Migraine

Hello,

I am a long time migraine sufferer. I suffer from hemiplegic migraines that vary in intensity and neurologic difficulties. I don't know anyone who suffers from the same disability, and I am loosing hope of having a normal life... I long to have just one week without a migraine. At my last doctor visit, the PA told me that my chart was one that has a "star" on it for narcotic use. I left feeling that I was being treated like a drug seeker. I am a well educated professional who has a real and serious medical condition. I am not a drug seeker. I am well aware of rebound headaches and I am very careful with medication. I left the office without any scripts for pain relief. I am currently searching for a new specialist. I have heard that Dr. Sapeer is very good. I miss my prior Neurologist, I actually cried when she moved out of state. She was the first doctor to acknowlege my pain, and not treat me like a drug seeker.

I am so happy to have found this site and look forward to building new relationships with people who suffer from the same disease.

Hi Michelle,
I take it your a nurse too. I have suffered with migraines since I was 20. I too have struggled to find people who understand. It is helpful to be part of migraineconnection as I realize none of us are crazy just in need of support and the right health care professionals. I have my ups and downs too. I encourage you to seek out a headache professional that is willing to work with you and your primary care provider. I am sorry your other neurologist left. Best Wishes

Hello and welcome to our forum family, Michelle! Our goal is to provide everyone with the information and support that we all need to manage our Migraines and/or headaches. To that end, we consider this a “safe harbor,” where nobody tries to sell us anything, and we all use “family-friendly” language so parents are comfortable letting their children read the forum with them.

Please take a few minutes to review our policies and guidelines along with the other information in the START HERE folder. For information about Migraines, a good article to begin with is Learning About Migraines - Where to Start

I know just what you mean about trusted doctors leaving, and feeling in the lurch because of it. I'm between doctors for my migraines since my neuro retired, and now my internist has left her clinic practice, too. I have a doctor I plan on talking to and getting established with, but she's been on leave for a while, and should just now be getting back soon.

Personally, I think the assumptions and the starring of charts to brand migraineurs "drug seekers" is just about the saddest part of dealing with this disease. We're not drug seekers. We're relief seekers. There's a huge difference! While there's not a lot we can do to keep others from making assumptions, we can take some responsibility to look after our medical file and what's in it. Because your PA alerted you to the star and it's meaning, and you know it's there, you have every right to write a rebuttal and have it posted in your file. You can answer to their allegations. Just be professional and polite if you do any rebuttal, and do it in writing. Keep a copy. I'm pretty sure if you request something like that to be put in your file, they can't say no.

Does that help some?

Hi Michelle, we're happy you found this site too

I'm so sorry you've been diagnosed with Hemiplegic Migraine, but you've come to the right place for accurate information and caring support. We have have a separate folder for people who share this type of Migraine with you: HM Folder

I'm glad to hear you're looking for a Specialist. I live in Virginia but I see a Specialist in Texas and he's been a tremendous help in shortening the length of my Migraines and how severe they are too. Please let us know how your search goes.

I look forward to seeing you around the forum!

Thank You all for all your support and encouragement. It means so much.

Michelle

Hi Michelle,

Come join us in the Hemiplegic Migraine folder. There's a thread where you introduce yourself and how HM affects you. You'll find several fellow sufferers there, like me.

I hope you're having a migraine/HM free day, Tonya