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Title: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by SteveR on Nov 16th, 2007, 6:48am :o Hi to all I am a completely new member so please bear with me. The demon started last xmas and hasn´t let up for 1 day. Took months to diagnose (for a long time I was accused of being an alcoholic or drug addict!!), until finally I was sent for an MRI scan. I have been taking anti-epileptic & "vascular" drugs for months with no success and am now using Imigran (I think you call it Imitrex) and Zomig Nasal Sprays like there´s no tomorrow. Just returned from my Family Doctor (to get mountain of prescriptions which I owe my pharmacist) and he informed me that they may refer me to a psychiatrist as they dont know anyone who has suffered with CH as long as me!!!! I have appointment with Neurologist Monday 19th Nov. and am now wondering what he is going to say. During the times I´m between attacks I am active, sociable and love life. It´s only the pain which brings me down to earth. I can´t believe that this pain is something I imagine!! Because I too do the dance, head bang, scream, cry etc. etc. Has anybody else ever been "accused" of exaggerating or imagining this evil evil demon?? Any comments gratefully received. Good luck to all and thank you for being there. SteveR (I am English but live with my wife in Spain) |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by jimmers on Nov 16th, 2007, 7:23am Steve, Be careful when using the Imigran. It sounds like you use it a lot and using it to often can cause re-bound headaches. Arm yourself with info from this site when you see the neuro. Better yet, see if he will visit this site and get some information for himself. Sounds like a preventative may be in order for you, hopefully he knows about these headaches and will try to find something that works for you. Glad your here, but I'm sorry you have to be! Stick around, there are many people here with tons of experience dealing with these things. One word of advice though, don't dissapear on us if your HA's subside for a while or we will hunt you down and beat you with the oar your given ;;D Good luck at the doctor and let us know what happens. Jimmers |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by Annette on Nov 16th, 2007, 7:26am Try oxygen first, if that doesnt work, then consider the psychiatrist. |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by Kevin_M on Nov 16th, 2007, 7:38am on 11/16/07 at 06:48:06, SteveR wrote:
He is not showing a lot of knowledge so far of clusters, there are many of us here in the same boat, Steve, it's called chronic clusters. Quote:
It sounds like the preventatives he gave you weren't working or not prescribed in an effective dosage. Those two abortives you use are different triptans and shouldn't be mixed. Jimmers mentioned that overuse seems to increase frequency of hits. Your doctor did not prescribe oxygen as Annette posted. Quote:
This is one good idea. Maybe the neuro can straighten all this out for you. Quote:
Nothing at all unusual about that. No need for a psychiatrist, especially not for this: Quote:
It looks like doctor shortcomings are putting blame on you so far. |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by lorac on Nov 16th, 2007, 7:49am Steve Sorry to hear you are hurting..... go for the oxygen if you can. It works for most. good luck at the doc's lorac let us know how it goes. :) |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by BarbaraD on Nov 16th, 2007, 8:17am What anti-epileptic drugs were you using? And what dosage. O2 works for most of us as a FIRST resort. Also caffeine at the beginning of a headache (coffee or Red Bull energy drink). The Imigran will cause rebound headaches if used too often (as will most everything - be careful). Ice packs (or heat - we all react differently - your choice) sometimes help on the neck. Hot showers (or cold) help some people. And yes, there are a lot of us who have CH daily without let-ups. We're known as Chronics. Good luck with a doc who knows something about CH. Keep us informed. Hugs BD |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by schaan on Nov 16th, 2007, 8:53am i am relatively new at being diagnosed myself i use a combination of ALOT of caffine ( i calll it my mud mixture with various otc pain meds ( not good for the stomach though ) at the beginning of an attack) Im fortunate that i only have a cycle 3 or 4 times a year for 3 or 4 weeks. also i find that cool to cold air breathing it in is a big help. Im franticaly working with neuro and iins CO. to get on O@ as it seems to be miraculos. I feel a physicyatrict never "hurt" anyone, but as far as needing one for your CH I doubt it, just need the right treatment as im learning myself HERE ........ course you might need one from the effects and aftermath of ch Good Luck |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by Gator on Nov 16th, 2007, 9:00am on 11/16/07 at 07:26:26, Annette wrote:
If oxygen doesn't help see a psychiatrist? What the fuck kind of advice is that? Should everyone else here for whom oxygen doesn't work get their head shrunk as well? Chuck was put in a fricking loony bin because doctors didn't believe anyone could suffer as much as he does. Jonny was chronic for 30 years. BarbD, Donna, Pegg, and many others are chronic. I've been chronic since day one (primary chronic) and haven't had a break of much more than a day or so since it started. Many, many others here with the same story. Should we all get fitted for straight jackets? ICHD, 2nd edition, page 45, section 3.1.2 - Chronic Cluster Headache: Quote:
