I ihave been suffering now with this cycle for about a month.  I went to my doctor the other day who is well aware of my Cluster Headache history.  I would have thought he would have at least read up something on the subject .. unfortunately he did not and it was like talking to a blank wall.  I told him my headaches strike at night - at 2 hr intervals and I told him I was experimenting with Melatonin and was now taking 12 mgs every night and it seemed to be working for now.  He got this puzzled look on his face and asked me what Melatonin was and where do I get it??  I was stunned!!  I talked about oxygen therapy and he told me there wasn't an insurance company in the US that would authorize oxygen for cluster headaches !!  I need to check this out !!  He told me to buy the oxygen and water drink.. Huh?  He said Tonic Water .. That will help he said.. OMG.. He then proceeded to write me an RX.. I told him I really wasn't interested in taking pills since they really aren't helpful once a headache hits, etc, etc... He continued writing one for Amiltriptyline (Elavil).. Said take one 10 mg. a pill before bed.. He said this will give me a good night's sleep... A 10 mg Elavil pill will most definitely NOT give me a good night's sleep with cluster headaches... He just doesn't have a clue and since I just found he has a capitated contract with my HMO and receives $600 a month for my care (whether I see him or not) that really ticks me off.. He's not there for me but yet he's making money off me every month... So......I am now looking for another PCP in Hernando County, FL ...

As I sit here typing this a headache is so desperately trying to break through.  I will tell you this ... cluster headaches are torture regardless of when you get them, but from my own experience the daytime hits are the absolute worst.  Don't know if it's the brightness or what but if I have to get them I would much prefer them at night..

Hope everyone has a wonderful day ..

You're doing the right thing - finding a new doctor.

Unlike you, I'd rather get a good night's sleep and then be prepared to deal with them during the day, while I'm well rested.

Vey much agree on the Doc, and my insurance does pickup for my O2.

I'm currently with Kaiser...historically one of the more tight fisted insurance people, and THEY cover the cost of my 02. When they see the comparison between 02 therapy vs. imitrex costs, they're much more inclined to go with 02.

Your current doc doesn't know a thing about CH. Staying with him is a recipe for pain. Find a doc knowledgeable in CH, or an open minded doc who will listen to and read what you bring them! Good lcuk.

Joe

WOW!! I have seen so many similar stories here and I just can't believe so many doctors are so ignorant about CH and so damn stubborn about listening and learning!! I just don't get it!

I guess I have just been very lucky. I've had 2 doctors in the last 10 years...2 cities. Both regular doctors. Never seen a Neurologist. Never needed to. Both of them have been very open to listening to me and getting me whatever I wanted/needed. Both were so happy to see I wanted O2 and wasn't interested in pain drugs. I mean, doesn't that make sense?? Why would a doctor say no to that?? Ego? How does that help their ego? If I'm a doctor and I have a patient complaining of severe pain and all he wants is a tank of harmless gas that's cheaper than all the drugs, works better and has no side effects....it's a no brainer!! I'll never understand it. Is it because of their connections with the drug companies? Are they just dumb?
I've also been lucky with my insurance (United Healthcare). They have always covered my O2. The first time I requested O2 it took a couple days to get approval. The insurance company did a little research first then said yes. Never had a problem since.

Wow, sure sorry you and so many others have so much trouble with these amazingly unqualified doctors and ignorant insurance companies. I wish you much better luck in the VERY near future!