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        New Message Board Archives >> Oct-Dec 2003 >> Need advice!
        
(Message started by: hhsams on Nov 21^st, 2003, 2:47pm)

Title: Need advice!
Post by hhsams on Nov 21^st, 2003, 2:47pm

Hi everyone,
My husband has been suffering from cluster headaches for several years now. He has been in his last episode since July (this episode does not seem to go away). His neurologist here at home has been prescribing meds for him such as Imitrex, Frova and something new yesterday... which the name I can’t remember. He has been treating the pain, but we are starting to get worried about the amount of medication he has been taking. We are ready to see a real specialist in cluster headaches. Can anyone recommend a specialist or a hospital? We live in Georgia (USA) and are willing to travel anywhere in the U.S.- maybe even internationally if it comes to that.

Any input would be very appreciated! Thanks!!
Holly :)

Title: Re: Need advice!
Post by BobG on Nov 21^st, 2003, 3:19pm

From the OUCH website.........click this then scroll to Georgia. There's five docs listed there.

http://www.clusterheadaches.org/doctors.htm

Title: Re: Need advice!
Post by Jackie on Nov 21^st, 2003, 6:45pm

Hi Holly,
Welcome to the board. I'm sorry you all are having a rough go of it right now.....
I have also been concerned about the amount of meds. my hubby takes but in light of the severity of the attacks we continue with the meds......gotta have some pain free time is our theory.
Seeing a neuro with CH experience is a very good idea. There are meds that work well as preventatives. It can take time to find the right combinations so don't get discouraged. I would suggest you all try oxygen therapy if you haven't already....ask your doctor.

There is a wealth of good information here and on the OUCH board. Education is your best line of defense....read, read and then read some more.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Jacks 8)

Title: Re: Need advice!
Post by Little Deb on Nov 21^st, 2003, 6:54pm

Hi. Welcome to CH.com
Just wanted to say hey. Good luck with your search for a doc.

Also wanted to say that we are having a clusterhead get together in Raleigh, NC Jan. 31st. A few people from Atlanta will be coming, and you are welcome to come too. Would love to meet you both.
For more info, watch the "Meetings and Gatherings" section on the board.

Little Deb

Title: Re: Need advice!
Post by stevegeebe on Nov 21^st, 2003, 7:01pm

Holly,

Just like your husband, my cycle did not want to quit.

Dumped the Trex and Frova. Kept Verapamil and added Neurontin, Cafergot and Bellasps (at night).

Killed it dead.

Good luck to your husband.

Steve G

Title: Re: Need advice!
Post by Lori on Nov 21^st, 2003, 11:59pm

Check out http://www.clusterheadaches.org/medications.htm

and the Oxygen info on the left. Try to find a doc who treats clusters..if you educate yourself about the meds normally prescibed, you will know if the doc is a good one. The thing is, not all meds work for everyone so sometimes it's frustrating. Just read all you can about the meds used and doses so you are armed going in. I will say that I was really out of it my last episode because of the meds I was taking, but I was almost pain free. So, sometimes we take the side effects of the meds over the pain. I hope he gets relief soon.