It seems that the doctors that actually know headaches already have encountered primary chronics to the point that they specifically mention them in the classification guide. I also see nowhere in this document that chronics or people who don't respond to oxygen should seek psychiatric help. Grrrrrrrr >:( >:( >:( |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by thomas on Nov 16th, 2007, 9:00am Great post, Kevin. |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by Ghost on Nov 16th, 2007, 9:31am NO! get treated for what you have and anyone that cant or dont want to believe how bad it is offer a suggestion to them... open car or truck door place eye against latch bolt, have friend jump at full force against door slamming head in the door with eye against latch bolt, then they cannot complain about the pain..... God I HATE YES HATE A55 PLUGS that dont know what they talk about. after they do that offer them 1 asprin. and tell them to do that 4-5 times a day every day for a year. lets see if they want to play anymore. See the neuro and get real treatment also get o2 you will thank the gods for it. Mike |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by vietvet2tours on Nov 16th, 2007, 9:34am on 11/16/07 at 07:26:26, Annette wrote:
http://www.virsci.com/images/inet_quack.gif |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by Karla on Nov 16th, 2007, 10:20am I am chronic as well. I used to get 8 hits a day lasting for 1 1/2 hrs each and all most all were level 10's. These ha are nicknamed suicide ha for a reason I think. I know that my quality of life was greatly affected by ch and I felt very suicidal because nothing was working to stop the pain as a preventative and I could no longer function. I was refered to a shrink who helped me over come my depression by putting me on an antidepressant. It made a lot of difference to me. At least I wasn't suicidal anymore and I had someone to talk to here about the chronic pain issues. This is a wonderful support network. But as far as seeing a shrink because they think it is in your head that is nuts! I would be looking for a new dr. |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by sandie99 on Nov 16th, 2007, 10:26am Steve, welcome to ch family! :) I'm glad that you found us. :) It's great that you have a neuro appointment coming up; read lots of info before you go - knowledge is power. Find out more about treatments - then you'll know what to talk about with your neuro. Having ch is not the end of the world; it makes life challenging at times, but there is life between hits. :) Whenever you'll need any advice whatsoever, your ch family is here for you, 24/7. :) Wishing you lots of PF time, Sanna |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by Guiseppi on Nov 16th, 2007, 10:33am Welcome to the club! The good news is there is lots of information on this board. The bad news is it is now your job to learn as much as you can about this condition and educate your physician. They get about 5 minutes of headache training in doctor school. Since this condition doesn't kill us and no big stars have started any telethons on our behalf it's a very overlooked malady!!! As far as the shrink, I encourage everyone on the board to have a close friend who monitors them. We all spiral down into mild depression over these things. Hell, they hurt....a lot!!!! Just make sure you have someone that'll nudge you into seeking help if it looks like you're not dealing well with it. Welcome to the club, I really hope we can get you pointed in the right direction and get you some rlief soon!! Guiseppi |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by nani on Nov 16th, 2007, 10:34am on 11/16/07 at 07:26:26, Annette wrote:
::) Hi Steve. Except for the above comment, you've gotten some good advice. Many of us have been accused of being drama queens and exaggerating our pain, but we know the truth. Arm yourself with info, and get some informed treatments from the neuro. pain free wishes, nani |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by Rosybabe on Nov 16th, 2007, 11:35am Hi Steve! Welcome aboard!!! Guys already gave you good info and I am just going to add a little more, stay away from the good Rioja and the great Cheese and the absolutely delicious smoke meats from that wondeful country you are in. Some of them are triggers and you are basicaly sorrounded by them, not to mention the constant Cigar smoke. When I was traveling Spain, I got some of my worst hits out of season for me :(, now I am more convinced that all the food and the smoky ambience and the great wine, brought those to me. I had a great time before and after the hits of course. It is just MHHO. Good Luck and don't let the docs treat you like a freak because you are not. Pain free wishes for you and say HOLA to your wife! Rosy. |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by artonio7 on Nov 16th, 2007, 12:43pm Day after day of unrelenting pain....that is more than enough reason to see a psychiatrist... just the stress alone is enough to break anyone. If you are prescribed o2 at 15-25 lpm and use it at the first onset of a cluster attack and use it properly with a clustmax and if this does not work to abort a ch... see a psycho therapist and another neurologist. When using o2 "PROPERLY" to abort a cluster headache... it works. The key is to use it correctly and to start using it at the proper time. We do have a member here... Chuck who was put in a mental health facility early in his history with ch and wouldn't ya know it... they put him there without ever considering offering him o2 first and showing him the proper way to use it. That in my opinion was criminal. Chuck is a chronic sufferer and has many attacks a day all year round. Before he began using o2 his life was intolerable... now that he's using o2 properly we rarely see him in here as he is out working round the clock. It's also interesting that lithium and depakote are used to treat cluster headaches... and these drugs are often prescribed by psychiatrists. with warm regards, Tony |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by Linda_Howell on Nov 16th, 2007, 1:42pm Hey Steve...I am laughing very hard at this statement your family Dr. made. You've had clusters since Dec. and he says you need a shrink cause Quote:
