Migraine

I need help knowing what is reasonable to expect from a migraine doctor who is long distance. What kind of plan should be in place for getting help when I'm at home. I don't mind getting on a plane and travelling back to the doctor; I just need to know the plan and be a part of it.

40 years of being a passive migraine patient is making me question every move I make. Am I doing the right thing? Am I being annoying? Am I being passive aggressive? Am I asking for too much?

So many negative experiences with doctors have brought me to the place that I don't even know what is reasonable to expect.

How long is reasonable to try meds with side effects?
How long is reasonable to just ride out the pain?

Forgive me for venting and venting on this site. I don't know where else to turn. Every day I feel more and more desperate and hopeless. I know you can't give me medical advice but I need help.

I wish I had answers for you. I wish I had answers for me. I'm still trying to fumble my way through the system, and have yet to find anything that works. Maybe the moderators can give you a list of things to ask for (???)

No, I don't think you are asking too much are being any of the negative things you suggested.

It sounds like you are done being the passive Migraine patient. Great! Doctors usually like patients who are willing to work with them on their condition, not just yes them!

So here's what you can do:

When you see your out of town Migraine specialist and have a diagnosis and treatment plan, find a local doctor or neurologist who will work with specialist and you to administer the plan. Does that make sense? Then you see the local doctor, and use the Migraine specialist on an as needed basis. That's what many members here do.

It can take up to three months to see a reduction in frequency and severity of our Migraine when we start new medications. Yes, I know that is a long time, but it can take our body that long to adjust to the med.

As far as riding out the pain - NO WAY! The Migraine specialist should be able to provide you with abortive and/or rescue medications so there is NO riding out the pain any longer.

How does that sound?

Hi Cyn,

I work with an out of town Migraine Specialist and a local neurologist. My Migraine Specialist handles my preventive medications and emergency treatment plan while my local neuro handles my abortive and rescue meds.

I see my local neuro every two or three months and keep him updated whenever my Specialist changes my preventives. My local neuro also makes himself available to me after hours in case I need him for an emergency. So far, I've been able to use my Specialist's letter when I go to the ER but it's good to know my local neuro is there for me if I need him.

Good luck and let us know how it goes! If you have any questions on how my treatment plan works with either of my doctors, just let me know