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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Houston Headache Clinic
        
(Message started by: Trapp on Jan 3^rd, 2006, 8:45pm)

Title: Houston Headache Clinic
Post by Trapp on Jan 3^rd, 2006, 8:45pm

I was wondering if anyone has heard of or had any experience with the Houston Headache Clinic?

http://www.houstonheadacheclinic.com/

Sheena

Title: Re: Houston Headache Clinic
Post by Roxy on Jan 3^rd, 2006, 9:32pm

Hi Sheena,

I saw Dr. Matthew at the clinic for a few years. I finally gave up and went looking for another neuro.

He will give you all the triptans that you want, but he will not listen to you, and he stares down his nose when you ask him any questions. In his mind, he is the GOD of ch, and nobody should question or suggest anything to him.

He didn't believe me when I gave him my ch journal. He said no one has that many ch's. He then told me that botox would cure it. He wanted my 02 at 7lpm instead of 15. He also told me that one week in the hospital with a DHE drip would totally stop my ch's. I reminded him that I was chronic, might get some relief....but no cure. He didn't like me to talk.

Haven't been there in about a year now.....maybe they've moved forward in their treatment and taken some classes in how not to alienate your "paying" patients.

Roxy

Title: Re: Houston Headache Clinic
Post by Trapp on Jan 3^rd, 2006, 9:43pm

LOL

Thanks, I think that is how most "specialists" are, that's why I wanted to ask before I went.

So do you know any good neuros here?

Title: Re: Houston Headache Clinic
Post by Karla on Jan 3^rd, 2006, 9:44pm

Oh Roxy that is just terrible that you had to go through that. I went to a pain clinic in Madison, WI at the UW Hospital. It was verified I had tried everything except a couple of meds. We tried those and when those failed also he said there was nothing left to do but treat the pain and worry about quality of life. I tried over 35 different meds and as a last resort went on the duragesic fentanyl patch. I have been pain free for over 2 years now except for breakthrough migraines. Botox seems to work on my migraines(but not ch ) but my insurance started bulking at all the treatments. So I just use imitrex for the migraines and go to ER when that fails. I really would encourage you to go and try a different dr than Roxy. If you can't get a different dr don't waste your time going. Maybe try her current dr. if she is happy with him. Good luck and hope you find relief soon.

Title: Re: Houston Headache Clinic
Post by Mr. Happy on Jan 4^th, 2006, 12:51am

on 01/03/06 at 21:44:30, Karla wrote:

I really would encourage you to go and try a different dr than Roxy.

Once again, a doctor issue.....be it diagnosis or treatment. Houston/Matthews is well known......Matthew's is well published in the CH field.......was supposed to be part of the Zomig nasal trials. Proof again, you're your own best advocate. Knowledge is power, and power is the ability to search thru a bunch of Doc's accepted by your insurance plan that know what's what.
What a lot of patience is needed, as well as patients.
What a Crap Shoot this is.

What?
RJ

Title: Re: Houston Headache Clinic
Post by debs on Jan 4^th, 2006, 2:39am

Hi Sheena,

I went to the Houston HA Clinic about a year ago. As Roxy stated it was hard to get Dr Mathew to listen and to answer questions, but I found with some (a lot)pushing that he would answer, even if I had to follow him out of his office!

I have a feeling that he has seen so much over the past 40 or so years, that he doesn't have much patience for his patients, but more of an "I know what works, so do it" type of attitude.

However, he completely shut down my idea that a series of sphenopalatine nerve blocks that I had some years ago killed my CH for 19 yrs... I was ready to push for that one, because I just knew it had "cured" me. I think that treatment is out of vogue now, but I believe it was shown to be effective for some. I think if I had pushed for it, they would have tried it.

He has a partner now, Dr Seifert, whom I tended to deal with. He is young, hungry and interested, probably recently out of his residency (as of a year ago). I quite liked him, and will go back to see him if the need arises. He has the experience of Dr Mathew as backup if he needs it, and he always answered my questions, sometimes even chatted a bit, he prescribed the correct oxygen setup without my having to ask, and he always returned my calls the same day usually within a few hours.

The other thing I found was they were very good with dealing with my insurance company regarding getting enough meds. They wrote several letters with all the right words in them, and my insurance relented and paid up.

So in my opinion, if you're in Houston and if you can put up with some attitude, and push your ideas, it's worth a try, they do know a lot about CH.