I've been chronic for 21 years. Some people here..longer. Last December is a drop in the bucket and CERTAINLY no reason for you to see a shrink. Really. |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by Jill on Nov 16th, 2007, 1:52pm Hi there... I think that many of us chronics have, at one point, been told either by a doctor or someone else that we are exaggerating or saying that it is worse than it is. I think that some doctors find this an easier excuse than to admit that they do not know everything. I also think that psychologists can be helpful when it comes to coping with chronic CH as it affects daily life in a huge way. But I do not think that you have to see one just because you have had CH for a year - I have had mine for five years and they have never let up. As to the comment that two have made regarding oxygen and needing to see a shrink - well that is so not right. I have tried oxygen numerous times with all kinds of masks and I have done it the ''right'' way and it does not work for me. It worked at one point and then stopped. That does not mean that I need to see a shrink or anything like that. While oxygen might be a great help to many, it does not work for others - just like every other medication out there. I was hesitant to write this hear but that kind of statement really bothers me. It is hard enough dealing with being chronic and having your life altered in many ways. Just my thoughts. Jill |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by ski2k on Nov 16th, 2007, 2:58pm Welcome to the nut house, Steve!! ;;D While O2 doesn't work for all of us, I'd say it does work for the vast majority. So it is certainly worth trying! It's fairly inexpensive, and has virtually no side effects (when used correctly). If your (sounds like) Chronic Ch is getting you down, than by all means, go see a shrink and talk about it! If you seem to be dealing with it pretty well without seeing one, then save your money. It's NOT all in your head! Well... the pain IS in your head, but you're not imagining it... You know what I mean! ;) This web site alone, in MY OPINION, is just as good as any shrink. Well... except we/it can't offer prescriptions when needed. But it's a super place to come and vent, ask questions, share experiences, and just talk. Also wanted to back up the energy drink/coffee idea. I use an energy drink with Taurine and caffeine in it, and that seems to knock the beast out within minutes! Drink it quickly at the first sign of an attack, and it just may help you too! Others use strong coffee, but I just don't care for it, so I use the E-drinks. Are you using the Imitrex (Imigran) nasal spray? Many people here find the injections work much better than the pills or spray. Just something else to keep in mind. Best wishes, and keep us posted! We'd like to know how things turn out! Adam P.S. Give your wife a big "thank you" for being there, and helping you cope with the pain. Our supporters suffer right along with us! Just think of how helpless she must feel when she knows you're hurting and can't do anything to make it stop! |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by Annette on Nov 16th, 2007, 5:15pm Steve The reason I thought you may consider seeing a psychiatrist is not because I believe you need one nor because the pain is only imaginary. From what you wrote I noticed 2 things: 1- You have been suffering for a very long time ( 11 months ) without even 1 day painfree. This can frazzle anyones nerve. Stress and chronic pain can compound on top of CH and make everything worse. Seeing a psychiatrist to check to make sure that psychologically you are still strong is worthwhile. 1- You doctor doesnt doubt that you have CH, he just isnt quite that experienced with it. He has tried to prescribe you as much medications as he could from anti-epileptic to vascular drugs to sprays. You have used these for months without a result. He has started to wonder if there is underlying psychological problems that may aggrevate your headaches and he wanted you to see a psychiatrist to rule this out. This is not unreasonable. One of our friends here was misdiagnosed and was referred to a psychiatric hospital before being diagnosed with CH and treated for CH. However, that was more than 20 years ago before people were more aware of CH. I dont think drawing parallel with that here is fair. You already have a diagnosis of CH, your doctor was just wondering why you have had 11 months of daily hits and wants to rule out other factors. Its not like you go to a psychiatrist now and suddenly your diagnosis will change from CH to something else. I also noticed that you havent tried oxygen. Its first line treatment for CH and it works so well for many. You need 100% oxygen at high flow rate and a non rebreather mask. You should try it because it may be just the answer for you. However do consider seeing a psychiatrist or even a psychologist at some stage. You may discover some stressful issues that may or may not have contributed to the situation now and gets help for it. If not you have proven to your doctor that there isnt anything else he needs to worry about and concentrate on finding the right combination of meds for your CH. Its good either way. Although CH is not a psych condition, it is well known that underlying or additional psychological problems do make it worse in some people. Prolonged stress going undetected and untreated can make CH worse. Depression and anxiety are very common in CH, as in other chronic pain syndromes. People often get worried about seeing a psychiatrist because of the stigma attached to it. They hesitate because they think seeing a psychiatrist means that they are crazy or somehow what they are experiencing is not real. That is not true at all, many people here do see psychiatrists and many find antidepressants along with other CH meds very helpful. Going to see one doesnt mean you need one, its simply ruling out possibilities. |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by cash5542 on Nov 16th, 2007, 7:57pm I am a supporter for my 22 yr old daughter. My first support job was for her severe asthma that really turned awful at 18. Psychiatric consults went hand in hand with the medical treatment. She worked on biofeedback and learned how to breath her way through an asthma attack while waiting for ER care. We learned how to stay calm when she wasn't able to breath!A few years later she developed CH. Her doctors were amazed how well she coped. I have no doubt it was what she learned from her psychiatrist as well as the support this board gave her. We have done family counseling too. Looking back at the last 5 years the purpose of all of the visits were to help us all deal with change in my daughters health. We hardly go now but when she is in a very high cycle (and she is chronic) it sure is nice to go in and cry my eyes out to him. He doesn't have CH but he does know how to counsel a person dealing with an adult child with not one, but two chronic illnesses. Family suppport at this time is so helpful. Just make sure when choosing someone they are empathetic to your needs. Good luck and go find some o2!!! Charlotte |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by Jonny on Nov 16th, 2007, 9:06pm Quote:
