Migraine

I decided to go ahead and call Dr. K's office today to see if I could get in to see him. I'm tired of waiting for answers from the person I see now even though he is a really great guy!

I fully expected to have to wait a month or longer, but my appointment is MONDAY!!! I may not physically be able to do the happy dance, but inside I'm dancing away!!! I know there is probably no miracle, but the odor of hope is sweet!!!

Any of you with input about the practical matters about going to Dallas - hotels, rental cars, what to take, expect, things to fill up my time if I feel half decent - please let me know.

They said to make plans for 2 -3 days - I'm trying to decide if it's best to make my plane reservations for a week just in case.

Of course, now I have to find the money, but right now that seems like the very least of my troubles! Hopefully, where there is a will, there is a way!



Cyn

Cyn,

Good deal!

Dr. K's office can tell you hotels near the office that give patient rates. There's even one that has a shuttle that will take you back and forth between the hotel and his office.

I'm sure people here who have been to him will also stop here and give you some tips.

Hi Cyn,

Oooohhhh, I can't tell you how excited I am for you! I think you're going to be very happy with your decision to see Dr. K. Not only is he knowledgable but he is compassionate too. His entire staff is wonderful, especially his nurse, Jane.

I stayed at the hotel Dr. K's office recommended and they gave me a patient discount. I used the hotel's shuttle service to get from the airport to the hotel and also to Dr. K's. Their shuttle service also took me to CVS pharmacy, fast food restaurants, the local hospital for blood work and they'll also take you to the mall if you like to shop.

As far as what to bring, the best thing someone recommended to me was a tape recorder and a list of questions I wanted to ask. So much information got exchanged, I never would have remembered it all. I also brought my Migraine diaries and a list of my current and past meds and their side effects.

The hotel has free internet so I also brought my laptop and a book to read for the wait at Dr. K's. I would also bring a pair of comfy clothes in case you're not feeling well, trust me, everyone there understands.

Let me give you this link in case you haven't seen it before and if you have any other questions, just let me know, okay?

Migraineur's Guide To a Successful Doctor's Appointment

Good luck! Please keep us posted

Thanks Teri and Laura!

They suggested La Quinta Inn and Suites. I'm also looking at Hyatt Place which is about $20 more a night, but is a totally non-smoking hotel.

Laura, was it the La Quinta who took you everywhere? It would be GREAT to not have to rent a car!

I had exactly enough points to be able to get a free plane ticket! Yahoo!

Sitting here with major thunderstorms going on outside and in my head as well, but I just keep thinking that maybe in a few months I'll have something to help me in these situations!!

Cyn

Woohoo Cyn! good for you! I'm excited for you.

- Megan

Hi Cyn,

Hooray for the free plane ticket! Fantastic!!

Yes, it's LaQunita that had such a great shuttle service. They are very familiar with Dr. K's patients and I have to say, I've always had a great experience with the front desk. You can always request a smoke free room, that's what I did.

Another thing you may want to think about doing to save some money, is get a room with a fridge and a microwave. It's about ten dollars more a night, but to me it was worth it to be able to bring my own meals. What can I say, I'm a cheap skate LOL

One more tip...the shuttle service at the hotel stops at 8:00 (I think, you should double check the time on that) so if your flight comes in later, you can take a taxi for about $23.

Make sure you mention how sensitive to weather you are to Dr. K. He presribed Diamox to help alleviate my weather related Migraines. It works pretty well for me.

Good luck! And if you have any other questions, ask away

Cyn,

One last thought popped into my head...did you get a local neuro lined up yet? I think I may have mentioned that to you before, so, I'm sorry if I'm repeating myself. The reason I've been able to work so well with Dr. K is because I also have a local neuro I can rely on too.

Cyn, that's awesome! Good luck with Dr. K!

(typing with a migraine- excuse me)

i looked at the othr hotel last time i was in dallas. it was nicer looking, but further away... and there are times that you may just want to be that one block away from the office.

all i have to say is that the la quinta staff treated us like family when we had to keep extending the stay 'cause i wasn't yet ready to go home. it wass like being in a much m ore upscale hotel due to what the staff would do when we really needed help.

One night i couldn't get warm enough no matter what- - they gavw me about 12 extra blankets in the middele of the night... despite it being like 60 degres outside... They understand that the patients from the hospital and from dr k's office have special needs and accomidate them really well.

Best of luck

Y'all are the best!

I will call La Quinta right now and make a reservation! It sounds like with the shuttle I won't even need a car. Hard to believe they'll actually take me to the doctors, mall, etc... Wow!

Laura, I don't have a neurologist in Memphis which has been a big part of the problem. I have seen six or seven over the last twenty years but have had to "fire their sorry butts" due to all kinds of treatment I won't even go into!

My internist is a great guy and would be glad to work with Dr. K (I think) - do you think that is sufficient? Most of our neurologists here are affiliated with these huge super practices that shuttle people in and out. Another problem is that once you've seen a doctor in their practice, they won't let you see another doctor in the practice - I know this to be true for three different practices.

It's funny - I'm ridiculously excited, hopeful and nervous all at the same time! Right now, I think I'd become the willing life long slave of anyone who could make the pain, confusion and nausea disappear for just one day!!!

Jamie - sorry you are hurting!! Thanks for taking the time to write mid-migraine!

Cyn

Cyn,
I am so happy for you and will be praying that everything works out for you. I live in Dallas and would love to go see Dr.K but I called and just can't afford the costs. I am unemployed right now. I'm praying for a way for it to happen for me.

I could so relate to what you said about the neuro's in the big practices!! Been my same experience also. I want to change docs in a practice & haven't asked yet. I will be upset if they say no. You would think they would do everything they could to help us!!!

It' really hot here but not as much as it normally is so that's a blessing. I will keep you in my prayers for a successful doctor's visit and will look for your post to see what transpired.
parisbabe

Thanks Parisbabe!

I hope the doors will open for you so that you can get to see the "perfect" doctor for you!!

Love -

Cyn