Choices

Hi, 

I have a few medical issues one of them being cluster headaches  which i've had for at least 20 years. They were diagnosed by a neurologist.  I've only ever been prescribed cluster headache medication on a few occasions in all those years because i've had terrible side effects from them. Since then i've only ever been given co-codamol 30/500 by my GP for any pain. I avoid taking these because apart from not taking the pain away they affect me so much with severe itching and they make the headaches worse as they wear of.

About 3 years ago I went to my GP because the headaches were increasing in intensity and frequency and was seen by another neurologist who i asked if i could have oxygen therapy instead of other medication. He point blank refused and said i may have sleep apnoea that may be causing the headaches. I pointed out that they dont always start at night time although a lot of them do but he wasnt having any of it. He then said i might have become addicted to the co-codamol 30/500 which is ludicrus because i only take maximum about 8 in a whole month.

He sent me packing after saying he would refer me to be tested for sleep apnoea, he offered no other medication or solutions to my pain. I was very upset. 

I did have a sleep apnoea test and it showed that i probably have severe sleep apnoea but i havent had a proper diagnosis for it or any help for that because the pandemic happened. I've just been left with no help from anyone and i'm getting the clusters all the time.

I've asked my GP to refer me again to another neurologist for a second opinion but she said it may take more than 12 months for an appointment to see anyone.

All i want is some oxygen therapy  ...... why is it so hard to get any. I cant stand going through this pain anymore and i'm desperate for help for it but doctors make you feel like you need to beg