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        New Message Board Archives >> Jul-Sep 2003 >> Why don't Doctors listen?
        
(Message started by: mikey_fromtheblock on Jul 11^th, 2003, 12:32pm)

Title: Why don't Doctors listen?
Post by mikey_fromtheblock on Jul 11^th, 2003, 12:32pm

>:( Grrrrr! >:(

So I went back to the doctor as the Rizatriptan (maxalt) didn't work, and explained that I had cluster headaches, and that I felt I should try Verapamil.

Did he listen? Hoooo, no he didn't.

He's given me anti-depressants (Amitriptyline) and super-strength painkillers (Tramadol). Now that's all well and good, but (a) I'm not fond of anti-depressants (especially because I'm not depressed) and (b) painkillers are handy, of course they are, but I'd like to stop the attacks from happening, not once they start happening.

I tried to explain this to him. Apparently, Verapamil isn't noted as a treatment for cluster headache and if he gave me some, he'd be "mis-prescribing" it. I waved the evidence from the internet (inc. this site) under his nose, but no, he has his story and he's sticking to it.

And, you know the worst thing? Now I can't even drink! A life without Glenmorangie! :'(

Just wanted to rant, really. Anyone else got an unsympathetic doctor?

Title: Re: Why don't Doctors listen?
Post by FrankF on Jul 11^th, 2003, 12:48pm

on 07/11/03 at 12:32:09, mikey_fromtheblock wrote:

I tried to explain this to him. Apparently, Verapamil isn't noted as a treatment for cluster headache and if he gave me some, he'd be "mis-prescribing" it. I waved the evidence from the internet (inc. this site) under his nose, but no, he has his story and he's sticking to it.

Interesting arguement. According to his flawed logic, he also should also not have prescribed Maxalt (from the prescribing information: "Safety and effectiveness of MAXALT has not been established for cluster headache, which is present in an older, predominantly male population." Time to find a new doctor.

Title: Re: Why don't Doctors listen?
Post by stuey on Jul 11^th, 2003, 2:15pm

Is this a neuro? He won't give you verapamil? but he gave you elavil? Elavil, although a antidepressant, is also used for blood pressure in some people and is a preventative for some. Also verapamil isn't prescribed as a treatment, rather as a preventative. I take it as a preventative and it does lessen the number of attacks along with verapamil that I take as a preventative and for blood pressure for me. I stopped taking it own my own and they are back. I understand your feeling about antidepressants (this also does constipate) but elavil is helping me. I hope you would at least try it before deciding it's not for you. Sounds like you also need another doctor in there somewhere. Good luck. Stuey

Title: Re: Why don't Doctors listen?
Post by mikey_fromtheblock on Jul 11^th, 2003, 2:31pm

on 07/11/03 at 14:15:53, stuey wrote:

I understand your feeling about antidepressants (this also does constipate) but elavil is helping me. Stuey

Thanks, Stuey. I'm happy to give it a go - so Amitriptyline is elavil. OK.

As far as being constipated goes - well, I'm a mathematician. I can work it out with pen and paper.

Sorry, that was gross.

Title: Re: Why don't Doctors listen?
Post by Bob P on Jul 11^th, 2003, 2:38pm

amitriptyline / Elavil is a tricyclic antidepressant. It has properties with raise the serotonin levels. I've had some people say it works for them.

Title: Re: Why don't Doctors listen?
Post by vig on Jul 11^th, 2003, 2:45pm

Elavil worked for me, pain-wise, after 5 days or so, the cycle wanes. However, it made me extra lethargic, and the little woman was VERY disappointed. So I won't be taking that again. I'm too young.

Title: Re: Why don't Doctors listen?
Post by mikey_fromtheblock on Jul 11^th, 2003, 2:52pm

Ah, now. You see, if he'd explained he was giving me a preventative, I'd have been quite happy with that. I guess maybe he should have explained *why* he was prescribing me these tablets. As it is, he said "here's some antidepressants and some painkillers" and that was that.

I'm happy to take them and see what happens, sure.

By the way. Zydol (Tramadol). Nasty. Pink elephant time. Not recommended.

