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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Neuro rant
        
(Message started by: big_guy on Aug 26^th, 2006, 8:59am)

Title: Neuro rant
Post by big_guy on Aug 26^th, 2006, 8:59am

Sorry to rant but I need to blow off some steam. I have been mostly satisfied with my GP's treatment of CH, but he wanted me to see a neuro. Went yesterday, he looked at me and said "what's going on?" When I told him "I have CH" it was all over. He listened to a brief history (about 1 minute) did a cursory exam. Follow my finger, touch your nose, etc. He then looked at the meds I am on, said 560 mg of Verapimal is about the max I could take, said if things got worse he might add Topamax, and told me to taper off the prednisone, (I knew that) then said come back in 6 weeks. Less than 10 minutes total. What a total waste of time and money. My GP spent 45 minutes with me the first trip for CH. and seemed genuinly interested in giving me the best treatment, but he also sent me to this idiot.

Sorry to rant but I needed to get this off my chest

Big Guy

Title: Re: Neuro rant
Post by Charlotte on Aug 26^th, 2006, 10:26am

I'm so sorry. It is a crap shoot.

Did your guy poke you in the face and all over with a pin?

I lucked out this time and after the guy finished writing, he actually looked up while I was getting hit. I had asked him if he wanted to look at me - it would have been faster than answering the questions, but he said it wasn't necessary. He asked a lot more questions after he looked up. He actually helped me.

Charlotte

Title: Re: Neuro rant
Post by TimJohnson on Aug 28^th, 2006, 1:21am

My neuro has the bedside manner of a friggin toadstool. I go in twice a year for med updates for about five mins. Other than that - prefers phone calls. Can you believe that?

Title: Re: Neuro rant
Post by big_guy on Aug 28^th, 2006, 6:48am

Saddly I can believe it. I am just going to ask my family Dr to treat my clusters. He was much more interested and helpfuf.

Big Guy

Title: Re: Neuro rant
Post by BarbaraD on Aug 28^th, 2006, 7:01am

I fired several neuros (very loudly I might add) because they didn't have a damn clue.

Went back to my GP and told him that WE would treat me cause those idiot neuros didn't know anything. We did this for a while and then about ten years ago he "snuck" a neuro in on me and I lucked out. Been with this one ever since.

So sometimes it just takes sifting out the riffraft to get to the ONE.

Hugs BD

Title: Re: Neuro rant
Post by chewy on Aug 28^th, 2006, 8:36am

CH is not all that mysterious anymore that a GP can't treat a sufferer.

There is plenty of valid treatment options anyGP can access to guide him. Short of that there is always copy, print, and deliver info from this site and bring it to him.

Personally I have the dream neuro but I dont use him much anymore. I have a GP that is more accessable and is willing to listen and prescribe.

Title: Re: Neuro rant
Post by Bond007 on Aug 28^th, 2006, 12:13pm

I'm sorry to hear about your awful experience big_guy. That really sucks! I was fortunate in finding my neuro. The guy was actually my wife's neuro so I had the opportunity to get to know him before I made my first appointment. He spent a full 45 minutes with me, went over all the treatment options that I'd read about on this board and decided to go with Topamax first since I was already on it at the time. (My GP had started me on it several months before.) I guess I got lucky right out of the box.

If you don't like the guy, don't go back, or ask your GP to suggest another one. And, let your GP know that you're only going for a consultation -- a chance for you to also interview the neuro. There are so many docs out there today, you shouldn't have to settle for one that you're not comfortable with or one whom you don't or can't trust. You deserve better health care than that!

Title: Re: Neuro rant
Post by Charlotte on Aug 31^st, 2006, 8:59am

We are supposed to be able to communicate with dr.s & neuros, labs, etc, with Kaiser by email. My doc has been good. The doc said he can answer my general questions, but I should ask the neuro the specific questions.

The neuro, in response to 2 emails regarding questions about what is happening with the medication & future plans, replied to email #1 to continue the plan and he is looking forward to seeing me in 5 weeks, and email #2 to see email #1. And this guy was a major improvement over the other neuro.

So I am keeping what works & to hell with the rest. I will have to keep the doc apprised of the fact the neuro shined me on, and ask him for future help, all in an unnaturally tactful way.

Charlotte