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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> advice?
        
(Message started by: nools on Sep 24^th, 2006, 11:46am)

Title: advice?
Post by nools on Sep 24^th, 2006, 11:46am

Hi, just need a little bit of advice.

Ive come to end of my cycle now i think (i hope). This one has lasted 8 weeks and im really thankful it was ONLY 8 weeks compared to some of you. havnt had a hit since Thurs and that was only kip 5/6. Havent felt any shadows since then so hopefully im going to be pain free for a while (normally a year or so in my case) and plan on making the most of it!!

The thing is that ive been referred to a neurologist and have my appointment in 3 weeks time. Is there any point in going if Im not in the middle of a cycle? will they be able to do anything or find anything? should I cancel and wait till my next cycle or should i keep appointment? Any help with this would be great. I would just feel awful if i waste their time.

I feel for all of you who are still in excruciating pain and I will still stay here to support those who need it. Just remember - there is light at the end of the tunnel and it feels great!!!!! I never thought id see the end but I have!

any advice on above questions would be appreciated.

Nools.

Title: Re: advice?
Post by brewcrew on Sep 24^th, 2006, 12:01pm

Absolutely! Go! Have your neuro help you build up your arsenal before the next assault. Plus, you get your chart started and your neuro has something to refer to when you call. Also, mention that you'd like to have your next appointment when you're in cycle, but you obviously don't know when that will be. Ask if you can call when it starts and schedule something very soon thereafter.

Bill

Title: Re: advice?
Post by Yorky on Sep 24^th, 2006, 12:17pm

The thing is that ive been referred to a neurologist and have my appointment in 3 weeks time. Is there any point in going if Im not in the middle of a cycle? will they be able to do anything or find anything? should I cancel and wait till my next cycle or should i keep appointment? Any help with this would be great. I would just feel awful if i waste their time.

honestly nools. if you only have your cycle for 8 weeks,then i can only say, it took me 13 weeks before i got to see a neuro...i would strongly urge you to keep your appointment.
but take all the information that you can gather...if they are clusterfreindly(knowledge able) then you can prepare for next time(i missed an appointment..a few years ago, but at the time i had no diagnosis...the neuro had diagnosed/sinking face....artharitus to the jaw..etc..but the next appointment they made me wait 6 months) so pain or not....bloodywell go.

Title: Re: advice?
Post by Karla on Sep 24^th, 2006, 12:33pm

definetly go. Now is the best time because you are not getting hit you can think clearer now. Make sure you are able to describe the ha to a t to him. Make sure he understands what you have tried in the past and what you want to try in the future. Such as oxygen and verapamil and imitrex. May you express you want the shot or nasal spray of the imitrex because those kick in at about 6-10 min. The pill takes over an hour. Why suffer so long needlessly when there is medicine that can reduce the time of pain significantly. Good luck. You may want to print the list of <==medication survey to the left for an idea of what meds to try.

Title: Re: advice?
Post by nools on Sep 24^th, 2006, 12:36pm

Ive already been prescribed the imitrex nasal spray which works a treat but its the preventative meds now that i want to get from the neuro since my doctor didnt know enough to prescribe them for me. I will def keep the appointment and hopefully he/ she will understand and is clued up on Cluster Headaches.

Thanks for all advice so far.

Title: Re: advice?
Post by Bond007 on Sep 24^th, 2006, 1:16pm

I'd definitely go, too, nools. It took me almost 4 months to get into to see my neuro and I can't even say that he's done a whole lot of good for me. I'd go just to start to build that doctor/patient relationship. That's the first step anyway. If you find that you don't care for this doc, then you've got time to find another one before your next cycle begins. Definitely go!

Title: Re: advice?
Post by TxBasslady on Sep 24^th, 2006, 2:13pm

Definitely keep the appointment.

When your next cycle starts, at least you'll be able to get in to see him/her....without having to wait weeks.

It's always good news to hear when one is painfree.

Wishing you lots of good luck with your new doc..

Jean

Title: Re: advice?
Post by Barry_T_Coles on Sep 24^th, 2006, 8:14pm

Yep definately GO

It took me 11 months to get to see a Nuro & I wasn't going to miss out come hell or high water.

Kind Regards
Barry

Title: Re: advice?
Post by Jobette on Sep 26^th, 2006, 12:12am

Keep your appointment, but don't be so quick to say that you are out of the cycle. Don't get me wrong I hope you are but there have been times when I would get a break only to have to go through again. Good Luck! Oh yeah, you can't be wasting their time if you are paying for their time. ;;D

Title: Re: advice?
Post by chopmyheadoff on Sep 27^th, 2006, 5:09am

NOOLS - DID U GET REFERRED TO DR SILVER IN WARRINGTION ????

oops - sorry for the caps but i cant be bothered to re-type 8)

Title: Re: advice?
Post by LeLimey on Sep 27^th, 2006, 8:11am

Nools I wouldn't let that chop creature get away with shouting at you like that - have at him with a wet lettuce!

Don't forget about the meet and greet on the 16th. Invite your doctor and your neuro if you like, the more the merrier and I'm always up for a spot of educating doctors! ;;D

Title: Re: advice?
Post by burnt-toast on Sep 27^th, 2006, 8:37am

Keep the appointment.

Your doctor will need to understand the specific symptoms and cycles associated with your CH if he/she is going to provide effective treatment and recognize potential changes in your condition.

The appointment will provide opportunity to develop a working relationship with your doc. Go there with a mission - provide the doc. with what you believe is important information and be prepared with questions that will provide you with information to research between cycles.

Its not a wase of time if you both get a little more prepared for the next cycle.

Best wishes,

Tom

Title: Re: advice?
Post by Giovanni on Sep 28^th, 2006, 7:18am

I go at least once a year to keep up the scripts whether in cycle or not. My files look like they're about 5" thick now.

John