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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Desert Rat to the Neuro
        
(Message started by: Phil the Desert Rat on Jan 18^th, 2006, 7:07pm)

Title: Desert Rat to the Neuro
Post by Phil the Desert Rat on Jan 18^th, 2006, 7:07pm

Had my first appt with the neuro today. After what felt like a cross-examination, he confirmed what I had already been told: CH. I was glad of his exhaustive questions, because my GP's diagnosis seemed pretty immediate. At least now I know.

Had closed MRI done today. Didn't realize it was such a confined space. Never been claustrophobic, but that was slightly unnerving. I guess I was a little weirded out by the thought of blasting my tender, battered brain with magnetic fields that make certain body jewelry chatter. The Hannibal Lechter mask was a nice touch, too.

Upped the verapamil to 960 mg per day. He told me to throw the Cafergot away. He put me on Imitrex spray (I've read that many of you have found success with this). He was hesitant about the O2, wanting to give the imitrex a try first.

PF days, all, and find something to grin about!

--Phil

Title: Re: Desert Rat to the Neuro
Post by E-Double on Jan 18^th, 2006, 7:23pm

I just don't get why doctors will gladly give a medication yet quip at Oxygen.

glad he had somewhat a clue but go get O2

Title: Re: Desert Rat to the Neuro
Post by Not4Hire on Jan 18^th, 2006, 7:41pm

on 01/18/06 at 19:23:39, E-Double wrote:

I just don't get why doctors will gladly give a medication yet quip at Oxygen.

glad he had somewhat a clue but go get O2

hey EE... follow da money. That neuro probably gets a tasty kickback from Glaxo for all the 'trex scripts he writes. Hell, air is practically FREE....

and RAT: do not let yourself get on the Rebound Train with Imitrex if you can get some relief with oxygen. Read up and MAKE yer doc prescribe the O2...

good luck....Steve(notfer)

Title: Re: Desert Rat to the Neuro
Post by maffumatt on Jan 18^th, 2006, 8:09pm

Phil O2 is O2. If you are useing insurance the O2 will go against your deductable. Mine being 1500 bucks. The O2 you get from places like LinCare costs around $250 a month. You can go to a welding supply company and rent a bottle for a year and it will cost around $99 a year with $15 dollar refills. Do the math. I get my O2 for work at a company called airgas, its awful damn funny that I see their truck at lincare at least once a month.
Matt

Title: Re: Desert Rat to the Neuro
Post by RichardN on Jan 18^th, 2006, 8:44pm

GET THE OXYGEN! And save the Imitrex for the attacks the 02 doesn't reach. You can kill the beast in minutes especially if used early-on in the attack.

How many attacks a day/night are you having? How many Imitrex prescriptions will he/insurance allow you?

My "E" tanks (the 3' tall tanks you see in the little carts all over the hospitals and in every doctor's office) cost $10 per refill (I keep seven tanks - - - no extra charge for multiple tanks . . . . and get my refills when I'm down to two full tanks)

PLEASE copy the 02 info and take back to the doc . . . . tho' it doesn't always work for everyone, it works for most of us, most of the time.

Be Safe, PFDANs

Richard

Title: Re: Desert Rat to the Neuro
Post by Phil the Desert Rat on Jan 18^th, 2006, 9:30pm

Thanks, all. I have my followup with the neuro and the GP in 2 weeks. I'll demand the O2 then. I'm good with the insurance, so luckily that shouldn't be an issue. Have printed out the O2 info to take with me. It is compelling, the number of you for whom O2 works. Thanks again.

Phil

Title: Re: Desert Rat to the Neuro
Post by zwibbs/Scott on Jan 19^th, 2006, 9:57am

Re: Desert Rat to the Neuro -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ATABOY-DESERT RAT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!