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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Fired my Doctor
        
(Message started by: Perediablo on Apr 28^th, 2008, 7:06pm)

Title: Fired my Doctor
Post by Perediablo on Apr 28^th, 2008, 7:06pm

Now what the hell am I supposed to do? MY wits are going rapidly. I had thought that this was the doctor for me. He listened attentively, asked and answered questions, and was even pretty curious.

I got a return call from him today. Asking what on earth could I possibly use oxygen for. I tried to explain it to him yet again, and he interrupted me 3 stinking times to tell me that that is for the ER to do and that I can't have it. his exact words here, "Well oxygen is used in the ER ok? So I don't think I'll be letting you have it. How did you know about oxygen use? Like I said the ER uses the oxygen so, um, no." I fail to see any logic in that what so ever!!!!!

Then, "That Prednisone is NOT for long time use. So we have to use NSAIDs go home a google it." I said excuse me?

"since there is a history of these in your family and you've had one before, we just need to keep them in check and we'll be ok." WHAT??!! ONE??!! WTF??!! HISTORY??!! This is where he throws in the NSAIDs comment. yeah! Google this you friggin quack! [smiley=bigtiny.gif]

I'm so mad and crazy right now. I need to get some smokes now.

Eric

Title: Re: Fired my Doctor
Post by DennisM1045 on Apr 28^th, 2008, 7:22pm

Hi Eric,

First off, take a breath... You have to save your energy for fighting the beast. This guy isn't worth the energy. Move on...

There are lots of uninformed docs out there. Many of us have to go through a few before we find one with enough experience or an open mind willing to learn some new tricks. You will find one!

It took me three GPs, and an Opthamologist before I finally found a Dr willing to consider that it might be clusters and get me an appointment with a Neuro that was familiar with CH. This was a 12 year oddessy! Of course I own most of that for not being persistent and getting frustrated with the search.

So tomorrow, once you stop fuming, begin your search anew. This family has lots of TX members. I'm sure we can get some leads together. But you need to see a Neurologist. Preferably one that specializes in headaches. I'm not sure what your insurance situation is but it may take a GP to get a referal to the right Dr.

Come on Family, there must be someone near this guy!

There are some things you can do to tip the scales in your favor. So once you do find a Dr that looks like a match, print out the material that supports what you want for a treatment plan and bring it with you to your first appointment. Offer to leave the materials with him/her so they can get comfortable with where you are coming from.

You'll know pretty quick if there is a match.

In the meantime keep a headache diary so you have a record of attacks, timing and what remedies you've tried and how they fared.

This may take a while. I know that's the last thing you want to hear while your fighting the beast every night but we all have to deal from where we're at.

Good luck Eric. I'll be pulling for you...

-Dennis-

Title: Re: Fired my Doctor
Post by jjslugdog on Apr 28^th, 2008, 7:28pm

I know butt-loads of docs in Lubbock, but no neuros. I do know some pain management docs, who are more than happy to deal with people who want something other than narcotics. Not to say narcotics are bad, it's just they have to spend half the day figurin' out who needs 'em, and who is scamin'. But for pred, o2, verapimil, the normal stuff we use, they have no problem. I'm very careful with pm docs after my little horror show with oxy.

Title: Re: Fired my Doctor
Post by Perediablo on Apr 28^th, 2008, 7:57pm

thanks y'all,

I'm still fuming yeah. This GP guy is in the Family Physicians Clinic at Texas Tech Health Sciences Center. You'd think he'd be a little more willing to research. I mean it is a TEACHING hospital for crying out loud. This will be my 2nd PCP change in less than a year. And the 6th Doctor to basically ignore everything I'd said. this guy has told me that he won't give me a Referral to a Neuro because he thinks his "plan" will work. Insurance wise, it requires a referral to see anyone other than my PCP. So, it's either write a ton of emails and letters to hospital directors, or change PCPs wait one more month or so for an appointment to see if they'll even give me a referral. I'm so NOT liking medical persons atm. Bah friggin humbug.

Eric

Title: Re: Fired my Doctor
Post by Perediablo on Apr 28^th, 2008, 8:21pm

Forgot to mention. The Pred taper stopped yesterday. Anyone know how long that crap stays behind in your system? I think my wife'll shoot me if I snap at her anymore.

Migraine and tension type headaches all day today, no hits though after my usual 2:50am 40 minute wrencher. Energy drink didn't touch the tension HAs today.

