Well, my last neuro apt did not go too well, she referred me to a shrink since I said that I was starting to get depressed and not sleeping well. 

I met with the head shrinker on Thursday of last week.  She was actually trained at Diamond Headache Clinic in Chicago.  I told her about my desire for Oxygen, and being referred to Cleveland Headache Clinic.  She, to my amazement, was all for it.  So, I have got all fo my medical stuff sent over to them and I still have an MRI scheduled in December.  So I'm sure that once those results are in, they too will be sent over.  Working out the referral from the VA to the CHC now...

So, after all of the frustration, I am actually getting fast tracked to what I really wanted to begin with. 

I really appreciate y'all hearing me complain and vent and all of that... 

Oh, I also got my first doses of Imatrex injections, I have had them for a week and the two injections are already gone.  I have ordered more but today is looking like a day that I really wish that I had them on hand now...  Woke up at 4:30 by a headache... That sure is a crappy way to start the day...  For what it's worth the injections are great for short term relief...

Your mind set is the most important thing to have in order and in my opinion more so than meds.

You're on the right track.

Hang in there

No question, your mind set is a big part of the battle. And it will be a long term battle! Read the imitrex tip tab on the left, you can get up to 3 aborts out of one needle. Great news that you're finally getting "listened" to! ;)

Joe

Pat, I've been to the Cleveland Clinic HC and have nothing but praise for them. What a fantastic center, completely different from any hospital I've ever been to. The campus is huge, like a large University. The care is world class. Good luck! -Chris

What type of injectables did you get? Vials or auto injectors?

Either way you can break them down from 2 doses to 6 if a lesser amount eliminates the pain . As is usually the case.

I get the injectors, so good call on the Imatrex tip...  I'll be using that method when the refils get here.  You guys rock...

As for the positive mental attitude, I have been doing pretty good until this last bout.  Having to drop my classes, pull out of my volunteer work and be stuck in the house for months on end is kind of depressing.  I have not been sleeping well because every time I go to lay donw my brain tell me about all the stuff I didnt get done that day, or week, or month and I am starting to get anxious about finishing school and all of that... 

All due to this stinkin pain in my head...

So the idea of getting to go to the CHC is a real source of encouragement for me. 

Thanks again guys...

We'll be praying the clinic can get you all straightened out. With a decent prevent and oxygen on hand, you'll be amazed at how much YOU can control the beast. ;)

Joe

And as Joe said, our mindset is directly related to the idea we can be in control, somewhat perhaps, but definitely on top of things. Effective abortives give us that edge we need to stop thinking of ourselves as hapless victims of a vicious cycle, and instead, view ourselves as proactive in defeating this beast. Keep it up, keep adding to your arsenal, and keep a list of stuff you haven't tried yet but could. Luck and blessings! lance