First reaction is that your doc not sophisticated enough to treat Cluster.

The standard treatment program:
1. Start the pred. at a high dose 60-100Mg); reducing by abou 10mg every 1-2 days. This will abort attacks very rapidly.
2. AT THE SAME TIME, start a preventive med which works to reduce/stop attacks. Takes a few days before it gets built up in your body, hence using #1. You stay on this one as long as you fell that attacks are developing.
3. Finally, a fast action abortive to kill attacks which sneak by #2.

Print the PDF file below both for your learning and as a tool to discuss treatment options with any doc you see.
======
My first comment because of the sequence of meds he is using now. Not the most effective, useful approach.

In your area, you should not have a problem finding a headache specialist. General neurologists and most family practice types have limited training/experience in treating the complexity of Cluster. So, consider looking about.....

LOCATING HEADACHE SPECIALIST

1. 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.

2.  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.

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

4. 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.

5. 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.
=====================================================================
WHY A HEADACHE SPECIALIST IS RECOMMENDED


Headache. 2012 Jan;52(1):99-113.
Cluster headache in the United States of America: demographics, clinical characteristics, triggers, suicidality, and personal burden.
Rozen TD, Fishman RS.

THERE REMAINS A SIGNIFICANT DIAGNOSTIC DELAY FOR CLUSTER HEADACHE PATIENTS ON AVERAGE 5+ YEARS WITH ONLY 21% RECEIVING A CORRECT DIAGNOSIS AT TIME OF INITIAL PRESENTATION.

I think you guys are right. I'm going to talk to a headache specialist that's certified from the site you recommended. I'll follow up here with what he has to say.

Do you guys have any tips on getting an appointment sooner? I contacted the neurologists suggested from Bob's Johnson's resources and they are all extremely busy. One of them won't be seeing patients until November! I wonder if it's just a system in place to weed out people who are truly in pain?

Do you think I should just setup the appointment and call back everyday to try to get spots where people may have canceled?

Thanks for the support guys

Agreed you should make the appointment and call frequently for a cancellation. In the meantime, you can start the D3 regimen, stock up on energy drinks, and read up on the full abortive regimen we use here. Implement what you can. Keep a headache diary. Take control of what you need and be proactive in your pain. One thing we've learned is what works for one of us may not work for someone else. That's why you should read this site like you would a manual for that RV you just bought-cover to cover, taking notes. If you have any questions please ask. blessings. lance

Hello, I have started the Vitamin D regimen a little over 4 weeks ago. When I started, my 25(OH)D test came back with 28 ng/ml. I've been relatively pain free for the most part but I still get daily shadows. I've tried adding vitamin B-50 complex suggested earlier since I know I am allergic to the pollen. In addition, I have tried taking those off the counter Zyrtec anti histamines to see if that works.

I don't know if this has been reported by other users but I also get some weird hunger. If I don't eat on time, I get this feeling in the head that makes me feel weak and goes away when I eat. There are times where after I eat, I get that feeling again and it goes away when I have a snack.

Any suggestion welcome! thanks