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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> RANT!!!!!!!
        
(Message started by: envirodefender on Mar 7^th, 2007, 4:29pm)

Title: RANT!!!!!!!
Post by envirodefender on Mar 7^th, 2007, 4:29pm

Well, I spent 8 hours at the Head Pain and Neurological Institute yesterday. The diagnosis was the same as 5 years ago. Chronic Cluster with episodic variant and migraine overtones. Basically, I'm screwed. >:( The Doctor gave me a new cocktail and some hope of a least a little relief. I woke this morning so excited, I couldn't wait to get to the Rx. So off I went first thing before the "The Rat Bastard" (my pet name for the beast) could figure out what I was up to only to run head long into obstacle after obstacle. First stop: medical supply store:
The o2, not covered and relatively expensive $100, but I thought, screw it, I'll find a way (rat bastard snickered)). Then I was told I'd have to wait 2 days to get the tank and mask (rat bastard started to giggle). Ok, nothing I can do about that, I'll wait. I've waited this long, whats two more days.
Second stop: Rx
Still pretty excited about the actual meds and the potential for some help.
Lithium: not covered, but not too bad $35. It's a bit more than I had hoped because I have other scripts unrelated to the head issue (shocking as that is) that are pricey.(rat bastard chortled).
Migranal Nasal spray: not covered...wait for it...$600!!!!!!! I audibly gasped and took a step backwards liked I had been kicked in the stomach (rat bastard fell over laughing hysterically, or was that me crying hysterically?).
After I pulled myself together enough to pay for the Lithium and stagger back to my car, I called my insurance company and the clinic. Insurance company (who clearly is owned by Rat Bastard) basically told me to piss off. The clinic said they'd look into it and try to talk to the insurance company, but that it would take approximately 3 weeks and they can't promise anything.
Honestly people, I have not been this depressed about my "condition" in years. I really thought I might be able to get just a tiny bit of relief after 15 years of this crap. I long ago gave up hope for a permanent or even long term pain relief. But I allowed myself to begin to hope that this time, just maybe, I could catch just the tiniest of breaks.
Hope dashed doesn't even begin to cover this.
I'm about done. Nothing ever helps, I just keep throwing good money after bad and for what? What is the freakin' point? I'm broke. I've spent all my money chasing after help that doesn't exist. Not to mention the fact that everyone I know thinks I'm a loon when I talk about it (which I try not to do, because...well you all know why).
I am soooo frustrated I could scream :'( Except that would make my head hurt even more! Anyway, sorry for the very long, very boring post. I just had to vent. See you around the board.

Title: Re: RANT!!!!!!!
Post by Kevin_M on Mar 7^th, 2007, 4:42pm

No oxygen yet?

Quote:

Migranal Nasal spray: not covered...wait for it...$600!!!!!!!

No surprise on the nasal spray price. Do you mean Imitrex?

Title: Re: RANT!!!!!!!
Post by chrisw on Mar 7^th, 2007, 5:00pm

I Feel so sorry for what youre going through. I cant believe youve hung in there this long. I know that I wouldnt have the strength that you have. You can take some solace in the fact that you are so brave(ha alot of good that does you right?). Only other sufferers understand your pain, and youve ocme to the right place to vent. :-[ :-[ :-[

wish you felt better,
chrisw

Title: Re: RANT!!!!!!!
Post by karma on Mar 7^th, 2007, 5:10pm

take a look here.
http://clusterbusters.com/faqlsa.htm
I had great luck with RC seeds.
Stock up on redbull or similar type drink and bang back a couple at the first twinge.

added: careful with the energy drinks if your taking verapamil, some have reported complications

Title: Re: RANT!!!!!!!
Post by envirodefender on Mar 7^th, 2007, 6:00pm

Hi guys, ok to respond to your questions: No O2 yet, I have to wait 2 days for them to order and receive it [smiley=huh.gif]
Nope, not Imitrex, Migranal. Dont ask me the difference.
I'm not currently on Verapamil, but have been in the past. Along with every other drug known to man and pharmaceutical company on the planet and a few off planet, I'm sure.

I've tried the Red Bull theory, and seems to stave off the crippling pain but only for a bit at a time, say 20 minutes or so before the rat bastard comes back. Which can be helpful. Especially if I'm somewhere that I'd rather not have them see the demonic version of the Snoopy dance played out.
I have to be careful with caffeine though. It seems in my efforts to get a handle on this snot nosed little rodent, all the meds have done some damage to the lining of my stomach ;;D Bonus for me! Cant even have a freakin' cup of coffee! >:(
Any other questions or ideas? I am seriously open to ANY and ALL.
Precariously close to the edge here, so what you all got, I'm open.

Title: Re: RANT!!!!!!!
Post by Chillrmn1 on Mar 7^th, 2007, 6:58pm

Sorry for what you're going thru, but like karma said:

on 03/07/07 at 17:10:41, karma wrote:

take a look here.
http://clusterbusters.com/faqlsa.htm
I had great luck with RC seeds.

Would probably help and fairly inexpensive.