Migraine

Hi guys!

It took me a while to get here to post this! (The kids felt they absolutely had to go to the nearby kids' play-place because they were "so totally bored" this morning. They had a great time...Dh and I enjoyed watching them, too.)

Well, I'm posting because I have another good report about my HA specialist visit! I went yesterday...I feel so terrific about this group! From the moment I walked in the door, they were wonderful! I arrived at my appointment over an hour early (I had to take an extra early flight and I figured I might as well show up on the off chance that they'd fit me in.) Well, they took me in about 10 minutes! No waiting at all!

I talked at length with the nurse about the past 2 months. I've had 4 exceptionally bad migraines in this time (in addition to my "regular" daily migraine pattern). She was just terrific while taking my info. She paid very close attention to my headache diary and realized that Imitrex, Phenergan, and Oxy together consistently abort my very worst migraines. (I only have a handful of the Oxy tablets...only for the VERY VERY worst of days.). We agreed it is very good that I have SOMETHING that will put me to sleep AND take the pain away!

The doctor called my back to his office very quickly! I had prepared a list of questions for him--He told me he really appreciates this! (I guess many patients are really not prepared for their appointments...) My doc said he had looked carefully at my diary and questions. He recommended a few things:

1) Changing the timing of the nortriptyline to AM, cause it makes me restless and not sleepy.

2) Adding a new preventive called Atacand to my regimen. It's a blood pressure med and my other preventives are anti-depressants.

He talked with me a lot about a scary reaction I had to droperidol injections. He gave me some prescriptions for meds that should stop that from ever happening again. He also talked with me about my recent fainting spell with migraine. He definitely set my mind at ease about it...He feels it was either dehydration or the actual physical effect of vomiting over and over and over that caused it. He did say a medic alert bracelet might be good for me (just in case).

He gave me a nerve block and trigger point injections...This time all over my head (the nerves in the back on both sides as well as the temples and eyebrows on both sides). I told him that my last nerve block was not as effective as the one before it. He listened to my report--he looked back at his records to see what he'd done each time. Then he and I made a good plan for how to place the injections this time. During the injections, he also noticed that my neck was very tight and he gave me a couple of shots in that area, as well.

I feel wonderful today! I feel good because the nerve block has helped AND because this doctor and his staff are really great! They all listen to me and take my reports seriously! They also understand just how sick I sometimes feel--AND they really do make active efforts to help!! They are actively making changes to my care--but not moving too quickly!

I took the time to specially thank everyone in the office--the receptionist, the nurse, and the doc. They are all working so hard with me to try to make things better!

I really do feel that they will be able to help me. It may take time, and there may be setbacks along the way, but I think improvement will come!

It sure is nice to leave a doctor's visit feeling so positive! I didn't even mind the train and plane rides home...they were SOOO worth it!!

So that's it...Hang in there everyone! There IS help out there for us! And there ARE doctors in this world who really care and know how to treat us!!

jenny

That's great, Jenny! I hope your good luck continues.

Congratulations on your part in a great visit.

Jenny this is such a great report. I'm so glad for you - sounds like things may really look up for you now! and I'm excited because I'll be goign to the Jeff in June, so You're helping me prepare!

- Megs

Jenny I'm so happy for you to have had such a great visit.
Cindy

Thanks Deb, Nug, Megs, and Cindy!

Thank you all for celebrating with me!

Megs, I've been thinking of you...I'm sure you'll be happy with the folks at the Jeff. It's a wonderful place to be!

Have a great day, guys!

jenny

Jenny, I am so excited for you that you're getting such great care - and taking such an active role in your treatment! This gives me hope that one day we'll all find treatment plans that work.

WAHOO!

YAHOO!! Jenny!!

That's a great doctors visit. It does give me hope that there are great docs out there now I just have to find me one !!

Dar

That's really terrific, Jenny!!

Hi jennyc,

I was thinking about you over the weekend and so glad to hear your appointment was fabulous!!

Thank you all so much for cheering along with me! It sure does help, knowing that you all are rooting for me! Don't know what I'd do without you...

jenny