Clusterheadaches.com Message Board


    
      
        Clusterheadaches.com Message Board
        (http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi)
      

        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Getting to Know Ya >> New to membership!
        
(Message started by: Rosebuddy on Mar 24^th, 2008, 2:23pm)

Title: New to membership!
Post by Rosebuddy on Mar 24^th, 2008, 2:23pm

I've been reading this cite as a guest for the last few weeks, every since I started my first cycle in 19 years! Very depressing. It took about 10 years of annual 4-5 week cycles to get diagnosed (for years I thought I was having sinus headaches). The problem was, by the time I could get in to see a neurologist the cycle was winding down.

I thought it would be so much easier this time, and I went in armed with info from all of you good people - but it isn't! I always call the dr's office in desperation and take the first appointment I can get, resulting in seeing 4 different doctors already. They always ask about "triggers" and makes suggestions for over-the-counter migraine medication. ARRGH! Anyway, I tried one more time unsuccessfully to get a prescription for O2. No. They want to give me Imitrex capsules (I know she's still thinking migraines). I have a CT scan scheduled, which I expect to be a total waste of time and money, and then maybe will go with the neuro. I feel like they think I am a hysterical hypochondriac! Last night, during my attack, I developed a fever and was nearly giddy - thinking maybe it WAS a sinus infection. But no, I called the nurse line and she asked a few questions and said she thinks I have the flu and it's unrelated to the headaches. Nuts. I'm sure I got the flu from being in the doctor's waiting room so many times.

Well. I am going on and on. Please help me if you can to figure out how to get the right stuff!

Title: Re: New to membership!
Post by Bob_Johnson on Mar 24^th, 2008, 2:39pm

You could have written the script on why it takes to long to get good treatment. Obviously, time to find a doc who knows!
----------

1. Search the OUCH site (button on left) for a list of recommended M.D.s.

2. Yellow Pages phone book: look for "Headache Clinics" in the M.D. section and look under "neurologist" where some docs will list speciality areas of practice.

3. Call your hospital/medical center. They often have an office to assist in finding a physician. You may have to ask for the social worker/patient advocate.

4. http://www.achenet.org On-line screen to find a physician.

5. http://www.headaches.org/consumer/index.html Call 1-800-643-5552; they will send a list of M.D.s for your state.I suggest using this source for several reasons: first, we have read several messages from people who, even seeing neurologists, are unhappy with the quality of care and ATTITUDES they have encountered; second, the clinical director of the Jefferson (Philadelphia) Headache Clinic said, in late 1999, that upwards of 40%+ of U.S. doctors have poor training in treating headache and/or hold attitudes about headache ("hysterical female disorder") which block them from sympathetic and effective work with the patient; third, it's necessary to find a doctor who has experience, skill, and a set of attitudes which give hope of success. This is the best method I know of to find such a physician.

Title: Re: New to membership!
Post by Superdave on Mar 24^th, 2008, 4:50pm

Hi Rosebuddy and welcome,

Always happy and sad to see a newcomer, thank God you found us and read...read...read...

Great place to be in a bad time

Superdave