Best,
Debbie

Title: Re: Houston Headache Clinic
Post by BarbaraD on Jan 4^th, 2006, 7:13am

I spent a week at Dr. Matthews Headache Clinic and the only thing I wanted out of it was ME! I thought it was a sausage factory. He was an arrogant bastard and I told him so. He had his "standard" treatments that were NOT working on me and I TRIED to TELL him what HADN'T worked on me, but HE knew better. Needless to say it was a waste of time and money. I wouldn't recommend him to my dog.

I understand he's good with migraines, but CH - no damn way!

Hugs BD

Title: Re: Houston Headache Clinic
Post by MJ on Jan 4^th, 2006, 1:17pm

Sorry dont know any docs in your area but....

Whats with these docs.

My favorite rant.

I run a non medical service/contracting business. On the other hand I contract to many medical companies and facilities. The first thing to learn is that you allways consult with the customer. They are the ones who know whats right or wrong, they are the ones who may know what has or has not worked in the past. They (the customer) are the key to any proper diagnosis or treatment no matter what business we are in..

The medical people expect this of us why shouldnt we expect this of them.

I have seen and let go many of the very best technologically talented individuals over the years, because they refuse to listen to the customer, thinking they know best. Invariably these guys will find something wrong but it has nothing to do with the issues they were called on to address.

If the doc doesnt listen then dump him.
Like the one guy above someone is allways hungry and willing to provide a better service to you.

Title: Re: Houston Headache Clinic
Post by Trapp on Jan 5^th, 2006, 1:42am

Thanks alot! Been there, done that, I'm not in a hurry to do it again. I think I will just continue to go to my doc, she's not a neuro, but at least she is willing to listen to me.

Thanks agian, and if anyone knows of any good neuros in the Houston area, I would love to hear about them.

Sheena

Title: Re: Houston Headache Clinic
Post by chewy on Jan 5^th, 2006, 2:02pm

Herbert Edmonson
Houston

Howard Derman
Houston

Ronald Wayne Hurt
Housto

LEONARD HERSHKOWITZ
HOUSTON

Philip Blumm M.D.
Houston

Title: Re: Houston Headache Clinic
Post by BarbaraD on Jan 5^th, 2006, 2:49pm

I'll second Wayne Hurt. He's at St. Joe's and is up on CH. He's also very concerned about his patients. I think he's doing mostly pain management these days. He did the surgery on me back in 99 (he's a neurosurgeon).

First time I saw him, he spent 4 hours with me with only one interruption and he kept apologizing for that one (it was like a minute phone call). Then he was late getting to the hospital to release me and he CALLED to tell me he was running late. I liked him.

If you can get in to see him GO.

Hugs BD

Title: Re: Houston Headache Clinic
Post by chewy on Jan 5^th, 2006, 2:56pm

Quote:

First time I saw him, he spent 4 hours with me with only one interruption

You talked for 4 hours?

Was the interuption was when the cardiac team came in to revive him? ;;D

Title: Re: Houston Headache Clinic
Post by seasonalboomer on Jan 5^th, 2006, 3:20pm

on 01/05/06 at 14:49:01, BarbaraD wrote:

First time I saw him, he spent 4 hours with me with only one interruption ...... I liked him.

You CH Hens are all the same, so easy to please. :)

Scott

Title: Re: Houston Headache Clinic
Post by Phil L on Jan 13^th, 2006, 8:27pm

Anybody have referrals for San Diego? My prime care has been pretty good so far, but he will be retiring soon and I'll need to find another, perferably in the VA system or UCSD.

Thanks, Phil

Title: Re: Houston Headache Clinic
Post by roomie on Feb 7^th, 2006, 2:44pm

I went to Randolph Evans at Park Plaza. He immediately diagnosed and new how to treat. With few exceptions, I have been pleased/impressed with his knowledge.

Title: Re: Houston Headache Clinic
Post by BarbaraD on Feb 7^th, 2006, 5:34pm

I talked to Wayne Hurt's son, Andrew, about a week ago and if I understood him right, Dr. Hurt has opened a clinic for CH and TN. You might check in the phone book (I forgot where the clinic was), but I would definitely recommend him for CH - he knows his stuff. And he CARES about his patients.

Anyone in the Houston area might try finding him. It's worth the effort. His son checks out this website == maybe he can give us some more information...

Hugs BD