Posted by margi on November 26, 1998 at 17:24:57:
In Reply to: Re: Dr. Does not want to refill my verapamil!!!!! posted by ibo on November 25, 1998 at 12:23:24:
Dear "Dr."
I understand why you didn't have the courage to sign your name. We do have other doctors who belong to our group and they, at least, give us their first names and are not hung up on the fact that they have a Ph.D, behind their names. They are cherished members of our group whom we all look to time-to-time for advice because we know they do suffer along with the rest of us.
Perhaps if you would take the time to read some of these posts, you would realize that this drug has indeed helped many people.
With doctors with beliefs such as yours and a first instinct to disagree and patronize your patients, it's no wonder these headaches are sometimes referred to as "suicide" headaches. In fact, we think we may have lost one of our treasured members on the weekend. It is not only the horrendous pain they have to endure, part of the frustration and fear that comes with this affliction stems from the fact that those we look to for guidance and advice (the medical profession) refuse to acknowledge the existence of a condition that has not been given enough research. Worse yet, we tend to be over-medicated with substances that provide devastating side effects with little or no regard to the patient's future health as a result. When we ask a "professional" for something we know from our own experience can provide relief or at least pain management, we are chided for overstepping the boundaries that separate lay-people from those who assume they are completely knowledgeable in all cases. Research needs to be done for Clusters. Patients need to be listened to. Experiments need to be tried. Doctors need to continue to learn and open their eyes to new ideas. Just because you passed your exams I don't know how many years ago, does not automatically elevate you to idol status.
Might I suggest you review the Oath you took in med school perhaps just one more time and remember the reason you chose your profession? I sure hope it was for more than just the money...
Feel free to e-mail me directly if I've hit a nerve.
Margi