Posted by DT (148.74.251.191) on September 06, 2001 at 09:11:55:
I want to say thanks to all of you! This place has been great for me, and has really helped me stay in the game (if you know what I mean).
First, I have been having good luck coping/managing using strenuous exercise and ice in a very tight head wrap. Actually, the length of my CH's have been getting shorter. Not sure If I'm nearing the end of my cycle or what, but I have hope. This is one way to make sure I get exercise daily...lol.
Those of you who read my quacktor story will be interested to know that yesterday (the day following the last visit), I told my Primary doctor the reasons I was upset about my visit. Yes, in a cordial manner I might add. He told me he is no longer willing to treat me, and that I need to find a new primary doctor.
He also said that he "wished he could do something for me, and that most doctors don't want to see chonic pain patients because they are hard to treat and most cases are not successful. Doctors want to be successful, and besides, worker's comp pays too little and requires a lot of paperwork."...roflol.
So, my having a cycle since mid July qualifies as chonic pain. Mind you, my resent visit is the first time I had seen him for the problem. I still get to see the new neuro in 3 weeks.
What is going to be funny is that my cycle will probably end before I see him, and I will be PF for a couple months. How do I deal with that, get the proper diagnosis, etc...? You know, no one has officially diagnosed me with clusters, but during my last cycle, and the beginning stages of this one, to other specialists I see (for my rehab after my head injury) said unofficially that I am a "classic" cluster sufferer. They (a neuropsychologist, a physiatrist, and a psychologist) aren't qualified to diagnose it, however, but they are sure the neuro will. He didn't and dumped me. The psychologist is a quack too, so I'm not sure what to think about him...lol. He is supposed to be helping me with the memory loss and return to work issues.
Anyway, thanks for the venting opportunity. I am doing much better, shorter visits now, and had one less during the night.
You know, it is amazing how even one small success can bring so much hope. I mean, it feels like I can go on and that 5 less minutes of hell is a success. Funny weird.
DT