Migraine

so my med holiday isn't going so well. my PCP called my neuro and talked to him because I don't really get through to him so well. He mentioned inpatient treatment possibly.
First does anyone know of anywhere in the New England area that does inpatient treatment? and
Two can someone explain to me what inpatient treatment is like? its not set in stone yet, but my doctor has pretty much run out of ideas it seems like so now it looks like this is the road were probably heading down. I'm pretty chill and ok with the idea but my parents are more freaked with this idea.

Thanks for any input.

Best.

I would think your doctor should have some idea of where he wants to send you for inpatient treatment. If that's what he's recommending, then he's got some level of responsibility in helping to coordinate your care.

I can't speak about what inpatient migraine care is like, since I've never been in that position. I know we've had some threads from other members that have been through it. Have you done a search using the search tool? I would think if you just put "inpatient" in the search box, you'd get quite a few hits.

I wouldn't let them give you narcotics continuously and try to make sure your doctor specializes in or is proficient in headache treatment.

My wife was given inpatient treatment at a hospital for a week a few years ago which consisted of hooking her up to a machine that would give her dilodin for headache pain at the press of a button whenever she wanted. Literally within one day of being discharged her headaches came back in full swing with worse pain than she had ever experienced before. I thought she was going to die. And the whole time she was in the hospital she was under the care of a neurologist.

I wish you the best with your treatment - good luck!

Dave

Note: Wording edited by moderator to avoid the interpretation of giving medical advice. Thank you!

Dave,

I'm so sorry your wife had to go through that! What an awful experience to endure!

I think you may be talking about Medication Overuse Headache, right?

Here's a bit more information on MOH:

• Medication Overuse Headache: When the Remedy Backfires

• Stopping Medication Overuse Can Halt Transformed Migraine


Kate,

Droolie is right, a few of our members have gone through inpatient treatment lately, right of the top of my head, I recall:

Alaura

but I know there have been a couple more. Hopefully, they'll swing by and give you their experiences.

Please let us know how things are going, okay? Sending lots of hugs your way!

I don't know of any New England inpatient programs but I would think that one of the Boston area hospitals would offer something. My daughter was inpatient at MHNI 2 years ago for 20 days. They tried a variety of things - IV protocols (IV magnesium/reglan, IV benedry, IV DHE, IV doxycycline) along with a list of abortive medications to try. We were very hopeful that something would break the cycle and help but nothing did. They did not give narcotics and anyone who was on narcotics needed to stop them before being admitted. Along with trying a variety of things in a short time my daughter also went to classes on dealing with her headaches. We also met many people also suffering from headaches and migraines and share our stories. The only thing that really seemed to help some patients were nerve blocks. They didn't recommend them for my daughter but the only people who really found relief had them. I hope you find a program nearby that helps. Please keep us posted.

[QUOTE]Droolie is right, a few of our members have gone through inpatient treatment lately, right of the top of my head, I recall:

Alaura

but I know there have been a couple more. Hopefully, they'll swing by and give you their experiences.

Please let us know how things are going, okay? Sending lots of hugs your way! [QUOTE]

You beat me too it Laura thanks

Kate,

To be honest I only know of 3 places here in the US that does inpatient treatment for migraines. If your doc suggested it, where were they going to have you stay?
I would love to share my hospital experiences with you. Please just keep in mind that every place will have differences.

I have been in the same hospital 4 times now to treat my migraines. Just got home from my last stay yesterday evening, haven't even unpacked yet lol.

It probably sounds crazy to go into a hospital over and over, but I don't regret one day of it. I am familiar with some of your posts, that you have a chronic issue with these cursed monsters don't you? I have a mixed headache disorder and status migs. The migraine is the reason I went in all the times. I am sure you know that our bodies can only handle so much.

For me, before I went in each time it seemed as though my brain had slipped into the pitts of 'heck'. I was terrified to go in because I focused on all the tests, needles, so on and so forth. But once I realized that a little needle stick or funny lookin machine was nothing compared to the headpain. I was always relieved to get into an environment that understood EVERYTHING I delt with and stayed very focused on the one issue, pain.

