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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> circadian rhythms
        
(Message started by: jackieg on Feb 21^st, 2006, 2:23pm)

Title: circadian rhythms
Post by jackieg on Feb 21^st, 2006, 2:23pm

After 12 weeks of a horrible cycle, my neuro of 6 years (considered one of the best) has suggested I go for a second opinion to see if we are missing something. Rather than go to another neuro, I have chosen to see a doctor who has written several books on circadian rhythms and often sees patients who cannot be helped by other doctors. He writes about seasonal affective disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, sleep problems, jet lag, etc. which all seem to have characteristics associated with CH, although he never mentions CH. (His specialty is autism) He is an MD who also uses a holistic approach. I was happy to find out that he has a practice about 2 hours from me. I will post after I see him. I refuse to give in after 19 years of being episodic with the fear of going chronic.

Title: Re: circadian rhythms
Post by Jasmyn on Feb 21^st, 2006, 3:02pm

Good luck with visiting the new doc Jackie.

It is understandable that you feel frustrated at this stage of the fight. We all hope for relief but better still a cure.

I'll be watching for your post after you see the doc. It would be interesting to know what his view on this condition is.

Title: Re: circadian rhythms
Post by floridian on Feb 21^st, 2006, 8:52pm

Yeah, Good luck! There is definitely a circadian component to most CH. Maybe this doc can shed some light.

As a side note, I have been doing pretty well since changing to a 8-5 job. Even when my sleep gets messed up from an impending cycle, I know I have to get up in the morning, and I take melatonin and go to sleep at 10 pm every night when the beast is banging on my door. Seems to have worked for me (knock on wood).

Title: Re: circadian rhythms
Post by LeeS on Feb 22^nd, 2006, 10:44am

Yep, all the best with it Jackie - I would be very interested to hear how you get on. In the meantime, can you share his name?

Glad to hear of your progress too Jonathan. Perhaps that melatonin is helping with your neurogenesis? ;) Knocking on wood for you too.

-Lee

Title: Re: circadian rhythms
Post by E-Double on Feb 22^nd, 2006, 11:16am

I wish you the very best!

I do have one question pertaining to his "expertise"

How does being an MD using a holisitic approach pertain to Autism.

Just curious what makes him and expert.

Could you find out?

I have been teaching individuals with Autism for over a decade. I am a Special Ed. Teacher but more important to the specifics of Autism, I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
Whenever I see anything regarding Autism it peaks my interest.

Thanks

E

Title: Re: circadian rhythms
Post by jackieg on Feb 22^nd, 2006, 12:13pm

His name is Dr. Sidney MacDonald Baker, Sag Harbor, NY. He has written several books, including The Circadian Prescription. He taught at Yale Medical School and was Director at the Gesell Institute for Human Development. He is known for his work in the field of pediatrics and autism. He had a pediatric and family practice for many years but has turned his attention to helping adults with chronic and rare illnesses. I will not be able to see him until after my cycle (hopefully soon) because he will be away at lectures in April. He explained that he is not about quick fixes and medicinal roulette. His initial 2 1/2 hour consultation is very expensive, he needs all medical records, and requires the completion of a LENGTHY questionaire. He does not accept insurance, so I need to find out what will be covered. I am also in the process of searching for patient feedback. He did personally return my call to discuss the nature of my condition. He said that he is not a headaches specialist but has had a great deal of success with headache conditions. He knows about cluster headaches, but probably not as much as we know. Based on his ethics/methodology, I am sure that he will know evrything and more before I get there. He has spent many years working to help people who have not been able to find relief. I have read about differnt cases and I feel there is a connection. I will keep you posted. Also, if there is anyone who has information relative to this approach, please feel free to email me directly. Thanks for the support.

Title: Re: circadian rhythms
Post by CHTom on Feb 22^nd, 2006, 12:42pm

I checked out Dr. Baker on the net and while he has quite an impressive CV, I couldn't find anything that he has done regarding CH or other types of headaches; still, the man has an excellent record. Sometimes guys like this have new ideas about treatment that a HA specialist may not have thought about, so good luck and I'd like to hear about your examination and any treatment recommendations that Dr. Baker comes up with.