Yes, now stop talking to the voices in your fucking head and go see one! ;;D |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by Charlie on Nov 17th, 2007, 2:28am Welcome aboard Steve. I'm glad to meet you but sorry it has to be because of this horror. Seeing a neurologist makes sense. It did for me. In the mean time...... Quote:
I'm with Gator. The guy's an idiot Here is a technique that I learned from my neurologist....worked for me and some others: Dr. Wright’s Circulatory Technique: I am not sure what mechanism is triggered by this but whatever it is, at least indirectly helps kill the pain. I do know that this technique has nothing to do with meditation, relaxation, or psychic ability. It is entirely physical and takes some work. It involves concentrating on trying to redirect a little circulation to the arms, hands, or legs. Think of feeling your pulse in your hand. Increased circulation will result in a reddening and warming of the hands. The important and difficult part is that it has to be done without interruption through the pain. Do not give up in frustration. It may not work on the first try. Try experimenting between attacks. You will find that it gets easier with practice. Every now and then it will work almost immediately. I lived for those moments. I was given less than five minutes instruction in the use of method. The doctor, while placing his arm on his desk, showed me that he could slightly increase his arm and hand circulation. After several attempts, I was able to repeat this procedure and use it successfully. I have had about a 75% success rate shortening these attacks. My 20 minute attacks were often reduced to 10 minutes or less. Once proven that I had a chance to effectively deal with this horror, I always gave it a try as I had nothing to lose but pain. I used to try to imagine I was pushing blood away from my neck into my arm. Use your imagination. There is one man who wrote that his standing barefoot on a concrete floor shortened his attacks. This may be similar as it draws some circulation away from the head. Cold water, exercise, or anything affecting circulation, seems to be worth a try. My suggestion is to not let up immediately when the pain goes. Waiting a minute is probably a good idea. So long as you do not slack off, this has a chance of working. This technique is very useful while waiting for medication to take effect or when none is available. It costs nothing, is non-invasive, and can be used just about anywhere. It is not a miracle but it helped me deal with this horror. It can be a bit exhausting but the success rate was good enough for me and a cluster headache sufferer will do just about anything to end the pain. It gives us a fighting chance. Charlie |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by purpleydog on Nov 17th, 2007, 5:40pm on 11/16/07 at 07:26:26, Annette wrote:
This is the most ridiculous advice I have ever heard. Annette, you really need to stop trying to practice medicine here or anywhere else, IMO. He doesn't need a shrink, he needs a good neurologist. I am chronic too, and have been for several years now. Not once has my neuro ever told me to see a shrink due to it. Chuck WAS put in the fucking loony bin for a long time, for the same damn reason. They didn't think it was possible for anyone to have CH this long. Do you have ANY idea what that stint in the crazy house did to Chuck? Annette, you have never met Chuck, but he is one of the kindest people I know. Know what else? I can see in his face what it did to him. He gets hit more often and more intensely than almost any other CH'er I know. Steve... first of all, welcome to the family! Please, before you consider going to see a psychiatrist, read, and print out the info in the tabs to the left. Take it with you to the neuro. There is some excellent info on oxygen, which is a great abortive for most people. Gator has some excellent links on O2, and also for ways to handle the beast that you can print off and take to your neuro. In the tabs to the left, there is a link to the OUCH website, they have great info too, so read as much as you can, and print off what you need to take to your neuro. He may not have that much knowledge about clusterheadaches, and the info may be informing to him too, and may help him to start you on a preventative. Be careful with the Imigran and Zomig. They are both "triptans", and will abort a headache, but first, never mix them, and don't use one within 24 hours of using the other. Also, the Imigran can give you rebound headaches if you are using it daily, so be careful. Caffeine in high doses, like really strong coffee, Red Bull and other energy drinks, slammed down at the first sign, work as abortives too. You've gotten some good advice here. Please let us know how it goes. And try not to worry too much. You've been fighting these things for almost a year. Having CH makes you strong, the people on this board are some of the strongest people I know. So, hang in there. And ask questions. We're here for ya. Chris |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by Jonny on Nov 17th, 2007, 6:46pm on 11/17/07 at 17:40:32, purpleydog wrote:
You should crack a book on meds........where is your advice better than others?.....are you a doctor?....Anettte is!......LMMFAO! ;;D |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by black on Nov 17th, 2007, 7:52pm Quote:
