I have a question on how to help a 70 year old who is suffering and chronic.
At work yesterday, I mentioned cluster headaches to a new friend of mine. His eye's opened wide with surprise and he told me that his dad has been dealing with these and suffering badly. I could see the pain on my friends face as he told me of how his father just isn't the same since these headaches began.
 This man is obviously in need of help. I don't know where to start because of his age. He says O2 doesn't work, but I would like to make sure he's doing it properly before we move on.
  Honestly, I'm at a blank for what can be done safely at the age of 70. What I do for my headaches would not serve him well at his age.
  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
John

He's got 10 years on me, but still, I don't think age has anything to do with it, except for limitations it might place on the preventatives he can take. He needs to get to a headache specialist, along with a list of his current medical issues and Rxs. Like you, I wonder if he was using the O2 properly. In all fairness, I would highly recommend he, or his son, visit this site, and read as much as they can. Then write with questions. There is help and reason to hope, and suffering without either is needless and cruel. Good luck with this, and God bless. lance

Okay
I am asking for him because -

a) I am a sufferer too
b) his dad doesn't use the internet
c) his dad doesn't want help from family

I didn't know questions like this are for immediate family members only.

I think you might have mis-understood Lance's response. ;) I don't know of a gentler soul on this board, so I assure you, he was not being in any way negative.

START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

Read this link, print out the details for him and make sure he's using the oxygen correctly. The critical key is getting pure oxygen to the lungs, at a rate to support hyperventilation, as soon as the attack starts. Best accomplished using a non re breather mask, with a high flow regulator of at LEAST 15 LPM, preferably 25 or better.

Go to the medication section of this board, check out the post "123 pain free days and I think I know why." An anti inflammatory regimen, that's all over the counter stuff, providing a lot of relief for people.

Older people still tend to put all doctors on a pedestal. No knock on them it's just how that generation viewed doctors, all knowing, all wise. Anyone with CH, who wasn't incredibly lucky enough to find a CH knowledgeable doctor, has had to suffer through a  number of un educated doctors who hurt us more then they ever helped us. That's why Lance suggested a headache specialist neurologist. It's his best shot at finding a knowledgeable doc who'll help this poor guy out.

Thanks for soing the legwork for this guy. Hate to think of my dad wrestling with CH and no doc to help him. :'(

Joe

At the age of 70 the picture can change in important ways. Since you don't know his age when the headaches first started my comments apply if they began at around 60+.

Onset at this age can be a mask for rather serious medical problems which are NOT Cluster. It's important that he consult with--if at all possible--a headache specialist. You can't assume that the usual Cluster symptoms can be taken at face value as diagnosing Cluster.
==
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.

Wesley, Joe is right (that I meant nothing pejorative) and if it seemed I was turning you away, please understand that is not what I meant. I am sorry my terse wording led you to so think. But, if you take what Joe and Bob more eloquently said, it's what I meant. Pax. and Blessings. lance

I apologize for over reacting.


Quote:

In all fairness, I would highly recommend he, or his son, visit this site, and read as much as they can. Then write with questions.

I thought creating this topic could help others - not just for his dad only.

This man has been tested and diagnosed two years ago, but has suffered many years before his diagnosis.

I've been around this site since back in the late 90's. I believe candida was the hot topic then.

Every time I offered some research I was accused of something. So I am very reluctant to post, but sometimes still do.

I researched sunlight and it's effect on the body, and the possibility that clusters may be effected by this. I was ran off the board. Now I see it's quite accepted (vitamin D3).

I will always research these HA's and post any new findings I feel to be useful.

I can't remember my old user/login, and I've quit and come back more than once, so yes, I tend to over react.

Again, I am sorry
Good luck
John

Wesley,

Check your PM InBox...

Take care,

V/R, Batch

Hopefully you'll find the board a much nicer place these days. DJ has instituted a lot of changes, including a code of conduct prohibiting the personal attacks that were sadly a bit too common in the old days. If you were one of those chased away by that vocal minority, I apologize on behalf of the board.

Joe