title: Diamond Headache Clinic
Post by bart on Nov 7^th, 2002, 11:10pm

in my last post i mentioned at the end that my neuro wants me to go to chicago. has anyone had much successs with this? i'm in a bad cycle right now and am seriously considering it. i've been going strong since the middle of july with no relief (2 per day, at least). don't know what to think.

Title: Re: Diamond Headache Clinic
Post by Charlie on Nov 8^th, 2002, 12:34am

I've never been to one of these clinics and I have my doubts. Most of them are awfully expensive and so far I haven't heard much good about any of them. Others may have better information.

Just my opinion.

Charlie

Title: Re: Diamond Headache Clinic
Post by OneEyeBlind on Nov 8^th, 2002, 5:34am

There have been a few posts on the Diamond Headache clinic on the board. Have never heard of any success stories though ... sorry. Do a seach and see what you come up with .... the stuff I have read is not encouraging.

Title: Re: Diamond Headache Clinic
Post by JanB on Nov 8^th, 2002, 9:12am

Hi Bart,

I went to the Diamond Headache clinic about 20 years ago. I hadn't been diagnosed as having CH. He told me they were from a histamine reaction and put me on medication for that (don't remember the name of the meds). I was given a list of foods that are triggers for migraines. To be fair I don't think much was known about cluster headaches then. I had been to several doctors and no one had come up with the right diagnosis. Anyway the diet or the meds didn't work for me, but I don't have much luck with preventatives. I have been seeing Dr. Kunkel at the Cleveland Clinic for the last 15 or 16 years. I still haven't found a preventative that works for me but I use Imitrex injections and oxygen and it seems to get me through the cycles.

Good Luck!
Jan

Title: Re: Diamond Headache Clinic
Post by NotH20 on Nov 8^th, 2002, 9:44am

Hey Bart - after four years of being undiagnosed (staring w/ CH in 1980), I went to the Diamond Headache Clinic back in 1984....that when I was finally diagnosed with CH by Dr. Seymore Diamond. I was only 19 at the time and was in great pain so I don't remember a lot of what happened - but he put me on O2, Lithium and Ergotomine (sp). That was the 1st for me on O2 and it was wonderful !!!!!!

I remember having to bring a suitcase in case they admitted me for various extensive tests.

Good luck to you - hope it helps you.

NotH20

Title: Re: Diamond Headache Clinic
Post by Karla on Nov 9^th, 2002, 12:24am

I am seeing a neurologist at the UW Headache/Pain clinic. It is not the Dimond clinic but the Headache clinic team approach is still there. They have phyciatrists, physical therapists, reg. drs, neuros all working together in a team approach. That way they can rule out other causes of your headache and the neuro can determine what you are suffering from and then work closely with your primary care dr telling him what is the best to perscribe. The neuro I see at the ha clinic has been able to come up with lots of medicines and higher doseges that my reg neuro hasn't thought of. I have felt the time and money to be well spent.

Title: Re: Diamond Headache Clinic
Post by Jackie on Nov 9^th, 2002, 1:16pm

Blake's doctor sent him to Diamond Headache Clinic. After a 15 minute interview with the doctor he was declared chronic. They wanted to put him in their hospital but wanted to make sure we had the resources to pay for the "treatment". After a couple hours we were sent to the hospital. Blake was put on IV's (histamine) for almost 2 weeks. They put him through every test they could think of from heart to mental to you name it. They limited his coffee to one cup per day and taught us a diet (for migrainers)
After the last IV bag was empty they sent us on our way. With a $20.000.00 bill. We thought that was fine if the "treatment" worked. I can't remember for sure but I think Blake was pain free for maybe 10 days. >:(

Our opinion.....Diamond Headache clinic is worthless unless you're looking to drop a bundle. They are very outdated with their approach to cluster treatment . You can do as well with your local GP and the information you print from this site and OUCH.

Like I said...this is our opinion and there may be others who had success with them....we did not. Maybe they have learned something about clusters in the last few years...they need to. :(

Jacks 8)

Title: Re: Diamond Headache Clinic
Post by rick on Nov 9^th, 2002, 2:12pm

They pumped me so full of medications- let's just say it was one of the worst experiences of my life. It made my condition significantly worse. I think I'd rather ride out a cycle than try that again.

-R

Title: Re: Diamond Headache Clinic
Post by soworried on Nov 12^th, 2002, 9:12pm

My dad started his cycle in August, we thought it ended in late September but as of two weeks ago its back. He was having 6 a night at dip 4-6 and then went to the clinical study at the Diamond Headache Center and now they are worse. He was put on some nasal spray that obviously is not working. Diamond Headache Center, not worth it.

Title: Re: Diamond Headache Clinic
Post by Mr.Happy on Nov 12^th, 2002, 10:21pm

My old college buddy from S.C. headed for the Chicago clinic this past Sunday. This should be his 4/5th trip, I think. He's chronic migraine. Different coctails each visit, from the sublime to the rediculous. Like I said, 4/5th visit. (?????????????????)
Often tells me about the CHeads he runs into at the clinic
and how they make him shudder with horror.

He's going back, but not happy about it. Again