Hiya,
Am a newbie so please be gentle with me. Have had my headache for 16 days now. It is either agony or a dull ache but never goes completely. Have seen my GP who has told me to take painkillers and sleep as much as I can. I don't want to eat and have no appetite. Feel like a total wreck. Am seeing my GP again tomorrow but he makes me feel like I'm wasting his time.

Just want the pain to go away

Take the "cluster quiz" and read the "cluster traits", on the left buttons. Not likely you have cluster from what little you said.

There are hundreds of conditions which can show up as headache and you need a good doc to do the diagnosis--NOT a do it yourself project.

If you have the option (discuss with your GP) find a headache specialist.

LOCATING HEADACHE SPECIALIST

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. Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or ; On-line screen to find a physician.

5. Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or Look for "Physician Finder" search box. 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.

6. Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or NEW certification program for "Headache Medicine" by the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties, an independent, non-profit, professional medical organization.
        Since this is a new program, the initial listing is limited and so it should be checked each time you have an interest in locating a headache doctor.

You've been given some great advice, resouces and information. The correct diagnosis is absolutely critical to an effective treatment regimen. Meds which work for one headache type are worthless for,another. General practitioners and even neurologists do not  have the experience or knowledge base to deal with headache diagnosis. A headache specialist is your best bet at relief.

For now, when you feel a headache starting to peak, pound down an energy drink, Monster, Rock Star, any containing the combo of caffeine and taurine. Works to abort or at least reduce the intensity of many attacks.

Wishing you speed on your diagnosis. If it does turn out to be CH this place is a treasure trove of knowledge for you.

Joe

Double dittos everything above, and...please be careful of those pain killers. They can mask symptoms, are dangerous in themselves, and have absolutely no impact on ch's. lance

Hiya,
It is now day 26 of my headache. Still feel the same either have a dull ache or agony. Have seen my GP a couple of times since was last on here. Was first given sumatriptan tablets which had no effect then the last time was given zomig nasal sprays that again had no effect on the pain but also made me feel sick. My GP has said that if the sprays diidn't work then he will refer me to a headache specialist! When the pain is really bad feels like the right side of my head is going to explode! Hopefully will get to see my GP on Monday.
Just want the pain to go away

suesue1000 wrote on Jul 31^st, 2010 at 5:07pm:


Yeah that's a generally ineffective form of sumatriptan for CH. It's the injectible form that is very effective for aborting CH hits - if CH truly is what you're suffering from.

Have gotta try & get some sleep cos av gotta phone my docs @8.30 2morro 2 get an appt plus av gotta fone work 2 say won't be in again. The pain is gettin worse!

Ouch.

Joe

Hi Sue sounds like you are still having one hell of a time!

Rock|Sue|Hard place = No Good    

If I may ask , why did you wind up seeing another Doc. other than the one that said he'd send you to a headache specialist?

Also I think the "newer" doc prescribed the Amitriptyline to 1. help you get some rest (amitriptyline will help to knock you out at bed time) or 2. because he thinks your headache is a muscle related issue (amitriptyline is a muscle relaxant). 

If I were you I'd try very hard to get back into see the 1st Doc who spoke of a Headache specialist, you just can't keep this up, it is endangering your lively-hood and you need to tell the Doc. about that fact.

Another suggestion would be to seek out a firehouse near you and ask to use their O2, I wouldn't give any more details to them other than "Cluster headache" and see if the O2 helps relieve your headache.  Don't get me wrong I don't think that is what you have (if your pain has been non stop for 28 days that is) but you need to get rid of the pain so you can rest, O2 may do it even if it's not a CH.

I hope you find some relief soon!

Yeah, don't quit on it too soon. Having been a 23 year sufferer, with the last 3 years chronic, I have found a remission of sorts when I started a new regimen of Verapamil (400mg), amitriptyline (20mg), Vitamin B super complex, melatonin (15mgs) and high flow O2 with Monster energy drinks at the first sign of a hit. Something interrupted the chronic cycle and it all began when I started all of the above. I doubt it's enough by itself, but keep working to find the right mix that works for you. Blessings! lance

suesue1000 wrote on Sep 14^th, 2010 at 7:14pm:

Oxygen is the cheapest abort goin.  Your Doc. steered you wrong.

           Potter

Yeah am in UK. Feeling really tired! Got to get sleep as have got a long term sick meeting with my manager tomorrow!

Have had 2 give up work cos headaches still not under control and couldn't give them a date that I could start back! Saw specialist today and he's put me back on steroids even though last time was on them my white blood cell count went through the roof and is still high! The steroids did sort of help last time cos had less headaches and pain wasn't as bad but I wanted to eat all the time and went up 2 dress sizes in 2 weeks! But the good news is my MRI scan was clear! Just getting seriously fed up with my headaches!