Migraine

Followed up today with my head neuro. He is still recommending a shunt..in fact in light of how dramatic my response to LPs he is pushing hard. I am on large does of Diamox and as he noted, it just isn't doing it. We discussed change in med but he feels Diamox is gold standard for IIH.

He did add Lasix to see if it helps at all. And gave me injectable DHE but was really unhappy with that. He kept saying it was using the wrong ammo in the gun.

I told him I am really hesitant about the shunt. I am nervous about anyone mucking around in my head, and personally I don't think the 50% failure rate is a very good statistic. He did point out that the one he recommends- the VP (?) shunt has better results than that. But he recognizes a stubborn lady when he meets one.

So...he has suggested, and I feel it is reasonable and responsible, that I get a second opinion. He is going to refer me to Dr Mokri (sp) at Mayo who is a neurologist, not a neurosurgeon to get another opinion on the IIH diagnosis AND on the shunt as a treatment.

And I am still really nervous about the whole idea but he does give excellent reasons why is recommending the shunt and tells me he has only ever recommended it 3 times before.

I guess we will see after I have been to Mayo.

MAH,

I'm sending positive vibes your way! I know this is a difficult decision to make and I think getting a second opinion is a fantastic idea.

When is your appointment with Dr. M?

Please keep us posted, okay?

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Dr H is just refering me to Dr M now so I assume it will be awhile. You usually wait for an appt with Mayo OR they call and tell you it is tomorrow!
Thanks!
Dawn

from, me, too. Warm, scaly ones!

Good for you for voicing your concerns and really discussing all the different aspects of your care with the doctor, and kudos to him, because it sounds like he really does listen to you.

Keep us posted when you find out. We'll keep on rooting for you in the meantime.