Migraine

Has anyone heard of Dr. Robert Cowan and the Keeler Clinic in Ojai, California? He wrote the book "The Keeler Method". I just read it and sounds really good. He's a neurologist that is also a migraineur. So, he really understands what people are going thru.

I was wondering if anyone has any experience or knowledge of his clinic or of him.
parisbabe

Parisbabe,

Good Afternoon. While I have not read the book. I remembered that a site member was going to the clinic you reference. On the top right of the screen is a search box and I did a search on: Keeler Clinic. There are a couple of the links to previous posts by her. If you find the info helpful there are more to read if you do the same search.

I do remember that this person was happy with the care she was receiving and felt hopeful. She's not posted in a while, so unfortunatley I wasn't able to find anything current.

First Appt At Keeler

Firing my Neuro

I couldn't find in the search anyone other than the one person on the forum who has been to the center. The location is a bit remote and so I wonder if that has something to do with it. I confess that based on this member's comments, I have thought of going there if I ever need to part ways with my current neurlogist. Fortunately that does not seem to be anything I need to worry about now!!

Good luck,

Hi parisbabe,

This is going to have to be a quick reply for now. I actually just got back from my appointment with Dr. Cowan an hour ago. He's been my neuro for over a year now. I've been very pleased with my experience with him and the Keeler Center--no if, ands or buts about it. He and they GET IT. It is such a relief to work with a doctor who really listens to what I have to say and truly works as a partner with me in my care.

Along the way I've worked long and hard to educate myself about my migraine disease and to track all my symptoms and responses to meds. and I feel this has made a huge difference too. Certainly my migraines are now under much better control than they were when I first walked in the door of the Keeler Center.

My insurance doesn't cover one cent of it and I have to drive two hours just to get there, but I look forward to my appointments every time, if that says anything!

Melanie

Melanie,
I am so excited to read your post-thank you!! You are the second person who raves about the clinic and Dr. Cowan! If I can ask some more questions please.

Where do you live? California? And why didn't your insurance cover anything? And how long have you had your migraines?

I live in Texas so this would be a big commitment for me. And I am unemployed so the cost is a biggie.

I have his book and I agree-HE GETS IT!!!

If I could at least get on a treatment program set by him and then maybe a neuro here could continue it. He did recommend 2 neuros here so I could look into that.

I would really like to talk to you a bit more if you have the time. Thanks.
parisbabe
Pam

Pam.

If you're in Texas, why don't you go see Dr. Krusz? He's reputed to be as good as Dr. Cowan, and he's certainly closer.

I've got to agree with Arabella, especially if insurance doesn't cover either place. Gosh, you're IN Texas. I fly from NC to go see Dr Krusz, and boy does he GET it.

I was in really bad shape when I started with him, and I now have quite a bit of my life back. It's amazing what having a doctor of that quality in your corner can do. You have one right there... I have to admit- I'm really jealous!

I have to agree with Jamie. I also see Dr. K. And while I pay up front with him, I do get some reimbursement from my insurance company. I also go to another neurologist at Scott and White in Temple who works with Dr. K who also "gets it", so right now I have a doctor marriage made in heaven. I don't know where you are in Texas, but you can't go wrong seeing Dr. K in Dallas, and he knows everybody else who's good in Texas, literally.

Tracie

Hello again,

To answer your questions: Yes, I live in California, a couple hours drive away from Ojai. I have Kaiser insurance which only covers visits to Kaiser doctors and I just got tired of battling with them. I have been able to get my medications covered by Kaiser by taking my prescriptions back to my Kaiser GP and asking her to order them for me. So far she's done this without question even though I have to pay extra because most of my meds are not on the Kaiser formulary! I've had migraines since childhood--that would be nearly 40 years now. When I first went to Keeler I had chronic daily headaches from medication overuse and about 12-16 migraine days a month. Now I'm down to 3-5 migraine days a month and nearly zero head pain in between.

I have to say though, I tend to agree with the other posters here, seeing Dr. Krusz in Texas would seem to make a lot of sense given where you live.

I wish you the best of luck, and am happy to answer further questions if needed.

Melanie

Yes, I would love to go see Dr.K. I called today to get a rundown on the costs.
Someone has to call me back.
My insurance would pay for many things at the Keeler Clinic in Calif. and I am retired airline, so I could fly there on a pass. But then I would have to rent a car and it's a long drive. The flight and all that would be a nightmare for me as the fragrance issue would trigger a migraine. So, I would not prefer to go to Calif.

Perhaps, my insurance would reimburse me for some costs at Dr.K like Tracie said she did. THe money is the only thing stopping me from going to see Dr.K. I would have already been there long ago but I am just not in the position to pay out of pocket.

The Keeler Clinic states on their website and in the book that "they do not turn anyone away for inability to pay". They state they have financial assistance. So that is why I was thinking of going there. And for their reputation.

I don't know what's going to happen. I'm praying that God will make a way for me to go see Dr.K cause he is in Dallas.

parisbabe
Pam

Hi Pam,

I have been going to Dr. Cowan for a couple years now and yes like the others have said he ROCKS!!!! and "get it" and what I have heard of Dr. Krusz he ROCKS too!! So, either way, you are going to get a great doctor. Regarding insurance, I have no problem with my insurance, but I do have a PPO. If I were you I would call each office and discuss your options. I am sure both office won't have a problem discussing it. Let us know what you decide and good luck

Dar