Title: Re: Why don't Doctors listen?
Post by stuey on Jul 11^th, 2003, 3:12pm

It's definitely a preventative and works for me and lots of other people but takes a while like anything to build up in your blood stream. But it does make you lethargic. Wondering how many milligrams did he prescribe? I am taking 100 - (50 twice a day). Stuey

Title: Re: Why don't Doctors listen?
Post by stuey on Jul 11^th, 2003, 3:14pm

Oh yeah I forgot to say I got used to it after about a week and I wasn't so lethargic. I take one when I get up and one about 5 or 6 so I can sleep but not be to drowsy when I wake up. Hope some of this is useful. Peace. Stuey

Title: Re: Why don't Doctors listen?
Post by sueellen83 on Jul 11^th, 2003, 4:01pm

Hey Mickey.

Hate to hear you found yet another ill informed practitioner!!!

I spent to many years (19 to be exact) with a neuro. who wouldn't listen!!! ( Because I thought he was the only one in my area who knew anything about the beast) Just rxed prednisone, which didn't help and about killed me with side effects.

I am episodic and after a really bad cycle I decided to find a different neuro. who was willing to try different things. I interview several before I finally found 1 who had a clue. Has really made a difference.

Give the Elavil a chance. Lots of people on CH.com have had good results from it.

Here's wishing you PFD&N!!!

Title: Re: Why don't Doctors listen?
Post by Roxy on Jul 11^th, 2003, 5:50pm

My advice is find a new doctor....one who will prescribe verapamil for you.

Good luck and I hope you don't use the narcotics,
Tracey

Title: Re: Why don't Doctors listen?
Post by stevegeebe on Jul 11^th, 2003, 6:01pm

Ditto what Tracey said.

Steve g

Title: Re: Why don't Doctors listen?
Post by forgetfulnot on Jul 11^th, 2003, 6:38pm

Sue, that wasn't old Dewitt was it? ::)

Lee

Title: Re: Why don't Doctors listen?
Post by eyes_afire on Jul 11^th, 2003, 6:54pm

Hi Mikey, sorry you're having a rough go. IMHO Tramadol = worthless crap. I can't even see how it's any good for treating non-CH pain. It gave me migraine and tension-type headaches on top of my CH. If your doc insists that verapamil is not noted as a treatment for CH, then maybe you should try to find a new doc. He is obviously mis-informed.

---Steve, one of many...

Title: Re: Why don't Doctors listen?
Post by nancyc on Jul 11^th, 2003, 11:54pm

Doctors that dont listen, #1 know nothing about chs...#2 should not be in the practice if they dont bother to educate themselves..the same goes for nurses...from the mouth of a nurse, nancyc

Title: Re: Why don't Doctors listen?
Post by sueellen83 on Jul 12^th, 2003, 12:08am

BINGO Lee!!! ;D ;D

You hit the nail on the head, it was Dimwit himself!!! :P
(I'd like to hit him in the head!! LOL)

Glad I don't have to see him any more!!!

I hope you aren't still stuck with him.

Steve,

Tramadol is good pain caused from inflamation like arthritis but, I agree it's worthles for CH.

Ditto to what Nancy said!!!

Title: Re: Why don't Doctors listen?
Post by Callico_Kid on Jul 12^th, 2003, 12:15am

Good doctors do listen. The ones who don't do it either from a God complex or arrogance, thinking that you as a patient could not knwo anything about your malady, or else they are ignorant and refuse to learn anything more. (I believe that should be nescience (sp?) rather than ignorance. Ignorance can be cured.)

Ditto to several others. YOu need a new Dr. and you need one now. IMH(but correct)O.
jc

Title: Re: Why don't Doctors listen?
Post by don on Jul 12^th, 2003, 12:45am

Well Mikey, going with your Docs logic, he shouldn't have rxed anything at all. To this best of my knowledge there is NO medication prescribed specifically for CH.

Know something else? I suspect that he wasn't even aware that the elavil is used as a preventative. My bet is he Rxed the elavil to fight off the depression brought on by headaches.

Do yourself a favor. Find a new Doc.

I had a neuro who was the top dog at a local top notch medical teaching hospital here in Boston. Chief of neurology. Figured I had it made with this guy. He wouldn't Rx imitrex to me. Later Doc! Sought and found a new Doc.