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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Who would you call?
        
(Message started by: HeadhurtinMama on Nov 29^th, 2007, 7:41pm)

Title: Who would you call?
Post by HeadhurtinMama on Nov 29^th, 2007, 7:41pm

And don't say Ghostbusters... ;)

Along with chronic CH, I also have fibromyalgia. For that treatment, I see a rheumatologist. For my CH, I have an awesome neuro. I currently take 120 mgs Cymbalta for the fibro, and 840 mgs Verapamil and 600 mgs of Carbatrol for my CH.

Here is my dilema. I am really depressed, and my fibro is flaring pretty bad. So, the Cymbalta, an SNRI, is not doing what it is supposed to. I need another antidepressant, period.

If I go to the rheumy, I have a feeling she will want to pull me off Carbatrol to put me on Lyrica. If I go to the neuro, I think she may do the same, but with my CH in mind as well. I guess I don't feel right asking one to mess with a med that the other has prescribed. Do docs conference call??? [smiley=huh.gif]

I have to do something, as it hurts just to be touched, on top of the daily CH hits, and I feel like an emotional mess. I wish that the depression was due to the pain syndromes, but I have been chronically depressed since I was 8, something I think is due to the wonky hypothalamus. So, which doc would you call?

Bridget

Title: Re: Who would you call?
Post by nani on Nov 29^th, 2007, 7:54pm

I love the word "wonky". ;)

I bet if you asked them to consult with each other, they would. They both should have your best interests at heart.
Feel better, Bridget.
hugs, nani

Title: Re: Who would you call?
Post by E-Double on Nov 29^th, 2007, 10:15pm

have them confer with eachother they should be willing to do so as they should have your best interest in mind
there are meds which may treat both.

Sometimes a med break can help a bit as well.

I am not a doctor though just a dude with experience :-*

Title: Re: Who would you call?
Post by LindaM on Nov 30^th, 2007, 1:21am

At one time I was seeing four doctors in regards to my CH and other medical problems. I told each of my docs that I wanted them to communicate with each other about my condition and what treatments that they were recommending. I was pleasantly surprised that each of them thought that that was a good idea, so I signed the release forms and the information flowed. As I result I received better medical care then if each doctor practiced in a vacuum. If a doctor would not have agreed to this plan, I would have replaced him. Just my experience.
LindaM

Title: Re: Who would you call?
Post by brewcrew on Nov 30^th, 2007, 7:38am

I don't know if they "conference call," but I do know that they pick up the phone and talk to each other all the time. In fact, one of my docs once picked up the phone and called one of my other docs while I was sitting in the exam room with him.

Title: Re: Who would you call?
Post by Bob_Johnson on Nov 30^th, 2007, 7:59am

Unfortunately, there are no lab tests to predict which anti-de will work for any given individual. Having to try several before finding the one which works for your chemistry is all too common, compounded by the need to change dosing over a period of weeks to find the effect dose. (I've had clients who needed 10x larger dose of a med compared to a second person using the same med.)

Fibro is an especially troublesome condition for doc and patient--as you well know--and so cultivating patience & persistence is a survival skill!

Because of the nature of fibro, you may wish to consider talking with a counselor who uses any of the forms of cognitive therapy. This approach can be most useful in developing coping skills.

Yes, docs should coordinate but don't be surprised if they don't agree on which anti-de to use. (Just demand that they don't put you in the middle of their "negotiations"!) Doc come, via experience, to like one drug over another and, with anti-de, there is not sufficient science to make one superior over another. There is a high level of "art" in the practice of medicine making for frustration at times.

Title: Re: Who would you call?
Post by HeadhurtinMama on Nov 30^th, 2007, 8:42am

All,
Thanks for the responses. Over the years, I have been on several ADs, none of which has been a wonder drug for me. I will start with the neuro, and ask her to consult with the rheumy. Big hugs to you all!

Bridget