Compassionate Doctors in OC?

[Journeyman777]

Hello everyone.  I suffer from Chronic Cluster Headaches (Treatment = Verapamil, 1 time Prednizone treatment and Dilaudid for flares), Compression, bulging and desication in low back and neck due to Congenital birth defect and one very bad car accident (from which i own a telephone pole!).  Treatment = Soma + Lortab.

I have not (and will not) have surgery, at this point.  I have tried accupuncture, chiropactor, epidural injections, etc, etc.

My question:  

I just moved to Orange County California and was curious if anyone could recommend a doctor who compassionate towards chronic pain and understands the need for opiates, especially Cluster headaches, since I would rather be gutted and face the guillotine than endure a minute of CH pain during and episode?

I recently lost my job in an office environment and am working as a waiter and a pool cleaner to avoid foreclosure on my home and bankruptcy.  Needless to say this is very physically demanding work and if I am in pain, I cannot work.  The Cluster headaches are unpredictable and if I have an episode, I am useless, until it is over.

Since I came from out of state, and have no insurance and cannot afford to go to 5 doctors in hope of finding 1 that can help, I will be soon out of my medications.

Please help.  You can e-mail me at smille_777***@**** if you have any referrals.

Thanks all!

[Journeyman777]

Sanshelp512:  Thank you so much for the info, especially regarding the cluster headaches.  That is promising.  Resetting my brain sounds wonderful!!! LOL.  

[sanshelp512]

I used to get my Vicodin from Richard M. Paicius, MD. He was right next to Fashion Island. Never tried for anything stronger, however. They didn't try to talk me into anything else, although I got to them by way of biofeedback sessions and then an interview with a psychologist (no charge) who referred me to Dr. Paicius.

He had a PA that I liked that always took care of me.

If I were to try it today, I would establish a relationship with a primary care doctor and get him to refer me to a guy who would prescribe opiates Class II or higher.

Only downside, this guy will cost you big bucks if you don't have insurance.

For a primary doctor, I recommend John R. Tencati,  MD, an internist. He's not high-powered but you may be able to afford him and he is compassionate. He's on the other side of Hoag Hospital.

I believe in going to doctors in high rent districts, as I figure they have to be good to bring in the money to pay the rent. Let me know if you disagree. Obviously, there will be exceptions you have to watch out for.

In regard to cluster headaches, my son was cured of them by the head of the neurology department at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.

He prescribed Desipramine to reset my son's brain.

I highly recommend it, especially if you are desperate.

Hope this helps.