Well, calling everyone in my medical history helped somewhat. I have an appointment with a neuro this Wed at 0900 hours. Not the neuro I wanted to see, but still. I'll give anyone a first chance.

Saw the neuro today. After a thorough exam and 100 questions, he told me I had all the symptoms of CH, but due to my prior health issues (leukemia) he wanted to be certain before he prescribed me any prophylaxis medicine. So now i have a CT scan, blood panel, and trip to the opthamologist scheduled. Meantime, he wrote a script for Treximet, and told me if it didn't help, he would script O2. Gave me two trial pills of the Treximet. Got hit about an hour ago at work, so I took one of the pills. Now my head hurts, but I feel groggy and my neck is bunching up? Anyone have anything good to say about Treximet? Should it work immediately, or not?

Quote:


Since this is a pill form used primarily for migraines, its effects for us are way too slow. If you're getting some relief then why not go right to the imitrex injections? Especially read the imitrex tip at the left. You can take one 6 mg autoinjector and turn it into 3 doses. And it works fast! Having said that, the best abortive is O2 at high flow rates starting at 15lpm but 25+lpm is even better coupled with a good non-rebreather mask. Keep posting and let us know how you make out. Blessings. lance

Called the doc's office, told the nurse Treximet makes me sick, takes forever, doesn't help that much. Asked her to talk to the doc about O2. She called back, doc prescribed Zomig nasal spray. Same thing as Treximet, can only take four doses a week. Said try the nasal spray and if it doesn't work, at my next appt (09/28) doc will discuss referring me to a pulmonary doctor who can prescribe O2, as he cannot (?). Anyone ever ran into this before? A neuro who cannot prescribe O2?

Yup... wrong neurologist. I don't know what your financial situation is... but O2 and equipment is relatively cheap, and I would spend my last red cent to get to it... it works that well. You can get a regulator at Amazom for around $35, the O2ptimask is on this site for $27.50, and fills are under $30.
Be aware there are two different valve styles on tanks and must match the regulator, the 870 is for small tanks (D,E) and the 540 is for the larger tanks (H,K) and welding O2. So for around $60, and the help of an EMT or Welder friend, you could know now what kind of help it will give.
Side effects of the triptans (the two meds your neuro gave you) can be tough for some people. O2 is a breeze.
Of course it would be better to get hooked up by your EMT friend to be sure... before spending the money... but if things get too complicated it might just be worth throwing some money at it. 3 weeks is a long time to wait with this kind of pain.

I got a look at the bill from the Patient Supply pharmacy. No wonder they insisted I have the O2 concentrator. They get $450 a month for it, and $75 a month for the E tanks.

Wow, that's great news! And I am so impressed with how knowledgable you were about what you wanted. Did they only give you canulas? They didn't give you a rebreather? Anyway, you ordered the opitmask. You're gonna love it. Now to get the breathing routine down. It will take some practice but remember, you're looking for that "tingling" feeling that will come with hyperventilation. It's your friend. Crank up to 15lpm and if you find it helps, you might consider getting a regulator on ebay or somewhere that goes up to 25lpm. At that rate you'll be draining down the e-tanks pretty quickly. So you could begin considering a larger M or J tank. Best of luck, and here's prayers for pf day! Blessings. lance