I am new to this site but not to the pain. I have been suffering about 6 years now I'm 29. The first time I went and seen my doctor six years ago he ddid run a battery of tests and come up with sinus headaches, what do I know I don't have a degree, the went away so I didn't think nothing of it now after six years and alot more information I know what they are, how am I supposed to get a know it all doctor to take my theory into consideration. I go in a couple days, and I can just hear the dr. in my head pretty much telling me I don't know what I'm taking about, makes me not even want to go. Any ideas.
This site is great, I have learned alot and thank you to all. ;)

Not sure what kind of insurance options you have, but it sounds like you need a new doctor. A doctor who know nothing about CH and won't listen to you is a recipe for many painful days and nights. You need either a headache specialist who is familiar with CH, or at LEAST an open minded doctor who will listen to you.

Wishing you luck in your search. Finding a good doctor might take some work, but in our case it's critical.

Joe

Edited to add a link I stole from one of Bob's posts:

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. START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE  On-line screen to find a physician.

5. START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE Look for "Physician Finder" search box.  Call 1-800-643-5552; 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.

Years ago I had a doctor who would come into the room, sit down, leg crossed, with note pad and pencil. He sat SILENTLY until I had told him why I was there.

Those good days are long gone from contemporary medicine...

Whether this doc is your primary care or a specialist--find a new one! This undercurrent will always contaminate your feeings/trust in this person, regardless of the issue, and so its worth the problems of finding someone new.

The technique which has always worked for me: ask everyone you meet, "who is your doc? What do you think about how he treats you?" (This is how I found the doc I so miss. His name always came to the top immediately.)

Welcome, but sorry you're suffering.

Kinda sounds like you may be reluctant to find a new doctor. If that's the case, then print off some of the info you find here and on the OUCH website (link on the left), bring it to him, and discuss it with him. If he STILL doesn't want to look into Cluster Headaches as a possibility, then you really need to do some doctor searching.

Just curious.... Has he ordered any type of MRI or CAT scan to rule out anything like a tumor? If not, then I wouldn't delay in replacing him. That should be one of the first things they do if you're complaining about recurring headaches.

Best of luck to you, and keep us posted, will ya!!??

Adam

There is no one in this world who knows your body like you do.  If your doctor makes you feel small for sharing information you need a new doctor.
I am a physician (pediatric intensive care), so I can definitely say that.

Miki md

Finding a doctor who will work WITH you, and not from his/her elevated pedestal is critical in getting the help you need.

The more YOU learn about clusters, the more you can help get the information and care that you need.

Unfortunately most of us have had to train our doctors to the right information.  Remember, these doctors (unless they specialize in headaches) receive a total of FIVE hours training on ALL types of headaches!

If this one does not work with you, fire him/her.  Remember, YOU are paying them, so that means THEY are working for YOU!  Become an informed and decisive boss!

Good luck!

Chuck