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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> MHNI
        
(Message started by: Whipsmart on Sep 28^th, 2007, 12:09pm)

Title: MHNI
Post by Whipsmart on Sep 28^th, 2007, 12:09pm

Anyone have any experience with the Michigan Headache and Neurological Institute?

I live about an hour away. As my preventative is no longer preventing clusters as well, my doc would like to send me to a specialist. I've heard some good things, but figured I'd ask here.

Title: Re: MHNI
Post by UN solved on Sep 28^th, 2007, 3:02pm

MHNI is a great place to go for HA Specialists. Dr. Saper and Dr. Rozen are also top notch. Dr. Rozen is about to begin another CH related study with (very) high flow O2. Both docs have treated many CH patients. They are not afraid to try 'new' things to help you either. MHNI has an inpatient unit in Chelsea, MI that's very nice, park like setting.

UNsolved

Title: Re: MHNI
Post by ski2k on Sep 28^th, 2007, 5:16pm

I've had a few appointments there, but have never been able to make it due to insurance problems, but I know this is one of the best around for CH treatment.
I asked the same question a couple of years ago, and was told to go for it. Supposed to be one of the top treatment centers in the country for clusters, so I say do it! I'd be joining you if I could get my insurance to cover it!

Best of luck!
Adam

Title: Re: MHNI
Post by Whipsmart on Sep 28^th, 2007, 5:53pm

They called this afternoon to set up my appointment. I'll be going in next week for an all day visit. They said they'll do an exam, full neuro, meet with doctors and discuss treatment all in the same day. :D Then I'll come back in 4-6 weeks to evaluate the treatment. Sounds good to me.

It doesn't sound cheap, but I'm very thankful for my coverage.

Title: Re: MHNI
Post by ski2k on Sep 30^th, 2007, 11:50pm

Awesome news!! I hope everything goes well for ya! Don't know if they mentioned it to you, but they usually want you to bring in any ct scans and/or mri's you've had done. Might want to double check before you go.

Best of luck!!
Adam

Title: Re: MHNI
Post by Whipsmart on Oct 4^th, 2007, 5:01pm

Appointment went great. The nurse spent a lot of time with me there getting to know the problem. The doctor read over everything talked with me a few minutes and said, "What took you so long? You should have been here awhile ago." [smiley=laugh.gif] He talked treatment and meds with me. A few tests, bloodwork, lots of paperwork, lots of history, and I was on my way with a fistful of prescriptions. I got a big ol' tank of oxygen too. :)

Title: Re: MHNI
Post by ski2k on Oct 6^th, 2007, 6:13pm

Glad to hear the appintment went so well!! How's the new meds and O2 working for ya?

Keep us posted!

Adam

Title: Re: MHNI
Post by Whipsmart on Oct 6^th, 2007, 7:23pm

New meds are working great. I've had a couple of shadows, but nothing major. I started to get hit at my usual evening time and took a hit of the O2. Knocked it right out before it got a chance to get going ;;D.

It was a major pain getting the O2 from the medical supply place. They didn't want to try my insurance, saying, "Insurance doesn't cover oxygen for clusters, only for respiratory disease." I called my insurance from the supply place and my insurance said no deductible and no co-pay. [smiley=headbanger.gif] Then they tried to give me a tank with an output of 8lpm when my prescription said 10-15lpm. They said, "Oh doctors don't really care about the output." I said that I cared, and they got me a different tank.

I go back in two weeks, and I'll be asking for more O2 to keep on hand. I'll get it from a different medical supply place too.