Don't waste any more time and frustration!

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

5. Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or 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. Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or 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.

Genna,
 
Sorry to hear about your experience with your PCP - that sucks big time.
 
If you're dead set on getting O2, you can rig up your own welding tank pretty easily and cheaply. 
 
I did it earlier this summer for under $200 and I have all of the mechanical aptitude of your average sea slug.
 
This link has instructions and photos on how to do it: Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or .  If you run into issues, there are tons of people on this message board that will help you.

Good luck!
-Ken

That was my goal, to make you laugh!

Hope you get success elsewhere.  "Keep throwing darts at the wall and something will stick".

Don't give up looking for a good specialist and in the meantime, you might consider RedBull, welders o2, the Vitamin D3 regimen, melatonin, etc.

Ricardo is right. It's so damned hard to be patient and logical when you're getting your butt kicked by the beast. The time you put into establishing a relationship with a doctor now is so worth it. I stay in touch with my neuro on or off cycle. When a cycle starts, I have 2 phone  umbers I call. Full E-Tanks are delivered to my home, prescriptions are called into my local pharmacy, and I have an appointment with my neuro.

I shudder to think of all of the similar appointments I had in the early days of my diagnosis. Fiorinal, Vicodain, Percocet, Midrin, Lidocain Drops, Oral Cafergot, .........trying to rush me out of the exam room, never LISTENING to me. Hang in there, get a RELATIONSHIP established with a neuro you can talk to. It's so worth the effort.

Joe

Your doc sucks.  Indomethacin is standard for paroxysmal hemicrania not CH!

Hi GG,
You have many peple on this site that have contributed so much valuable info with current postings and archives.  So many documents as it relates to everything and anything to do with XCH's available to you.

The doctor will most likely not know as much as us on this site, so do yourself a favor and educate yourself every chance you get. 

Some things that come to mind, just rambling and hope what i'm about to write is of some benefit for you, take it for what it's worth, I only with you well....

Have you tried RedBull or other energy drinks containing 1000mg of Taurine and at least 80mg of Caffeine?

Have you tried a frozen bag of peas applied to the back of the neck or forehead?

Have you tried a hot shower or cold shower?

Have you tried sticking your face in front of your A/C in your vehicle while the fan is on full speed at coldest setting?

Have you tried the regimen outlined in the thread titled "123 days..."?

Have you tried Melatonin for night time hits?

Have you printed off the O2 info AND Tryptamine based meds (Imitrex injections-NOT pills or nasal spray) for your 9/8th visit AND delivered it (in person, email, fax) to your doctor to review BEFORE you get there on 9/8th?  Chances are the dr will not take the time to read while at your visit, so this is recommended to provide in advance.

Have you printed off info and delivered (in person, email, fax) to your doctor to review BEFORE you get there on 9/8th RE: A--Transitional Meds (such as a Prednisone taper) and B--Preventative Meds (such as Verapamil including higher than typical dosages)...this will be helpful along with the C--Abortive treatment info as stated above.

Do you understand the differences between Vasodilation and Vasoconstriction as it relates to CH's?

Are you avoiding known triggers such as drinking alcohol?

Have you become familiar with the Hypothalymus gland and Trigeminal nerve as it relates to CH's?

Are you keeping a headache diary?  Very important to document as much as you can to track and educate yourself such as what time of day/night you are attacked, exact start/end times, possible triggers, your diet, intensity of attack via the KIP scale, frequency/# of times per day/night you are hit, your diet, exercise or not, sleep, weather, what may have helped minimize pain and/or abort, etc?

Read as much as you can, ask as many questions you want to educate yourself on.  The more educated you are, the better you will help your doctor help you.  Chances are by the time 9/8th comes around, you will know more than your headache specialist.

We are here for your support, don't be shy 

FYI for GG,
Although there may be rare exceptions, typically narcotics and also OTC pain relievers are of no use to relieving CH pain and often will create rebound HA's.