Title: Re: Fired my Doctor
Post by mezza on Apr 28^th, 2008, 9:46pm

hi eric

So sorry to hear about your troubles- I had a frustrating experience with my first neuro too- I brought an article from this site too that listed treatment options for ch. He still gave me the wrong meds- I can relate with the poor bedside manner too- treating you like you have no idea what you're talking about - I knew on my last visit to him when he was handing me the scripts ( for meds i knew weren't indicated for CH) that I had to find a new doctor- my worry was continuing to live in pain until that time-

What i did was get on the ouch site and look up doctors reccomended by other ch sufferrers in my state. I called one in my area ( the only one in my area) and I must have sounded desperate on the phone ( and the nurse was a gem too) they let me come in the next day-

Suffice it to say- great move-

In the meantime though- get on the site , research the doctors in your area and start calling- If you need that referral from your GP, you may want to insist on seeing him one last time, arm yourself with the treatment info on the website, give him a copy, and insist on a referral to a neuro -
( preferably one reccommended by a fellow CH sufferer)

You could also try calling your insurance company directly and explain the situation- maybe they would be willing to hook you up with a referral given the urgency of the situation - ( i've not tried that route- but it may be worth it to explore all options)

Your question about preds- for me personally with preds - I noticed a mood change for the positive about 3 days after my taper stopped- Others may be different I am sure- I hear you about the significant other ready to kill you- Preds don't allow me to filter my mouth- I seriously said to my husband after he innocently walked into the room one day while on preds-" what the hell are you doing in here?" ;;D - Of course that was after about 15 previous days of other similar evil behavior on my part!

I'm sure others will be on here soon to offer hope, support and advice- In the meantime - hang in there

Title: Re: Fired my Doctor
Post by Bob_Johnson on Apr 29^th, 2008, 12:31pm

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/ Look for "Physician Finder" search box. 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: Fired my Doctor
Post by kevmd on Apr 29^th, 2008, 4:45pm

wow.....what a moron. I hope he happens across this site tonight to read me calling him a moron. Get a clue. Is it totally impossible that a doctor does not know everything. Some people just can not put their ego aside and listen to someone who just might be more educated about a particular topic. What doctor has never heard of home oxygen use? Are you kidding me. Where did he get his degree, clown college?

Sorry but reading that pissed me off. Don't want to add fuel to your fire certainly but I understand your anger. Get yourself a neuro who has a clue.

Title: Re: Fired my Doctor
Post by seasonalboomer on Apr 29^th, 2008, 5:20pm

that situation truly sucks.

I used a bit of shame with my GP when he tried shades of the same crap with me. My angle was along the lines of, "Why do you want to deny me the most effective and proper treatments for Cluster Headache? I'm giving you research that shows that the top nuero's in the world recommend a, b and c, yet you don't want to believe them? You would choose instead to have me suffer this unspeakable pain in favor of your recommendations that are, based on the information I've just given you, completely useless."

These guys are not gods and they deserve to be shamed when they do this.

Scott

Title: Re: Fired my Doctor
Post by richcurtin on Apr 29^th, 2008, 10:46pm

It is amazing how many morons make it through medical school!

A doctor can not know everything, but they should be willing to learn if they have a patient who needs help. They can pick up a book, do an internet search, or consult with another doctor.

Choosing to remain ignorant is inexcusable!

Title: Re: Fired my Doctor
Post by bnewman on Apr 29^th, 2008, 11:20pm

Hi Eric
If you can't get a doctor to get you o2. Find some where that rents 02 tanks for welding. Thats what I have it cost me $45.00 a year for the tank and $25.00 for refills.. It might sound crazy but it works I have been using it for 7 years now. You can check at your local hospital go to the respiratory therapy dept and ask can you buy a regulator or if they have a couple of broke ones if you can get them and make one good. Or check ebay. Thats one way to go ahead and get o2. Your doctor sounds like a real jack***.

Title: Re: Fired my Doctor
Post by Perediablo on Apr 30^th, 2008, 2:05pm

cool tip on the welders o2. We've sent an email to the administration level at the hospital. Since both my wife and I are employees of the University, we thought it might get a little pull. My wife wrote the email, and got an inside track around the complaint department straight into the admin channels. Hope it gets someone off their ass. If not, there's another competing hospital just down the street wiling to take my insurance. :P

Fingers are crossed 2, days with no hits. Now I just need to arm myself for next time.