[quote author=262930363120371A03372020450 link=1353155012/75#75 date=1354126637]Nope I’m not speaking for Dr. Shevel, I’m quoting him. As I recall him saying to me that, “”

Although the previous threads here are relatively old, I have read them all with great interest. I am a newbie to the site but comment as my husband is a CH sufferer, we also live in SA and he has been to Shevel for the ligation treatment. I am very happy for Cluster Headache CURE that he found relief in the treatment he received (unfortunately in my husband's case, he was not so fortunate).
In retrospect, I would have done FAR more research than that which we did pre-treatment and even now would warn anyone considering the treatment, to SERIOUSLY not consider it.  Desperation can lead to silly decisions and that is the case with us.  Not only have we spent thousands of rands on having the treatment done - hence I have highlighted the sentence posted in Cluster Headache CURE's post above - my husband was told the precise same thing - seems to be a pitch in selling the procedure to possible candidates.
To cut a rather long story short, not only did the first ligation procedure not work (involved one cut on either side at the back of his head, cuts on each temple, cut above the right eyebrow, as well as cutting inside the mouth), he went back to Shevel as the CH did not cease. And he went back twice more after that - having two separate procedures done in one day. Botox injections did not work.
Needless to say, after all the thousands of rands spent on having the procedure done, he still suffers from CH and we are STILL spending wheelbarrows full of money on medication.
We don't live in the city Shevel is in and have to spend a fortune on transport getting to the clinic. Granted, he has footed the bill for two airplane trips to Johannesburg, but I don't feel in the least indebted to him for doing so.
So......what is the epilogue to this absolute nightmare story?  Shevel's advice is that my husband is to return to the clinic AGAIN as he is 'willing to operate'. But we have to pay our own way to Johannesburg and of course if the procedure doesn't work - fifth time around - well, what can Shevel do - at least he has loads of desperate people like us who are willing to do whatever it takes to perhaps have relief from this headache from hell.
My question is - cut our losses and have respite in the knowledge that by posting on forums such as these, we may warn others not to go the same route we did, approach a medical board to attempt to recoup some damages, return for a fifth procedure in the hope that this time around, something works and the CH is aborted for good?

Now I'm really disappointed.  Danny Boy told me he was black but now I find he is as white as my sitting on part:
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I'm from Johannesburg, South Africa. Dr Elliot's home town. I see some negativity on a few forums however he has also had resounding success with some individuals. I tracked a few patients down using their testimonials and made surprise calls. The treatment did not work for some and on the other hand I get laughter from those that are headache free for some 5 years. I will schedule in-person visits to see whats up. Works for some...others not. Guess that's just how the cookie crumbles. A family member (Mum) in need of treatment has seen Dr Shevel a few days ago. She felt instant relief when Dr Shevel placed a pressurized band around her head. Almost 100% pain relief. This is evidence to suggest that the arterial cauterization procedure may infact work... (head band pressing against arteries effectively simulating post-surgery results). I'm doing as much research as I can and over the next few days I will personally visit a few patients who have had success. I will report the results here. I'm not saying I'm sold on the idea of the surgery... its just that there are some people who are happy after the surgery and the pressurized head band seems to work. I'm just as skeptical as you guys are. I just hope there's a good chance that this is a good solution. Will let you know...