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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Went to the Dr
        
(Message started by: midwestbeth on Jan 24^th, 2007, 1:43pm)

Title: Went to the Dr
Post by midwestbeth on Jan 24^th, 2007, 1:43pm

Finally found a Dr who fully understands ch. I now have a plan written out by the Dr. To start:

Steroids to try to break my chronic cycle.

For Aborts:
Rx for 02
Samples of Imitrex shots and Zomig nose drops.

The Imitrex shot worked for me. The only side effect was about 1.5-2 hours later I felt as if I had a corset around my rib cage (very uncomfortable) for about 1 hour. I think I can deal with that.

If not better within 5 days, call office &:

Rx Indomethacin for prevent and it that does not work,
Topomax 25 mg to start.

Dr also talked to me about Verapamil, but he wanted to see how I did with the above first.

For anyone who lives in the St. Louis area, I recommend the Ryan Headache Center/ St. John Mercy Medical Center in Chesterfield. Their phone (314) 251-8892

Dr Banks spent 1 1/2 hours with me going over my health history, giving me a physical, talking to me about my ch & explaining every med including side effects. I have a written out plan by the Dr and I feel confident I have a Dr who knows and understands ch. I was not given any promises, but I feel I have a Dr who has a plan for my ch based on my health history. Ch are different in each individual and there will never be a one size fits all prevent or abort.

Sorry this is so long, but I want to let everyone know to not give up hope. There are Drs out there who understand and can help you. I'm one of the lucky ones. It only took me almost a year, but so many suffer for years being misdiagnosed needlessly by Drs who do not have a clue. (been there, done that) Don't give up!! Don't hesitate to fire any Dr who is not helping you.

PF wished to everyone and thanks for all the support.

Beth

Title: "Re: Went to the Dr
Post by RichardN on Jan 24^th, 2007, 2:36pm

Hi Beth

Wonderful news on finding a doc who understands CH . . . not always an easy thing to do.

Just make sure you get a 15lpm reg w/non-rebreather mask . . . . and order a Clustermasx as soon as possible . . . well worth the $.

When you get your 02, remember . . .use at the first sign of attack . . . minutes matter. Hopefully you will be able to abort most attacks with the 02 (takes a little practice . . . don't be discouraged if it doesn't work the first time) . . . .and save the Imitrex for the hits the 02 doesn't reach.

Make sure you notify your doc . . . today . . . about the "uncomfortable corset arround your chest". I cannot take Imitrex due to some arterie blockage and cholesterol. I also have not heard that symtom from most of the posts I've read from Imitrex users. While 02 constricts the blood vessels in your head, Imitrex also constricts the vessels arround your heart, so therefore if there is blockage, can be dangerous. Other Imitrex users please advise if I'm being overly cautious>

The best news is that you seem to have a doc who listens.

Be Safe, PFDANs

Richard

Title: Re: Went to the Dr
Post by Guiseppi on Jan 24^th, 2007, 3:06pm

No I agree with you Richard. I get the squirming snakes up the back from the injection site but have never had the corset around the chest feeling. That's a significant red flag to talk to your doc immediately about!

PS Damn glad you found a doctor, what a relief it is huh??

Guiseppi

Title: Re: Went to the Dr
Post by midwestbeth on Jan 24^th, 2007, 4:34pm

Called to Dr's office about the corset around my chest feeling and I was told that is a side effect imitrex in some people. I did remember the Dr telling me about it at the appt. Dr office did tell me to call if I felt I was having any side effects from any meds and I'm glad I did.

RichardN,
You are correct, we can never be overly cautious concerning meds and side effects. Thanks! Dr also gave Rx for non-rebreather mask along with instructions on how to use but I'm sure I will be on here asking questions anyway. I will be ordering clustermasx asap.

Title: Re: Went to the Dr
Post by froggy on Jan 24^th, 2007, 6:34pm

Glad to hear you found a doctor that will work with you. Between the doc and the support from this group, looks like you're on your way to the magical mystery tour.

great luck!
froggy

Title: Re: Went to the Dr
Post by sandie99 on Jan 25^th, 2007, 8:08am

Beth, that's great! :)

PFdays,
Sanna

Title: Re: Went to the Dr
Post by JohnM on Jan 28^th, 2007, 4:11am

Hi Beth

I am so glad the trex inj worked for you - I was sure it would ;)

Your other GP is an idiot for not prescribing it for you before now, and I am pleased you have finally found a Dr who understands.

As for the tight sensation in your chest, I think this is quite common. The first few times I used the inj I got a similar sensation. After using it a few times I did not get this again. I think it may be just a physcological reaction to the shrinking of the blood vessels which you will get used to - a bit like the first time on a roller coaster [smiley=huh.gif]

Hope you find a way to live with this until the cycle ends - very soon hopefully

John

Title: Re: Went to the Dr
Post by FramCire on Jan 28^th, 2007, 9:29pm

This is great news and a great post. Thank you. I live in Southwest missouri where we also have an excellent Headache Care Clinic in Springfield. I had a similar experience even though I had not struggled with doctors before I went, having a headache specialist who has Ch patients is invaluable.

Good luck and ask tons of questions.

PFDA!!