Headache Dr. referral anyone?? (Chicago, Diamond: insurance, home, purchase)

[irish setter girl]

I'm at my wits end with my headaches I've had MRI's done, given various meds and nothings works. I went to a chiropractor and that gave me temporary relief. Has anyone had success with a doctor, treatment, etc... I was thinking of going to the Diamond Headache Clinic in Chicago. I suffer from chronic tension and cluster headaches. The last batch has lasted a week. Any suggestions/referrals would be appreciated. I live in the western burbs but I'm willing to travel! Thanks in advance.

[scarletneon]

I don't have any doctor suggestions, but I have been getting headaches ALL week right before bedtime. i'm pretty sure it's the weather. I think I'm allergic to everything outside. Maybe you have problems with allergies/sinus too?

Good luck in your search.

[irish setter girl]

Supernerdgirl, thanks for the idea. I had allergy testing done and I take meds when allergy season hits. I still get these unimaginable headaches. I have the traditional cluster headache pain which feels like an ice pick going into your eye socket. The pain then radiates to the side of my head to the point where I don't want to drive. The pain is always on one side of my head. Occassionally I get the typical migraine auras that affect my sight. These are not as common however. I was thinking about acupuncture since I've read that it can help headache sufferers. I have a high tolerance for pain but after so many years you can only take so much.

Thanks again for any insight or referrals. I just have not found the right Dr. or treatment yet.

[cohdane]

I'm SURE you have tried this, but just on the outside chance....sinus headache medicine. The kind that doesn't cause drowsiness. The kind you now need a driver's license to purchase up at the prescription counter.

I used to get awful headaches that didn't respond to ANYTHING. Now I keep a supply of this stuff everywhere-- car, work, home-- just in case one hits.

It's probably a long shot that you haven't tried it, but considering the time of year, it seemed worth a shot.

[scarletneon]

Originally Posted by cohdane

I'm SURE you have tried this, but just on the outside chance....sinus headache medicine. The kind that doesn't cause drowsiness. The kind you now need a driver's license to purchase up at the prescription counter.

I used to get awful headaches that didn't respond to ANYTHING. Now I keep a supply of this stuff everywhere-- car, work, home-- just in case one hits.

It's probably a long shot that you haven't tried it, but considering the time of year, it seemed worth a shot.

I constantly have sinus problems and managed to quit taking the sudafed (I still take allergy medication), when i walked into jewel one day and found this: NeilMed Pharmaceuticals, Makers of Sinus Rinse, NasaFlo Netipot, Nasal Irrigation

Yes, I realize the idea of squeezing water up your nose is kind of gross, but it works. I flew home for Christmas and ALWAYS get a sinus infection. After using that stuff twice the infection was cleared up. Craziness.

[irish setter girl]

Thanks for the input! Yes, I have tried the sinus headache stuff, every brand. I have had prescription meds and they don't work either. I have eliminated caffeine and I exercise. I've learned to live with constant head pain but just don't think this is normal. Again, thanks for the advice. The only thing I have not done is accupuncture. The idea is a little creepy but I hear it works for many people.

[FLtoVA]

I came across your post by doing a search. I too suffer from cluster headaches. I don't think anyone can quite understand what a horrible condition this is unless they actually have it. I have had these headaches off and on for more than 20 years.

I don't know how long you have had them but they run in cycles. I am currently in a cycle that has been going on for about 5 weeks now. I have a wonderful neurologist and am taking topamax daily and imitrex injections at the onset of a headache.

When I first started getting them 20 years ago, I rarely went more than a few weeks in between headaches but recently I was headache free for nearly five years. So there is hope.

I can try to help from my experience if you have any questions. It is so excrutiatingly painful and mine have gotten worse over the years. Find youself a good neurologist and stick with him/her.

[sgresident]

irishsettergirl, I periodically suffer from horrible headaches and utilize the chiropractor. He is in aurora. they also have a couple of massage therapists on staff and I have had great response with this. I also do a couple of strange things at home..I really like to use vicks! i rub it on my neck, massage in into my forehead, whatever. it really helps.

[Steve-o]

Paging Dr. Advil. Dr. Advil please come to the front desk. Paging Dr. Advil.

[irish setter girl]

Man, I wish Advil did the trick. Thank you FLtoVA and SGresident. Cluster headaches are so hard to explain. For me it feels like a constant "brain freeze" behind my eye and then my head gets hot. I did find relief from one chiro. but she was forced back to Canada by the US (she had so many unhappy patients). I've skipped from one chiro to another, none have done the trick like she did. I will search for a good neurologist, if anyone has any suggestions I'd be happy to check them out. FLtoVA, have you ever done oxygen treatments for your clusters? A website that I follow (dedicated to "cluster-heads") often has people who swear by it and it is often covered by insurance. I didn't find much relief from imitrex but perhaps I need it along with something else. My SIL actually takes an anti-depressant and imitrex to reduce her headaches, she says it works. I'm really trying to find a drug-free method to reduce the pain but my cluster cycles are getting longer and longer.

Thanks for all the suggestions/support. There is nothing worse than chronic head pain!