I’m scheduled to see Dr. Hackman for a consult in January. I’m on a waiting list for a cancellation. Curious if any of his patients (especially out of state) were able to get in with him sooner than initially scheduled. I know it’s always a wait especially for a good specialist but it’s so hard when you’re in daily severe pain. Thank you in advance, healing vibes to all 
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Hi Elena,
I was able to get in two months early. Wasn’t supposed to see him until the end of October and saw him last month. My husband called regularly to check for cancellations and I know it’s the luck of the draw with that but it is possible.
I am so sorry you are suffering. One of the things I figured out as this was progressing was no one was in a hurry, but me. I take 300 mg of gabapentin 2 to 3 times a day, ibuprofen around the clock, and lidocaine patches have been fabulous. I also have Flexeril to take as needed. I have also asked for and gotten multiple times, prednisone packs to reduce inflammation if I have a strong flare.
I must say that I’m quite fortunate that I have a long-term relationship with my GP, so while he has walked through this with me, he’s said that I know more about it than he does, and he is willing to help make me comfortable while this was getting figured out.
Hoping you catch a lucky break )).
Leah
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Hi Leah!
Thank you for your feedback, I appreciate it! I will be calling regularly to check for cancellations as well, his scheduler Nicole actually told me to do so and told me that people cancel all the time so I’m hopeful.
As far as medications I have tried Gabapentine as well as other nerve medications in the past without any relief. I do take ibuprofen like you almost every single day, as well as migraine medication, and occasionally Hydrocodone or a Valium, but on very bad days which are 70% of the month nothing seems to help 
My worst symptoms are daily headaches and nerve pain in left side of the face, that I truly hope come from styloids and can be resolved with surgery.
Do you have your surgery date yet? Either way I hope you get successful treatment with Dr. Hackman and complete resolution of your symptoms
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Hi Elena. I was wondering, are you traveling to see him for your consultation? Or were you able to do telehealth?
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Hi Ectocake,
Dr. Hackman doesn’t do telehealth appointments with out of state patients so I will have to travel to see him in person. I assume he used to do telehealth with out of state people but not anymore. Hope this helps.
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I don’t think Dr. Hackman has ever done telehealth appts for an initial visit for any of his patients. It may be his policy or the policy of the UNC hospital he works for.
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Thank you, I might have misunderstood or even imagined that part 
I just remembered being told since I’m out of state I would have to see him in person, which I don’t mind at all.
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As of a wk ago there were 45 people on the cancelation list. They r suppose to work their way down the list vs someone calling in and getting ahead. Sounds like it doesnt always work that way. I sure hope u get in sooner though. We know what the wait is like. Over 4 months and finally appt is next wk. Good luck to u!
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Hi Kerri, I totally agree with you that they should go down that list in order that people scheduled their appointments. I believe that some people on the waiting list also end up canceling their appointments. Either way I’m hoping to get in sooner but if I can’t it is what it is. Good luck with your appointment next week!
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Yes,they def do cancel and a lot of people who already have appts will drop off the cancel list. I would still call in though like the other person recommended. You might get lucky. Hope u do! Thank u
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Sorry, what deleted post are you referring to?
I typed a post & deleted it as it wasn’t beneficial to anyone. 
I just got rid of it entirely. Forgot I could do that.
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I just wanted to share in my excitement, my appointment with Dr. Hackman was moved up to October 31st! I hope he can provide me with some so much needed answers. I’ll get down to writing down all the questions I have for him. Thank you again for all the help and encouragement.
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HOORAY!! I’m excited for you, @Elena, & am so hopeful that Dr. Hackman will be extremely helpful for you. Do not be disappointed if he tells you surgery may not correct every symptom. No doctor can promise that.
We have members who went into surgery feeling a bit discouraged because they didn’t know if any symptoms would go away, but as so often happens, the results were even better than they expected.
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Thank you so much, I’m trying not to get my hopes up. I’m even mentally prepared for him to tell me it’s not ES but deep inside I’m hoping that’s what it is and he can help me.
Either way I’m grateful I’ll be able to see him so much sooner and get some clarification on what in the world is this weird disorder I have that nobody has been able to figure out
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Great that your appt has been brought forward! There are some suggestions for what to ask doctors in the Newbies Guide Section about surgery if you’ve not seen it, here’s a link:
ES Information- Treatment: Surgery - Welcome / Newbies Guide to Eagle Syndrome - Living with Eagle
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YAY! I was slated to see him December 5 and I got moved up to October 26th! We’re just going to miss each other! Good luck!!!
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Thank you so much. I appreciate the link with helpful tips! 
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Thank you! So great that you were able to have your appointment moved up as well, good luck and keep us posted. I’ll update here once I see the doc and hopefully get my questions answered
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Good news for you, I hope your trip goes well too 
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