hi steve it was a good step to have an appointment with a neuro.forget all this about shrink.i ve been in lots of neuro and outside their office says neurologist-psychiatrist mr blabla.nobody studies only neurologist.its through their studies for psychiatrist.so this question will vanish as soon as u get in his office and then discuss what u really need which is a meds treatment o2 or whatever both of u think its best.if ur family doc diagnosed u with ch i admire him because he saved u from a lot of time but now its time to pick a neuro whose ch and headaches generally are in his field. as for the word shrink doesnt exist anymore.with biochemistry,mri and i dont know what else any picture we had 2 decades before is a lot different than today. pf wishes (forget about the accusations its ur pain not theirs) |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by Annette on Nov 17th, 2007, 9:45pm on 11/17/07 at 17:40:32, purpleydog wrote:
Chris You and everyone else here, including me are welcome to our opinions. This is DeeJ's board, if he is unhappy with whatever anyone posts here he will delete it. If he doesnt want a particular person to be here he will delete the profile. Until DeeJ tell me otherwise I am as welcome here as anyone of you and I will say what and when I see fit. I am not practising medicine here and regarding me practising anywhere else, its not up to you to comment so STFU about that. Whether or not Steve need or wish to see a psychiatrist, its up to him. We all give him our thoughts, he is the one with the final decision. |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by Kevin_M on Nov 17th, 2007, 10:08pm on 11/17/07 at 17:40:32, purpleydog wrote:
It does seem a mystery to me how, with 23 prior posts before this, one sentence was, in your opinion, identified as "trying to practice medicine". |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by purpleydog on Nov 18th, 2007, 12:39am on 11/17/07 at 21:45:56, Annette wrote:
Interesting post, Annette. The very first thing you say is this: Quote:
Then you turn around in the next line and say this: Quote:
Don't be a hypocrite, Annette. And stop running home to DJ every time someone tells you something you don't want to hear. Touched a nerve, did I? "regarding me practising anywhere else, its not up to you to comment so STFU about that." ... "STFU about that" ... hmmmm. Is there something you're not telling us? In your other long winded post in this thread, trying to validate the reason why you said to see the psychiatrist... I'm curious. Why are you telling Steve what his doctor is thinking, and what a shrink would think as far as his case goes? I don't recall you saying you had spoken to his doctor about his case. ::) ::) Please, EXCUSE me, Doctor Annette, if I offended you, that certainly wasn't my intention. ::) ::) But keep in mind... as you said... I will say what I want, when I want. |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by purpleydog on Nov 18th, 2007, 12:54am on 11/17/07 at 22:08:02, Kevin_M wrote:
Kevin, Annette says she is a doctor. Therefore, she tries. IMO I strongly disagree with anyone who claims to be a medical professional dispensing medical advice outside of a clinical setting. |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by Jonny on Nov 18th, 2007, 2:04am on 11/17/07 at 22:08:02, Kevin_M wrote:
LMAO, Kev.....your right! No one even blinked at my post. on 11/16/07 at 21:06:49, Jonny wrote:
It seems Chris has a bug up her ass for Annette. |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by Gator on Nov 18th, 2007, 2:09am Quote:
Yep, sounds like he needs a shrink real bad. ::) Imagine a clusterhead loving life between the hits. Gotta be something wrong with him. I agree with Kevin that it sounds like the doctor is trying to pawn off his lack of knowledge onto some other doctor at the expense of the patient. Steve, study up on the diagnosis and treatment of CH. You may have to teach the docs there a few things before it's all said and done. Here are a few links to get you started: http://216.25.100.131/ihscommon/guidelines/pdfs/ihc_II_main_no_print.pdf Cluster headaches start on page 44. http://www.ihs-classification.org/en/ http://www.ouch-us.org/chinfo1.htm http://www.plainboard.com/ch/chtherapy.pdf http://www.maplefallswebdesign.com/misc/oxygen/oxygen.htm http://www.headaches.org/consumer/topicsheets/oxygen.html http://www.chhelp.org/mhni.html Good luck with the neurologist. Mike |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by Kevin_M on Nov 18th, 2007, 7:32am on 11/18/07 at 00:54:46, purpleydog wrote:
Since I reiterated part of her sentence, I must be trying to emulate a doctor. |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by AlienSpaceGuy on Nov 18th, 2007, 7:48am |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by Kevin_M on Nov 18th, 2007, 8:07am Associate of Arts Psychology Associate of Applied Science Accounting. |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by Melissa on Nov 18th, 2007, 8:29am OMG Ueli, I loved this sentence! "If you want to study the behavior of rats or pigeons, there are no significant ethical limitations – you can kill them, you can cut them up, you can dress them out in EEG probes while they play violent video games, no one will complain." btw: Wouldn't therapy be better for the depressive aspect of CH's? |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by cash5542 on Nov 18th, 2007, 9:06am When we hit a block with Lisa's asthma the psychiatrist reccomended paxil. She concluded it must be anxiety based because all of the prednisone she was on should have stopped her asthma. I refused it and said I thought we should keep looking for an answer. It turned out Lisa is totally allergic to dairy of any form. Once she got the dairy out of her life, the asthma improved and she was able to get off 16 continuous months of prednisone. It seems when a doctor can't find an answer, it's easier to asume it's something emotional. Just like nuerologists, there are plenty of psychiatrists out there that don't help and throw their hands up too soon. But if you find a good doctor/psychiatrist combination you really cover all of it. The key is to find a good one and not to be afraid to seek until you find it. Charlotte |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by Sean_C on Nov 18th, 2007, 10:29am When I was a kid, I had an ER doc pull me aside after doing all of the standard medical testing that came back all normal, and tell me, and I quote "I think its your conscience, did you do anything bad today" But putting the past behind me, I still have CH, and I see absolutely nothing wrong with psych therapy, it won't stop your CH, but it'll help clear out your head, and maybe you'll stop pulling the wings off the flys. Hope for the best, expect the worst. Cheers [smiley=me&mb.gif] Sean........................................ |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by nani on Nov 18th, 2007, 10:47am Just to be clear... Steve's dr suggested he see a psychiatrist because he didn't believe he could be hurting so bad. A psychiatrist deals with mental illness, therefore his dr was implying that he was mentally ill. A psychologist deals with emotional troubles using therapy. They can't prescribe meds or even diagnose mental illness. If Steve were having any emotional issues due to CH, he would be best served by seeing a psychologist for therapy. He isn't. Nor is he mentally ill. Any dr worth their salt knows the difference. ::) |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by rolo65 on Nov 18th, 2007, 11:31am I’ve been down this road personally and can tell you that it’s a good reason to extend duck hunting season to 358 days a year (I’ll let them have the legal holidays off so they can spend some quality time screwing up their own family). The dam doctors are just so used to sending you to a psychologist to cover their asses before they give you a open ended script for pain med’s. They fail to deduce the fact that pain med’s don’t work for CH, so it must be a preconditioned response to stick to their SOP. :-/ Don’t ever tell them if you feel suicidal from the pain because they will do to you what they did to Chuck. Go to a priest or call a hotline. I just kept reading support websites. I feel there is a big difference between pain and psychosis. If you are psychotic it’s a whole different story and it would behoove you to seek their advice. I just feel psychologists are the wrong tool for the job of helping with physical pain. Just imagine how your wife would respond to a psychologist telling her the pain was all in her head during child labor. She would probably maim them for life! ;;D On the other hand, when my brother went wacky, my mother and I begged him to go see one. When he finally did it was too late and he killed himself. By then he was so unstable that I knew it would end that way. I will always feel I could have done more for him but it really comes down to a choice he made, and I just have to accept it and move on. :'( My two cents anyway, Rolo. PS: phil_h would be the only one I would go see for sure! :) |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by Jonny on Nov 18th, 2007, 11:40am on 11/18/07 at 10:47:50, nani wrote:
Nice jab, are you and Chris a tagteam? |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by nani on Nov 18th, 2007, 11:45am on 11/18/07 at 11:40:06, Jonny wrote:
How do you know which dr I was referring to? Maybe I was talking about Steve's dr. Maybe I wasn't. Do you read minds now? |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by Jonny on Nov 18th, 2007, 11:49am on 11/18/07 at 11:45:22, nani wrote:
No, I just know that whenever given the chance, you, Patty, Chris and Bobw will take a shot at Annette. The rest of us have no problem with her......Hmmmmm! Why is it that its always the same four people digging at her? |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by nani on Nov 18th, 2007, 11:55am I respond the same way to anyone that gives bad advice. Please...come running to defend all the other people I've taken digs at. Funny, I don't see you doing that. Had anyone else said "Try oxygen first, if that doesnt work, then consider the psychiatrist.", you would have been all over it. Hmmm. |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by Jonny on Nov 18th, 2007, 12:07pm on 11/18/07 at 11:55:33, nani wrote:
Thats because Annette is the only one you have a hardon for, I never see you digging at anyone else. It dont matter what this kid says, you will have a problem with it. :P There you have it! |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by Charlotte on Nov 18th, 2007, 12:18pm on 11/16/07 at 06:48:06, SteveR wrote:
Yes, Steve, many of us have been accused of this being in our mind. Please document the pattern of the progression of pain and sensations, and the areas of your body they occur in, and document what meds and herb and vitamins, etc, you have tried and if they did or didn't work. Sometimes it is ch and additional headache types, so make sure you cover every thing. Write it down. Take it with you. At the very least, discuss verapamil, O2, melatonin, topamax. Good luck tomorrow. I will be thinking of you. You are your own best advocate, but we will all be thinking of you, too. Charlotte |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by nani on Nov 18th, 2007, 12:28pm on 11/18/07 at 12:07:31, Jonny wrote:
You must not follow my posting, because I dig at a lot of people. I really don't think I'm the one with the hardon. ::) Sorry, Steve. I din't mean for your thread to get hijacked. I'm done now. |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by purpleydog on Nov 18th, 2007, 1:04pm on 11/18/07 at 11:49:45, Jonny wrote:
Why do you think it's only 4 people? Ohhhh, you mean the people who don't have a problem posting. The rest of who have no problem? Hmmmm? Speak for yourself. nani: Quote:
How true nani. Quote:
There we have what, Jonny? I see you have a hard on for nani about this, and I know you have a hard on about me posting to it. Why do you stick up for Annette? Is she not an adult who can take care of herself? What, are you two having a relationship, and you have to defend her? Oops, sorry, didn't mean to get personal with you. Funny, I don't see you sticking up for anyone else on this board. And "no matter what this kid says"? Please, if you're gonna complain, get it right at least. It was awful nice of you to run Michael, Unsolved, off the board, because you couldn't take the fact he was on disability for his CH. Funny how you compared yourself to being chronic for 30 years, and didn't mention that you have been pain free for many of them, to his getting seriously slammed several times a day for several years, enough that he was in the hospital several times a year, so you made it seem CH was a breeze for you, and he was a wimp who couldn't handle it. Oh, and the fact that the taxes you pay were helping to support him and his medical bills. Talk about digs. You dig at more people on this board than anyone else, and expect to be held in the highest regard. Give me a break. Steve, I also apologize for the hi-jack. Please let us know what happens with the neuro. Some of us really care. |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by Jonny on Nov 18th, 2007, 1:22pm on 11/18/07 at 13:04:27, purpleydog wrote:
