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Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Getting to Know Ya >> Cluster Heahache Specialist http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1216245745 Message started by RDubois on Jul 16th, 2008 at 6:02pm |
Title: Cluster Heahache Specialist Post by RDubois on Jul 16th, 2008 at 6:02pm
Hi,
I'm not really new to this site but it's been a while since I logged on. I've had Cluster Headaches for 23 years and have never taken a prescription medicine for them. I am now 78. About 15 years ago, after being bounced around from one Doc to another, I was finally referred to a Neurologist in Portsmouth, NH who confirmed that I probably had Clusters. She recommended a drug, whose name I can't remember.When I went back to my family Doctor, he said the drug had too many side effects and that I shoudn't use it, which I didn't. Since then, I've suffered thru many cycles but I must admit I'm becoming a "little" depressed and I want to try and see if I can get help. I probably fit the classic mold of clusters. This cluster cycle, which started slowly in April, came after two+ years. The pain is not as bad as it was in earlier years but it's bad enough. I basically have two questions: 1. I am on Medicare. Do I need a referal from my family doctor to go to a Neurologist? The reason I ask is that every level requires waiting for an appointment, etc. 2. Does anyone know of a Neurologist in the Dover, NH area (Seacoast, Southeast New Hampshire) that might be kind of a Specialist in Cluster Headaches? Thanks, if you can help. OLDRED |
Title: Re: Cluster Heahache Specialist Post by DennisM1045 on Jul 17th, 2008 at 7:30am
Hi Red! Welcome back to the board.
Sorry but I can't comment on medicare procedure. Do you have any heart issues? If so you'll want to tread lightly on a lot of the treatments we talk about. If not you can try energy drinks to help with the hits. Also consider some OTC Melatonin for night hits. 100% Oxygen at a high flow rate, between 12 and 25 lpm with a non-rebreather mask is a great way to go. Fast abort times and no side effects ;) This is my favorite weapon. 23 years fighting the beast naked. You're one tough old SOB. Let's see if we can't work together and find you some well deserved relief. -Dennis- |
Title: Re: Cluster Heahache Specialist Post by thebbz on Jul 17th, 2008 at 12:05pm |
Title: Re: Cluster Heahache Specialist Post by RDubois on Jul 17th, 2008 at 7:55pm
:)To Dennis, BR Johnson & The ebbz. Thanks for the info guys. I'm just getting over a moderate headache that I got about an hour ago. Picked 2 quarts of Blueberries today. Then talked my wife into making a Blueberry pie. That's my next stop.
OLDRED |
Title: Re: Cluster Heahache Specialist Post by BarbaraD on Jul 20th, 2008 at 9:18am
Finally -- someone OLDER than me around here..... :) Enjoy the blueberry pie....
Talk to your GP and get some O2 (at least 15 liters per minute with a non-rebreather mask) - Get on it at first sign of a hit.... Works for about 70% of us around here. Great stuff. I just got on a 25 liter per minute regulator and it's even better. There are some meds out there that might help, but the O2 is the first line of defense. Welcome to Clusterville. Hugs BD |
Title: Re: Cluster Heahache Specialist Post by RDubois on Jul 20th, 2008 at 6:03pm
Hi Barbara,
Thanks for the suggestion. I was thinking of going that route. I think the O2 may be all I need. Anyway it would be a good start. I've been looking for a Doctor (probobly a neurologist) that has some experience with clusters. The O.U.C.H. directory indicated that we don't have any headache specialists in New Hampshire. I also tried the Headache Foundation with the same result. Years ago I belonged to the Headache Foundation. At that time there was a Doctor Paul S Blackman listed in Weymouth MA which is South of Boston. I never pursued it If anyone reading this missive, and who might have heard of this Doctor, or any other, within a reasonable distance of Dover, New Hampshire., please let me know. I have been my worst enemy in that I wait about 2 months into a cycle before I decide to do something. Then, by the time I can schedule an appointment, even with my own Doctor, the cycle ends and I let the whole thing slip. I've been doing this for 23+ years. Every time a cluster ends, I'm dumd enough to think that it won't come back. Ha Ha Ha. Small chance. Thanks again, OLDRED |
Title: Re: Cluster Heahache Specialist Post by DennisM1045 on Jul 20th, 2008 at 8:03pm
Hey Red,
You're right up in Portsmouth NH right? I'm in Haverhill MA. Try my Neuro. He's only 45 minutes from you. Dr Andreas Schoeck 354 Merrimack St Lawrence, MA 01843-1754 9786872321 The guy treats a few cluster patients and knows what's up. I've been able to work with him to get a treatment program that works for me. Tell him Dennis sent you ;D -Dennis- |
Title: Re: Cluster Heahache Specialist Post by RDubois on Jul 21st, 2008 at 10:18am
Hi Dennis;
Thanks for the info. I've just made a couple of calls and find that I need a referral before I can see a neurologist. We have a group of them, here in Dover. The receptionist tells me that they all deal with some Clustres. I feel like I'm nearing the end of this cycle so I'm going to wait it out a little longer. In any case, I need to get prepared for the next cycle. If I can hold off, I might wait 'till my next annual this fall and get a referall. A small piece of distressing news that I read somewhere this weekend indicates that the older you are when the "Beast" hits you, the more likely you are of becoming a chronic victim!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was 55 when mine started. On the other hand, I must admit that the pain is not quite as intense as the years go on. Of course, I behave better too. The "Beast" helped convince me to quit smoking 15 years ago, and to quit drinking 3 years ago. Hey, what's left???????????????????????????????????? Thanks to eveyone for the info. OLDRED |
Title: Re: Cluster Heahache Specialist Post by Melissa on Jul 21st, 2008 at 10:42am RDubois wrote on Jul 21st, 2008 at 10:18am:
Oh wow, I am in awe of you! That is fantastic!! Quote:
Oh my God, that's EXACTLY what I think!!!! ;D I mean really, just what is the point of suffering through such hell when you can't do those things that are bad for you? ;) Welcome back and I'm sorry about the hurting. Good luck to you and use all the resources available! Hopefully you're right and your cycle is ending. Good luck! :)mel |
Title: Re: Cluster Heahache Specialist Post by DennisM1045 on Jul 21st, 2008 at 11:04am
I would suggest you go through the process of getting the appointment now. See what the Dr knows about clusters and get your O2 script now. It can take weeks to get in to see someone and the first one you meet with might not be the right one.
Best to get all these logistics out of the way now. That way when your next cycle hits you will have your weapons ready. -Dennis- |
Title: Re: Cluster Heahache Specialist Post by thebbz on Jul 21st, 2008 at 12:15pm
Get the 02 now. Dust on the bottle will not hurt anything.
Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. all the best thebb |
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