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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Find the RIGHT doc....
        
(Message started by: BarbaraD on Jun 6^th, 2006, 8:11am)

Title: Find the RIGHT doc....
Post by BarbaraD on Jun 6^th, 2006, 8:11am

Lately I've been reading so much about people having trouble with their Primary Docs.

For goodness sakes - Interview your doctor. He's PRACTICING and doesn't know everything. Find one who's willing to LEARN about CH.

According to my Primary doc (who is wonderful by the way), in med school they just got a "little" learning on headaches, and a lot has changed since he was in med school. He remembers "histamine" headaches being discussed, but over the years I've given him all that I know on CH and he's listened to me. If I call and need something, he's there for me. He's watched me go thru a hit and knows when I say I need something I DO!

But to just go to the doc and let HIM/HER TELL you things and not speak up for yourself is not the way to get help. YOU have to be a part of the solution. YOU know how you feel - the doc doesn't. YOU know what you need (if you've read the boards) - the DOC is PRACTICING!

If you find a doc who knows EVERYTHING - get OUT immediately and find another one.

But I'm serious as a train wreck about this one -- INTERVIEW the doc and find out if he/she is willing to listen to YOU. If not keep looking until you find one who is.

My Primary doc is so willing to learn - he INTERVIEWED my neuro (after I"d refused to go to another neuro) and snuck him in on me. That was over 10 years ago and the neuro has been great also.

I guess what I'm trying to say is -- find a doc who gives a rip. You may have to go thru a bunch before you hit on the right one, but keep looking till you do. THEN you'll get the help you need.

Hugs BD

Title: Re: Find the RIGHT doc....
Post by pattik on Jun 6^th, 2006, 8:51am

Well said, Barbara. It amazes me how many people I know can spend hours or days or even months shopping around to get just the right outfit, car, house, etc. But when it comes to one of the most important things we spend money on, our health, we still treat it like we must take what we get without question. Medicine unfortunately has turned into a business, so why not treat it like the business it has become and be discerning shoppers?

Title: Re: Find the RIGHT doc....
Post by MJ on Jun 6^th, 2006, 11:23am

Well said Barbara and Pattick.

CH is and should be a customer driven affliction.
Many of us appear to have very differing symptoms and we dont allways follow textbook cases.
It is imperative to help direct your own treatment and finding a doc who listens and shares is step one.

Title: Re: Find the RIGHT doc....
Post by drivin_blind on Jun 6^th, 2006, 12:10pm

Dr's can be intimidating. Just remember one thing. They are working for you. Not the other way around. You (or more likely your insurance co.) are paying them big bucks. If someone was remodeling your kitchen you would feel compelled to give your opinion. You are probably paying more to your Dr. than to the carpenters. Speak up! Demand to know. That's my .02

Title: Re: Find the RIGHT doc....
Post by The mad viking on Jun 6^th, 2006, 12:14pm

according to my GP here in Norway he told me some time ago that they have around 4,5 hours about general headaches in all the years they are studying?

WTF can you learn beside the names on the different headaches in "all" that time folks

Svenn

Title: Re: Find the RIGHT doc....
Post by dougW on Jun 6^th, 2006, 2:04pm

Well said Barbara.

Here's an interesting link to MedScape on MD training.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/508448

Now that is scary, especially the Neuro numbers!!

Doug

Edit: I jsut realized you have to register to read this at MedScape, though it is the full article.
the abstract can be found at this link:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=15985103&dopt=Abstract

Title: Re: Find the RIGHT doc....
Post by Charlotte on Jun 6^th, 2006, 3:35pm

I will always be grateful that you guys told me to change dr's.

The new guy cares. He is willing to have conversations by e-mail and read articles. He is even willing to disagree and then change his mind. Most importantly, he wants to help.

Charlotte

Title: Re: Find the RIGHT doc....
Post by BarbaraD on Jun 7^th, 2006, 7:28am

My PCP and neuro both visit this site occasionally. My PCP got choked up when I said nice things about him on here (I don't usually say nice things to his face - I fuss a lot).

But the thing is THEY CARE enough to see what we're going thru.

Hugs BD

Title: Re: Find the RIGHT doc....
Post by Bob_Johnson on Jun 7^th, 2006, 7:36am

Well said!
----------------
1. Search the OUCH site (button on left) for a list of recommended M.D.s.

2. Yellow Pages phone book: look for "Headache Clinics" in the M.D. section and look under "neurologist" where some docs will list speciality areas of practice.

3. Call your hospital/medical center. They often have an office to assist in finding a physician. You may have to ask for the social worker/patient advocate.

4. http://www.achenet.org/physicians/ On-line screen to find a physician.

5. http://www.headaches.org/consumer/index.html Call 1-800-643-5552; they will send a list of M.D.s for your state.I suggest using this source for several reasons: first, we have read several messages from people who, even seeing neurologists, are unhappy with the quality of care and ATTITUDES they have encountered; second, the clinical director of the Jefferson (Philadelphia) Headache Clinic said, in late 1999, that upwards of 40%+ of U.S. doctors have poor training in treating headache and/or hold attitudes about headache ("hysterical female disorder") which block them from sympathetic and effective work with the patient; third, it's necessary to find a doctor who has experience, skill, and a set of attitudes which give hope of success. This is the best method I know of to find such a physician.