Please explain how one "Runs" a person off a message board.....please do! on 11/18/07 at 13:04:27, purpleydog wrote:
Its funny that you know what is going on in my head....LOL ;;D The last time you posted about my head you said I complained of being hit ten times a day........I asked you to post the thread....you cant, I never said that, ever! Please feel free to make shit up as you see it, honey....LMAO! ;;D |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by Ray on Nov 18th, 2007, 1:33pm I wish we all could play nice.... Steve: My 2 cents follows... Cluster headaches are terrible things. They can provoke anxiety and depression, in fact they do so for me after 20 years. If those are issues for you, or there are others not mentioned, there is no problem to check it out. It "sounds" like your doctor is either not believing you, or your doctor is not that knowledgable about cluster headaches. In that case, I would seriously think about finding another doctor that you can work with. I've said my piece, regardless of what you decide, we're here for you and are hoping for the best for you. Ray |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by Melissa on Nov 18th, 2007, 1:35pm Can those who are arguing about shit that has noting to do with the original posters question please take it to PM? :-/ |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by purpleydog on Nov 18th, 2007, 2:34pm on 11/18/07 at 13:22:34, Jonny wrote:
Jonny, how many times have you told us that you have been pain free for how many years now? Due to your drug cocktail? I never said you were getting hit 10 times a day. What, you can't find the thread? That surprises me, especially because your comment was about drama. I'll remember that on your next "oh my gosh, look at how we are being suckered, lied to, illegal alien, Iraq War, rip off politician, drama, you tube posts. As far as running someone off the board, I'm sure I don't have to explain to you, of all people, how to do that. I'd pull up THAT thread, but DJ deleted it, didn't he? And you had to apologize didn't you. But you couldn't let it go. Keep up the good work. I continue to be impressed. ::) |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by Jonny on Nov 18th, 2007, 2:39pm on 11/18/07 at 13:35:12, Melissa wrote:
:-X |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by Maffumatt on Nov 18th, 2007, 3:31pm What a load......... |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by john_d on Nov 18th, 2007, 5:59pm The pain is not something you imagine, lots of people suffer for extended periods of time. Hopefully you can find another physician that takes what you tell them seriously. My sister is a nurse, I consult her before going to the doctor and she tells me the stories of the not-so-good doctors, some even ask the nurses what to do. |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by Charlie on Nov 18th, 2007, 10:36pm Quote:
No No Mel. They just need a little shaking up. http://www.netsync.net/users/charlies/gifs/slap.gif http://www.netsync.net/users/charlies/gifs/clobber.gif http://www.netsync.net/users/charlies/gifs/headhurts.gif Charlie |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by BarbaraD on Nov 19th, 2007, 6:45am IMO -- a psychiatrist or psychologist is NOT a bad idea for anybody (with or without CH). I've been to both and am NOT ashamed of it (sounds like a few here think it's a shame to go to one) - in fact they both told me I wasn't crazy and I got them to put it in writing and carry around my little cards with their signatures saying that! We all know depression goes hand in hand with CH - and if a little couseling can help overcome that - then I personally think it's worthwhile. (I know there have been times that I needed it back when I was getting hit 10-12 times a day and thought the sky was falling in on me!). A lot of us who are chronic have found our "magic" cocktail and are doing better than in years past and for that we're thankful, but there are still a lot of others out there who haven't been so lucky as of yet. I'm one of the "lucky" ones. I found topamax in 99 and have been relatively pain free (shadows at 3-5 count to me as "pain free days") but still hit "high cycles" so I consider myself episodic/chronic whatever that is. I don't think any of us can go thru this pain without having some kind of psychological hangups, so if we have a chance to get psychological or psychiciatric help (insurance paying for it) why not accept it? Basically that's what we're doing here - talking it out... And as my mama always said, "Advice is good - you've got a choice - you can take it or leave it!" Hugs BD |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by Gator on Nov 19th, 2007, 12:48pm Barb, I absolutely agree that there is a place for psychiatrists/psychologists in the treatment of CH, especially CCH. I saw a psychologist and am not ashamed of the fact that I did. It didn't help me, but then I was only allowed eight visits by the insurance company and could not afford more out of pocket. I honestly didn't think it was helping anyways, so I didn't push it. There are lots of good aspects about a message board support community. People from all over the world can interact and share their experiences, which has given us a greater understanding of our disorder and how to treat it. The anonymity allows people, who might not otherwise talk about their problems, to unburden their souls and that can be the difference between life and suicide. The one negative aspect is not being able to see the non-verbal clues or hear the voice inflection a person would normally have in face to face communications. Also, so much of how a person interprets a post depends on their own personal experiences and their frame of mind when reading the post. Because of this, we