Round 3 really isn't so bad. There are so many veterans on here that a third cycle seems like a cakewalk. Anyhow, I'm inspired by those of you who have been battling this for such a long time. And I hope you can help me out a little bit.

I'm a young fellow, 25, just had my first headache of my third cycle 5 days ago. This morning was particularly bad, I usually only have one per day, today was two in the morning and very protracted... Last time I've had a hit was a little bit over 2 years ago... somehow thought I might be lucky and they were all over with, but that's not the case...

I've never taken anything legitimate for them. Some nitwit doc provided me with oxycontin, obviously did nothing and made me have a fit a couple of times after the hits were over. Then he suggested lithium, and I just really don't want to go that route, so I declined...

I gotta do some sort of treatment. Don't know which direction to go. It's clear that o2 is a good way to go, it just seems cumbersome when I've never done it before... also I'm moving across the country in less than two months and don't want to haul a big tank with me... trex seems next best??? But I also hear that it might interfere with rc seeds and other similar tryptamines, which even though it seems like hocus pocus to me, it appears to work for a lot of people...

Well, I really want to get started soon here, because I find myself really down throughout the day since these started back up... I'll feel fine physically, but slightly depressed knowing that this is happening again.

Have you ever been diagnosed by a doc with skills in treating headache? If not, that's the first step; the idea of self-directed treatment is simply not wise. Besides, the best treatments require an Rx, in any case.
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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.

Please tell us where you live. Follow the next line to a message which explains why knowing your location and your medical history will help us to help you.

Cluster Headache Help and Support › Getting to Know Ya › Newbies, Help us...help you

You can add your location by editing your profile. CP Member --> profile
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It would be wise to find a headache doc and start a relationship even if you are not in a cycle. The next time, your cycle may be short while the waiting time for a good doc rather long. But having a treatment plan, Rx, etc. lined up will let you get into action vs. having to wait.