Head and neck transplant!

[danijake]

I think I will do my own head/neck transplant. My Dr won't give me the med. I want, and I am dying. Actually crying because I have a pulsating headache. He's making me wait until Jan 8 to talk about adding the med. I just want to NOT get a bleeding ULCER from the Ibuprofen.

I can't go to work,I can't walk straight and my head and neck are KILLING me. Can't sleep, so I guess I have to SUFFER.

[mindyandy]

I would go back to your drs and insist that he give you something for pain. You SHOULD NOT have to be in pain. HUGS to you and I hope the dr gives you something for your pain.

[lori67]

There's no reason you should have to suffer until January 8th!  He should at least offer you something to help relieve the pain.  I'd say go back there too.  He gets paid to help people - he should least make an effort.

And if you perfect that head transplant - I'd like to look like a supermodel with 2 functioning sides to my face.  And maybe blonde...what the heck.

Feel better!
Lori

[danijake]

Blonde hair,great idea! I already have the blue eyes, so I'll have to keep those! And no breakouts...flawless skin and perfect hair(like the girls in the shampoo commercials).

I called back (the Dr) and they're supposed to call me. I may be going to the ER if this doesn't quit pounding.

[Captain Deb]

Ice pack on the back of the neck, maybe?
Nothing wrong with going to the ER, though I prefer my local Urgent Care--less waiting and cheaper.
Ask the darn doc for some flippin' hydocodone till he can see you in Jan--ooorrrrrrrr--do like I do and be a squeaky wheel and b__ch till you get an appointment in the next few days.  Either way, if you are going for Topamax, it will be a loooong time til you see any results--it takes months to work and is kind of a committment to try. Dr Stephen DSilberstein, world renown headache expert, says he gets good results with about 50% of his AN headachers with it, which, to us, is huge, because our headaches are notoriously medication-resistant. Google him--he's published tons of stuff--Not now, after the headache goes away!

Feel better!

Capt Deb

[danijake]

I may not need that head transplant after all.I woke up headache free today!  I am hoping and praying it stays that way. so far so good. I posted this on AN Community under "No headache?" I don't know how to transfer this, so, I'm...well, ya know. I'm going to pick my son up from my momma's in a couple of hours. Wish me luck!!!!!!! 

[danijake]

Almost 5:30 PM and still no headache! My neck sure aches, though. But I can handle that! Merry Christmas. Be back next week.

[TP]

Danijake: I went a year with severe pain in my neck (was seeing a chiropractor) and occasionally in my head before my AN was diagnosed. The pain in the neck was from the tumor pressing against my spinal cord.  Having this type of pain is ridiculous, please call your Dr and request something. You should not have to wait another week for reliief.

[Larry]

Dani,

My empathies for you. My headaches have been around a long time now but hopefully yours won;t be. As Deb said, put the acid on your quacks. get a second opinion. These guys have no idea the pain and suffering you are going through. they sau they do but how can they unless they have experienced it themselves.

Good Luck

Laz

[danijake]

I went to the Dr today and he wants to send me to a pain Dr. Any feedback on this would be great. I told him I'd let him know. He didn't like the idea of the Topomax right now, so...maybe someday the headaches will become tolerable. HOPE

Thanks for the replies. It really helps.

[OMG16]

I'm just wondering why he wouldn't prescribe the topomax for you?  I've been reading this post and it makes me so angry.  The treatment you are getting is just very sad and I'm sorry you have to go through this.

I agree you should get a second opinion.  I'm not sure about the pain Dr since we have not experienced this type of treatment with my son's headaches.  That being said I think I personally would give it a try.  The worst that could happen is that they will do nothing and you have wasted your time once again.  From what I have read though it sounds like this is usually a good place to start.

Did your doctor give you anything in the mean time?  I really hope that he/she did.  I'm just so sorry that you have to go through this.

I'm sending you a kiss to your forehead .  16

[ppearl214]

Hi Dani,

Well, as Capt'n Deb noted, I've also been hearing good things about Topomax for the control for headaches. I know Deb has cluster headaches and she can further share about how it's been working for her.  I have not tried it yet, but 2 of my dr's want to send me to Faulkner Hospital in Boston to their Headache Clinic to see if we can nip mine as well (mine are caused by 2 ailments... but I can pretty well determine which is causing which headaches). I am a believer in listening to what the pain clinics have to say, then make my decision from there... maybe a thought?

due to all the meds I'm on for my lovely trifecta of issues, my GI dr has made sure I'm on Rx Prilosec to make sure my stomach is ok.  due to one ailment, I have an issue with acid buildup/backup, so the Prilosec does help in my case.  I get Rx form since it's less expense than OTC on my insurance plan.

since 16 is giving out forehead kisses, I'll provide the huggles and hope you are feeling better soon.

Phyl

[lori67]

Dani,

A lot of people have had good luck with the pain/headache clinics, so I don't think you have anything to lose by going (unless your insurance doesn't cover that - then you'd have a lot to lose!).  There might be a reason why your primary doc doesn't want to try the Topamax right now, but you can always mention it when you go to the pain dr. and see what he has to say.

Good luck!
Lori

[Larry]

dani,

there are a plethora of drugs to potentially try. Neurontin is one that I'm on but there are loads. Topomax seems to be the current favourite at the moment. One specialist that i saw who deals in headache pain prescribed Topomax for me. the only concern is that it can cause Glaucoma. i did try the drug for a few weeks but my eyes sarted getting watery so I stopped. At that point the pressure in my eyes was around 19 (20 is deemed to be the critical number). Since i stopped that drug, i recently had my eyes checked and the pressure is now 15. Topomax is not for me but i am pleased that it helps others.

You need to get multiple opinions until you find a quack that will give you advice that you think is right. pain clinics - yep, try them (depending on your finances of course).

cheers

Laz

[Captain Deb]

Dani, which doc was this--your PC, the surgeon who did your surgery, or your neurologist? Did you mention Silberstein's headache workshop at the ANA symposium? My suggestion before a regular pain clinic is to see a headache specialist at a headache clinic if you can.  Believe me--headaches like this never become tolerable without the right help.
Extra kiss on the forehead and big squishy hug,

Capt Deb