need to take a little extra time to clearly express our intended message. I can't say with any certainty what Annette meant in her first post in this thread, but I can say how it came across to me. (and apparently others) Right or wrong, to me it came across as: Either - 1. The oxygen works and you have CH Or - 2. The oxygen doesn't work and you don't have CH and are in need of mental help. Being a primary chronic myself and having heard the nightmare stories of people who were accused of being drug seeking mental cases, this really pissed me off. I won't get into the pro/anti Annette argument. I just thought it might help Annette and others see why some people took such offense to her first post in this thread. Edited for spelling. |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by Jimi on Nov 19th, 2007, 1:14pm Isn't it weird Mike that we read a post and get different interpretations. The printed word sometimes comes off different than the intent, sometimes not. I read it and what it said to me was (and if she had put it this way, it may have been taken better) Please try oxygen first before you even consider a psychiatrist. I am hoping that was her intent. :-/ |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by BarbaraD on Nov 19th, 2007, 1:35pm I'm with Jimi -- I didn't see anything but well meaning advice in the post. Right now, why don't we all just take it that way and try to get back on track.... Hugs BD |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by StrangeBrew on Nov 19th, 2007, 1:37pm on 11/19/07 at 12:48:16, Gator wrote:
I love doing that. ;) http://www.kayceehits.com/splash/img/relax.gif |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by Rosybabe on Nov 19th, 2007, 1:50pm so Steve how are you doing? I hope everything went well with the neuro. Please let us know you are ok and hanging there. pain free wishes! Rosy. |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by vietvet2tours on Nov 19th, 2007, 3:16pm on 11/19/07 at 13:50:35, Rosybabe wrote:
And he never returned. The end. Potter |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by Annette on Nov 19th, 2007, 3:28pm on 11/19/07 at 13:14:33, Jimi wrote:
Thank you Jimi. That was exactly my intent. English is my 4th language and sometimes I dont manage to explain myself succinctly enough. When what I posted upset Gator I reread it again and realised I hadnt said it very well so I went back in posting a much more elaborated post trying to explain more clearly what I meant. In no way that I would ever say that if oxygen doesnt work for you then you dont have CH or you are crazy. However that was too late, my second post was totally ignored and some people kept going back to that first post. I have no problem with people criticising what I post, it helps me learn how to say things better. Its when it turns into a personality assassination project that it saddens me. |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by black on Nov 19th, 2007, 3:39pm this was steve's first post.i guess in the second we ll have something like nuclear bomb or earthquake.well peace guys.dont forget we still have ch and others are supporters.just a reminder. |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by Gator on Nov 19th, 2007, 3:57pm DOH! [smiley=ohjez.gif] Good catch, Brew. Maybe my feet were hurting when I posted that? :P Jimi, you're right and what's more, the same person might read the same line different depending on whether he or she has had a good day or a bad day. We're definitely a complex animal. Barb, moving on sounds like a good idea. I hope we haven't scared you off, Steve. We fight and argue like any other group of people, but overall we are a very supportive bunch. All the bs aside, there is some really useful information here. I hope you can use it to educate yourself and your doctor. |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by artonio7 on Nov 19th, 2007, 3:58pm on 11/19/07 at 15:28:57, Annette wrote:
Oh come on sis... you know that no-one would ever stoop to such low-low-low-despicable-juvenile-assanien-hateful-nonconstructive-egocentric-anti-climatic- destructive-and non-supportive depths, here. I guess the important thing is that if one of us ever does come across that way, (sometimes we have really bad days and forget our manners) it's best to let go and let god. with warm regards, Tony |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by Annette on Nov 19th, 2007, 4:13pm Yes sir :) |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by chewy on Nov 19th, 2007, 6:17pm on 11/16/07 at 07:26:26, Annette wrote:
Glad your not my Doc. |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by Annette on Nov 20th, 2007, 2:25am on 11/19/07 at 18:17:11, chewy wrote:
Not as glad as me ! I would be the one needing a psychiatrist ! LOL ;) ;;D |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by chewy on Nov 20th, 2007, 10:27pm on 11/20/07 at 02:25:54, Annette wrote:
ROFLMAO! Your probably right. |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by Linda_Howell on Nov 20th, 2007, 10:34pm Quote:
With English as your 4th. language, you sure do have a really, really good understanding of the nuances and humor of the english language. |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by Kevin_M on Nov 20th, 2007, 10:41pm on 11/20/07 at 22:34:47, Linda_Howell wrote:
I think she's been saving and reading all of Chewy's posts at night by candlelight. But I'm not starting any rumors. ;) |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by Linda_Howell on Nov 20th, 2007, 10:47pm nope. More likely yours Kevie-poo. |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by chewy on Nov 20th, 2007, 10:54pm on 11/19/07 at 06:45:58, BarbaraD wrote:
I always took Moms advice. If I didn't I had to sit on the couch till Pop got home from work. If he walked in and saw me on the couch his first words were always "FOR CHRIST SAKES WHAT NOW !? " LMAO |
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Title: Re: Do I need a psychiatrist?? Post by Annette on Nov 20th, 2007, 11:07pm on 11/20/07 at 22:34:47, Linda_Howell wrote:
Thank you so much Linda for your compliment ! You have such a kind heart :-* HUGS |
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