Posted by Dave Emond (152.163.195.212) on July 23, 2001 at 13:39:09:
Hi Gang,
Read the postings down the board about how CH'ers are treated at ER rooms. Just a couple days ago, a woman who works with my wife was at the ER and said she saw a man pushing a soda machine down a hallway with just his head! He was yelling that he had Cluster Headaches and needed help now! She said this guy had to wait 5 hours before they'd see him. I'm trying to see if the hospital will give me his name, so I can bring him here, but it doesn't look good.
Anyway, what I wanted to get at is two things. Barb D you are right about the cards. I made up a sheet of paper with ALL my medical information on it. Everyone I know has a copy.
Another thing to remember, if you call an ambulance, they must treat you right away. There is no waiting period, no filling out forms, you must by law get immediate attention.
I've informed everyone, should I need an ambulance, to tell the EMT's they can strap me in for safety, but must allow my one hand free to hold my head with and I could cooperate. However, try to strap me completely down and things could get out of hand.
The sheet of paper has all my doctor and neurologists numbers on it, who to contact numbers, what meds I'm currently on, and what meds I'm allergic to. It also states the best abortive measure to take should I be under a CH attack. And of course insurance info.
I understand many do not have insurance, Steve Van Rees is currently working for OUCH on this problem and possible solutions. I will be joining him in this effort as soon as I finish one last project for OUCH.
Remember, ambulance=no waiting! It's the law.
PFDAN's
Dave