Clusterheadaches.com Message Board


    
      
        Clusterheadaches.com Message Board
        (http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi)
      

        New Message Board Archives >> 2004 Cluster Headache Specific Posts >> Appt. With the specialist.
        
(Message started by: Redd715 on Apr 14^th, 2004, 2:16pm)

Title: Appt. With the specialist.
Post by Redd715 on Apr 14^th, 2004, 2:16pm

I went to see the specialist today...As I talked to her and answered her questions, we got down to the nitty gritty...

So here is where I am at. Continue the Verapamil... and the Lexapro...Because Imitrex injections have worked in teh past for the "migraines" (he he she agrees they were clusters back then too, just random...) she gave me 8 doses to start with. Even back then, sometimes it would take 2 doses to kill the beast, so she said that she is very lienient with the Imatrex in cluster cases as apposed to migrains. Said if it's working to abort and I'm outr before the weekend call and they will give me more...WOOOOOHOOOO! Also is starting Topomax in addition to the verapamil. We talked about side effects, and the tingling I'd rather have than a demon clawing it way threw my skull. Foods tasting bad...kewl I get to loose a few lbs...I'm not over weight but hey can never to rich or too skinny right? So I'm not rich....

Discontinue the imipromine....she's all for taking meletonin just said take the increases slow and easy she's had one gal take 18 mg and slept for 2 days straight. so lets see....that has me taking the two preventatives, the abortive, the anti depression, and the meletonin...I'm also to talk to the gal who runs the pharmisutical program there to get on that so I can get all my drugs, whatever I need in quantity free. Once I'm on the program, and if the Imitrex is iffy, I think then she will talk about 02. She said she wanted to wait on that for a bit. But I'm feeling heard, and not like a nut case....anybody feed back would be appriciated.

Title: Re: Appt. With the specialist.
Post by thomas on Apr 14^th, 2004, 2:26pm

Sounds like this person is willing to listen and help, hopefully you've found a keeper. ;;D

Title: Re: Appt. With the specialist.
Post by Margi on Apr 14^th, 2004, 2:26pm

Well, that's cool that you've found an understanding doctor, but I'm surprised that you're being prescribed Topomax so soon - it's more common for chronics to go on it. What dosage of verapamil? Sustained release or regular?

Too bad she wouldn't let you try oxygen as a FIRST line of defense instead of all those chemicals though. Did she address the anti-depressant with you and the fact that it can make things worse for clusterheads?

Please be careful with that Imitrex - that's great that your doc is lenient but...overuse can be VERY dangerous! Two full shots for one attack? Have you read DJ's tip about splitting the shots into thirds?

Title: Re: Appt. With the specialist.
Post by Redd715 on Apr 14^th, 2004, 2:49pm

Actually this specialist is the neruology dept Nurse Practitioner. But she is the specialist of the dept. for headache disorders. As I said, she wouldn't say chronic at this point, but the history of this threw her questioning me I belive is what pointed her to the Topomax.

As with the Imitrex, It worked in the past, so until I'm on the the med program, I'm assuming she's going with what has worked before.

As with the Imitrex no I didn't read his post about that. She did talk to me about using a self doseing vial rather than the prefilled kit. But I have no help here, and if I'm pounding my head on the floor, or the wall, I'm not likely to be able to fill a needle and be careful of giving myself a shot...lol. I'll have to go read the tip...see if thats used with the prefill...thanks for the advice.

Title: Re: Appt. With the specialist.
Post by no-one on Apr 14^th, 2004, 3:01pm

Redd,
I am so happy that you found someone [smiley=sayyes.gif]

I hope it all works for you

Title: Re: Appt. With the specialist.
Post by FZfan on Apr 14^th, 2004, 5:56pm

Redd, sounds like a good visit for ya. Doc is at least understanding and helpful.

I'm still puzzled at the hesitation to prescribe o2. What harm can it possibly cause? There are NO side effects! The worst that can happen is you breath pure o2 for twenty minutes and still have the headache. Then you can hit the imitrex. I agree with Margi on o2 as a first line defense.

Still, I'm glad you have something that will provide you with relief. Please don't give up on the o2 though. You'll never know if you don't try.

Title: Re: Appt. With the specialist.
Post by Redd715 on Apr 14^th, 2004, 6:08pm

As I said, I need to get into the med program first is why she's holding back on the 02 for now, as well as the imitrex is something I know has worked for me in the past with the "migraines" that weren't really migraines....lol.

Title: Re: Appt. With the specialist.
Post by FZfan on Apr 14^th, 2004, 6:14pm

I apologize, I didn't read your post carefully enough and missed that.

At least you got the imi to tide you over till you get the o2. Hope it works for you.