Posted by Mike L (63.225.232.124) on September 08, 2000 at 00:36:16:
In Reply to: Unconcerned and uncaring doctors posted by Monica Hall on September 07, 2000 at 15:47:41:
I think one of the biggest problems that Dr.s have is that many of them know very little about cluster HA. Some think they are just migraines that come in clusters. Dr.s are also businessmen. Many take the gravy patients and do little to extend themselves in learning new Methods. Most og my Dr.s have never treated cluster patients. Even my Neorologist that has a small headache clinic. Says he has only treated a handful of cluster patients. and only one other then myself with chronic CHs. At the Diamond headache clinic there were only 2 other Cluster patients there and 50 or so migraine patients. If we were Dr.s we might also not want to deal with something we would know so little about. My Neuro also doesn't want to offer much in the way of pain meds. He admits it is because the DEA came to his office and gave him a hard time about using so much pain meds for a Neuro. He said that he mostly deals with HA patients in a lot of pain and needs to prescribe it. Nevertheless he was scared enough of the DEA that he will give very little pain meds. even when he thinks they are appropriate. The Dr.s are also worried about "drug seekers". In our area most of the clinics will not give any injectable pain killers even in an emergency if it is a headache. Most CH'er are seeking pain removal not drugs. The Dr.s sometimes think the anxiousness for pain relief is a craving for narcotics. Thanks Mike L