The copy of the letter sent to my GP arrived this morning from the neurologist as promised.

He did not mince his words about the previous drugs used being inadequate. He also provided an explanation that I have two primary headache disorders not the one the GP was treating just as migraine.  [smiley=oops.gif] It has only taken over 20 years to get the correct second diaognosis for the other headache.

For the migraines that occur all year round I start with  Atenolol, if that fails Tomiramate and then add in amaltriptyline.
The actual attacks rizatriptain, solphadeine or diclofenac depending on how the pain feels, and domperidone.
I have to wait another week for I can start the new drugs, as I keep getting 'ice picks' that last for five minutes round my eye I think the ideal four weeks wait before starting new drugs might not happen. Rizatriptain should not be eaten like smarties. I have remembered why I agreed to try Epilim and gabapentin, I have not missed the short ice picks, they really hurt. [smiley=thumbdown.gif]

For the clusters as soon as they start I have an urgent appointment at the hospital A&E where the neurology clinic is based and they plan to hit yon beastie with verapamil and predisolene and treat with intramuscular sumitriptain and high flow oxygen [Hallo UK HOOF forms] with instructions to the GP he is to prescribe.

After reading that little lot I am so glad I bought a UK NHS one year pre-paid prescription certificate and I think this time I will go back and see the newer GP who twigged I did have more than migraine as he was the one who went through all my notes, clocked how dreadful I looked and made the urgent referral to the neurologist I had been asking for for five weeks! I hope going through that GP I do not have to fight for the first lot of drugs.

I also have a follow up appointment with the headache clinic to monitor rather than solely back under the GP so I think this may finally be a good result.  ;)

WOW! Sorry to hear you'r carrying that much luggage, but damned glad you found a neuro willing and educated enough to help you! Hoping the 02 works as well for you as it has for me. Remember, the faster you get on the 02, the faster the headache can be aborted. A delay of even a few minutes will substantially increase the abort time for me.

Wishing you some pain free time soon.

Guiseppi

Jeez,  it just shouldn't be this difficult to get proper treatment.

                       Best of PF luck
                            JPC