Question to all of you: how do you use your neurologist?

I'm 44. Episodic since 11 or 12. Normally every 18 or 24 months (this time it was over 3 years). I'm almost 5 weeks in. Normally last 6-8 weeks. Been a weird cycle. I'll go a few days with 5/day, then a couple days PF. Before, they were 1 or 2 per day, like clockwork.

Anyway, I went to my regular doc. Very helpful, but out of comfort zone with CH. Said I should see a neuro. Neuros have a very long waiting list. Doc called on my behalf and made an appt a couple weeks ago. Appt is tomorrow. Thinking of canceling. Couple of reasons. First, I should be at the end of the cycle soon. Not sure what he can do for me now. Second, for my next cycle I'd want someone closer (recently moved). Third, seeing a neuro in the past has been virtually useless as it takes so long to see them. I get awesome info here and just tell my doc what I want/need.

Any thoughts? Also, do any episodics out there see a neuro when not in a cycle? Doesn't seem like there's anything they can do.

Curious about your input/experiences.

Sounds like you have health insurance, right?

Don't even second guess this one, you need to go tomorrow and take advantage of free samples, prescriptions for more Prednisone taper starting at 80mg and preventatives, Imitrex injections and high flow o2!

Even if you don't use the meds, you will have them for next cycle.

Go!!!

Yes, I have health insurance. But I've already got my prescriptions. And they don't give samples of imitrex injections. After this cycle I'll continue to fill my imitrex for a few months so I can have a stockpile for the next cycle.

Regardless, I think Las Vegas is right. I actually see two different neuros, no less than twice a year each. I do that to keep them on board and up to date. Now, I am chronic, but even when I had my longest period of relatively pain free days and nights (relatively) and everyone was happy, I made and kept the appointments. The lull did not last, and I am still their patient. Consider keeping the appointment for your own sake since the beast is so unpredictable. Blessings. lance

Given the complexity of your pattern it makes sense to line up a good headache specialist when you are not in a crisis mode. Getting established, having time for him to review/learn your history, etc. is to prepare for the next active period. (May be a time to try a new preventive??)

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. 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.

6. START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE NEW certification program for "Headache Medicine" by the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties, an independent, non-profit, professional medical organization.
        Since this is a new program, the initial listing is limited and so it should be checked each time you have an interest in locating a headache doctor.