Husband in need of TRUE DIAGNOSIS (Cluster Headaches thru to Bipolar)

My husband has suffered from Cluster Headaches for over 10 years now.  We have been to numerous doctors, counseling, alternative therapy treatments - you name it we have tried it.  What basically works for him is a combination of drugs and chiropractic care.  However approximately 8 months ago he was diagnosed with Bipolar and since that time he has been in Emergency Rooms for EKG's, echocardiograms, etc.  This has been a whirlwind of events, however mostly I feel like I have lost my husband......he is constantly depressed, but what is worse is that his thought process and memory are failing rapidly.  I would like to admit him into a hospital under doctor supervision to shake him of all the various drugs he has been taking and Re-Boot his system, along with psychological assistance (possible?  where?).  However the medical field continues to drop us to someone else, then off to another - Does Anyone Care about the human and not the drug companies? sorry to be so ru+de, however I am severally  discouraged and emotionally drained I am reaching out thru this system.  Currently my husband is taking the following medication daily:  1) Lamictal 400 mg; 2) Zyprexa 2.5 mg; 3) Celexa 20 mg; 4) Topamax 200 mg; 5) Verpimil 160 mg; 6) Imatrex Injection Shots to use when needed and when going thru a cluster he can use multiple shots during the course of 24 hours; 7) Aciphex 20 mg; and finally 8) Butorphanol spray to use when needed.  What direction can I take now for my husband is lying in a hospital bed right now...he is only 39 years old???? Please anyone Help!

This post was edited due to Forum Rule #14

 

No SHOUTING.  Remember, using ALL CAPITAL LETTERS in posts is considered yelling and rude, plus it is difficult to read. 

Post Edited By Moderator (olivia of course) : 8/21/2007 1:03:11 AM (GMT-6)

Thank you Olivia. Do you know of any hospitals/medical facilities in the State of Florida or even across the U.S. that I could seek help for my husband? THank you for clarifying the all caps rule.

Unfortunately the psychiatrist that my husband was seeing on a regular basis in St. Augustine, Florida has moved to another state. We have had no such luck in continuing our efforts with this particular office. My husband is to call his family doctor today from the hospital in order to get some direction from him as well. I would like to see my husband get the best possible care that he so needs and the only way that I know to do that is to Start Over...he needs to get off the current meds (under doctor's supervision) continue under psychiatric care, however there also needs to be a neurologist on staff due to his cluster headaches - reboot his system and try to come up with a reasonable approach in dealing with the two evil beasts that endangers his life and well-being. It's all complicated and considering he is also a Marine Veteran we have gone thru the VA and believe me, that is worse than working with the medical world. What are your suggestions or thought process on this issue? I appreciate your time.

Maybe getting a Neurologist might help as well as a psychiatrist..........

Thank you Carenpolar - my husband suffered from cluster headaches first, then was diagnosed with Bipolar - yes I believe they are linked, but mostly I feel that the medicine he is taking for his cluster headaches caused his depression. I am still seeking a facility, hospital, doctor, etc. that would be able to assist with the headaches (neurologist we do have) and bipolar. Thanks for your inquires and goodluck to you.

Unfortunately I have not been with my husband when he visits his neurologist so I am not clear as to what he thinks. However both of us have seen his psychologist; we've been in therapy for our marriage and he was doing therapy from 9 to 5PM every day for close to 60 days back in October of 2006. He diagnosed with Bipolar I - his mania is crazy....he will stay up all night (which affects his sleep cycle, then the headaches come back) his brain is like working over-time for he has ALL these ideas, which do not make sense, however I try to reason with him when he is having these episodes. When he hits rock bottom the depression (the lows of bipolar) are at it's worse....I am afraid that I will walk into the house finding him dead. When he is this way he will talk of suicide - back in October it was extremly bad and I called his psychologist and turned him over to her. Unfortunately his psychologist has moved to another state, so we're starting over again. He has an appt with his family doctor next Friday.....we will move forward on his recommondations. Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida cannot help and we've also called a place in North Carolina. We need a facility that can handle both the headaches and the bipolar.....tough...real tough...

I'm a little confused. What is the main problem that you're seeking help with?

For cluster headaches, there's only one thing I've ever heard anyone claim worked really well for them. It isn't approved yet, but without a doubt you'll see it mentioned if you search alternative medications. There is an FDA study re: the use of tryptamines in the treatment of cluster headaches that may have already been completed. I knew someone who was considered for the study but was rejected for some reason ( I can't recall, might have been anxiety, though).

Hi Need Advice!

Welcome to the board. It's good to have you. I hope you find some good community here.

As you already noticed, this thread is a couple months old and I'm not even sure Shmily is checking the board any more. I haven't seen her in a while. It's nice of you to offer some good info though.