Everyday they had me on round the clock IV meds. This time I would get thorazine at 6 and norflex at 12 am and pm. So there are at least 4 doses of meds for you to take during each day that hopefully chips away the mig. Also, if you don't have enough relief or you need some additional relief, there are rescue meds to take inbetween the scheduled meds. I know that I had meds available and coul take somethin every 2 hours if need be. They really work hard with the meds tryin to break the pain up and stop the cycle. They also spend time workin on getting the right preventative and tweeking it to what you need. They really do work hard to make it as comfortable as possible.

I loved that we didn't have to wear those horrid hospital gowns! We got to dress casual, heck, most ppl chill around in their PJs (I did!) But there is more to it than just medications. My doc told me every morning, make sure you are up and getting around, even just to walk the halls. They had a bike and treadmill in the lobby area so we didn't get deconditioned while in the hospital.

They also have classes and groups. Every day Mon- Fri there are at least 3 classes or more a day. They are mandatory as long as you can manage getting to them. I wasn't to excited about this at first, but its wonderful education. They have pharmacy classes, support groups, diet, alternative therapy, and so much more. After learning all of this info, I def felt more in control knowing what I can do to help myself.

So my sum up would be. You go in, get an IV, which leads to meds, then tons on info to apply once you start to feel better and go home. LOL that sounds simple, but there really is a lot offered as far as meds, education, and healing. If your doc suggests you try it and you feel as though you could benefit even in the slightest, look into it! Like I said, I don't regret it.

I just threw a lot of info at you there. If you ahve any questions, please do ask! In fact if you have facebook, I would love to chat with you on there. Good luck, Kate. Do continue to let is know how you are holding up.

Hugs

Kate-

I just wrote a very long response to you on here. Well it just never showed up once I hit the post button. So sorry, hon. I will wait to see if it pops up and if it doesn't I will get back in touch with you. Also If you have face book, I would love to chat with you on there. Just let me know I am pretty easy to find. Wishing you the best dear!

Hugs

Kate,
I've gone the inpatient route. It worked for me. My neuro had me check into the hospital where he's affiliated. I received magnesium, reglan and DHE every 6 hours until my migraine broke. It was like magic! It only took 3 days.

The hospital even had pretty decent food.

Please tell your folks it's not such a bad ordeal. No narcotics were invlved in my treatment. I was treated at a local hospital, and my 6-week-long "headache" was gone in 3 days. I stayed pain-free for almost 2 months after that.

I am one case, though, anecdotal, and of no statistical significance. I think the data show a significant number of migraineurs get relief from the inpatient IV therapy, though.

for you!

Rebecca, The Island Mama

Not sure if I qualify to answer this, as I've gone down to TX on an emergency basis, but it wasn't inpatient. At the end of the day, I'd go back to the hotel- and luckily, I had my mom with me both times.

However, I'm more than happy to share also... just not now, as I'm having some throbby head issues and lack of energy. All I can write about bout experiences is that I'm so so so so happy I made the trips down there and stayed for 2 weeks each time.

The first time, I left feeling pain-free, and the second time (now) I left having almost broken a pain cycle with nausea and severe neck pain that were as bad as the Migraine itself. I was in SUCH bad shape both times when I got to Dallas, and came back feeling so much better, and thankful that my parents had been able to help me out financially to get help.

More to follow, should I "count," and if I can help shed yet another experience. Oh- and I wore fuzzy slippers and PJ's or jeans while in the clinic getting IV's. They let me bring food in, as tolerated== I'm a pretty bad puker, and try not to throw up on any MORE people than I've already hit... Lots o' gatorade.

Hugs,

Jamie

Hi Kate,
I'm curious to see where your doc suggests you go, considering there don't seem to be many headache specialists around us that I've found to be helpful. And I've only heard about the few inpatient facilities that the girls, like Kelly, Alaura, and Jamie have been to. I would have a chat with your doctor and see what kind of meds he wants you to get and where he wants you to go. And maybe take your parents with you to talk to him. That may put them a little more at ease. I know it's hard to think about all this, especially while you're in college and trying to be a typical co-ed. My senior year of college was rough for me because of my migraines. I think my parents would be pretty freaked out if I told them my doctor was considering putting me in the hospital for my migraines. I'd be pretty freaked out too. But I also know that, in some instances, that's the best way to break the miserable cycle. I hope you and your doctor are able to change your parents' view and if inpatient treatment is what's right for you, then I hope you're able to do it.

Meli