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        New Message Board Archives >> 2004-2005 Getting to Know Ya Posts >> Hi folks, they're back again...
        
(Message started by: BikerBob on Dec 29^th, 2004, 8:37pm)

Title: Hi folks, they're back again...
Post by BikerBob on Dec 29^th, 2004, 8:37pm

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

Title: Re: Hi folks, they're back again...
Post by nani on Dec 29^th, 2004, 9:02pm

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.

Title: Re: Hi folks, they're back again...
Post by unsolved1 on Dec 30^th, 2004, 11:49pm

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" (http://www.clusterheadaches.org/resources/ins.htm)

Goodluck,

Unsolved

PS. Your doc or neuro should have sample injection refills. GET EM' !!

Title: Re: Hi folks, they're back again...
Post by BikerBob on Dec 31^st, 2004, 6:38pm

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...