Migraine

Hi Everyone,

I am back from my first visit from the Keeler Center and Dr. Cowan and DH and I are very impressed so far.

The trip up to the center was three hours and I was having auras and starting a migraine (which I ended up having a 2 at the office)so, to say the least the drive was the best, but we made it.

My first appt. was on Wednesday and was 3 hours with the NP. When we arrived at the office, they asked us to wait in a separate waiting room. I was truly impressed with the center which was set up for migraines. We entered the waiting room that was dimmly light, meditation music gently playing, on soothing wall colors and a comfy couch. It was so comfy DH fell asleep LOL.

The NP took a spent a full three hours with us asking questions and then doing a exam. She went through my migriane diary and was impressed (you all and this forum help me on this one ).

During the exam my migraine was getting worse (only a 2) but she was able to see the drop in my right eye, the stuttering and slurring of words, and confusion. Also, she got to see first hand my blood pressure was high (this also happens when I migraine). She had me take a maxalt right there. Then contiued. She tested my motor skills and found that my right side was weaker (this happens when I get a migraine). It was just so wierd to really see it tested. Then she had me try and walk , but the vertiago was so bad I kept falling from side to side. To me tht was wierd too, I never try to walk with my migraine.

Anyways, I was very impressed with how the exam was conducted. I found out I probably have IBS (no big suprise) and I have TMJ (big suprise to me). She gave me some Frova to try that night. I waited until morning which was a bad move, because I woke up with a bad migraine. But, Wow, Now I know why so many people love Frova. It works

The next day we met with Dr. Cowan. He is so nice and very intelligent. He looks at everything when it comes to migraines, sleep patterns, eating patterns, excercise, meds, and supplements. Just what we talk about on the board.

He said somthing that truly impressed me. He said that I can't cure your migraines, but if I am willing to work with him and take the time that we need and be willing to try different combination of meds and treatments, We can make my quality of life better. Can I ask for anything more? YAHOO!!! I think that's called HOPE

I asked him for a diagnoses and he said, that he doesn't really want to give me one yet, because first he does not believe in putting people in a "box" and since I have many things going on he does not want to put me into one box. Also he found a artcle from the 1980 that fit part of my profile to a tee which is called "Late-life Migrainous" but wants take time to evalute me.

Not having a diagnoses bothered me at first, but I think that he has point and I am willing to see this through.


Meds: He would like to see me off of tomapax eventually, but for now he wants me to stay at 50mg. He gave me a choice of beta-blockers or calcium-blockers that he wanted me to try. After going over the postives and negatives of each drug, we decided to try the calcuim blocker calan sr 120 mg (verapamil). I will start at a low dosage and check my blood pressure during the day.

Also, I am to take frova 2.5mg at night two days before menstration and 3-4 days after. I also can take maxalt on other days of the month if needed.

I also have to start walking UGGGG!! At first 5 minutes a day and build up to 30 minutes. Also, keep up my diary, sleep and eat regalar, etc. I see him again in 6 week (after two periods).

Also, I call 24/7 acess to them in emergency. He will work with my PC if I have to go to the ER. I can e-mail for Urgent and they will get back to me in 24 hours. If non-emergency I just e-mail.

Wow, I am so excited, I want to do a happy dance!!! What a difference a good Migraine specialist can make. Just knowing a team is working with me to help me manage this beast is an pretty awesome feeling!!!!


So sorry this so long, but I had to let my buddies know.

Dar

Oh Dar, I am so happy for you. I only wish you could have napped in the waiting room instead of DH!!!



Cindy

Yippee!!! I would totally do the happy dance with you, but right now I think it will make my head hurt. But I promise to do one for you as soon as I can!!! LOL

I am so excited for you!!!! And to be honest, I think it was kinda good (for lack of better word) that you had a migraine while there, because then they can see first hand how you are and what you are capable of.

Awesome news!!! I'm glad you like them!!!!!

Dar,

That sounds as close to a perfect doctor's appointment as you can get!

Great job! I should probably join you on the walking...

Great job, Dar. It sounds like you, this doctor, and his nurse practitioner are going to be a great team.

Dar,

I'm doing the happy dance with you! Your specialist sounds like a gem. I'm so happy for you, I can feel the excitement in your post and I love it!

I'm so happy to hear this, Dar!

Dar--

I am so thrilled about your doctor's appt. That's the way it ought to go!!! When you get that kind of treatment and support it goes so far towards making you feel that you're going to be in control--NOT the Migraine Monster!!!!

Congratulations!!!!!

Tracie

Thanks everyone,

You know I could not do this without you all. Your support and encouragement helped me find the Keeler center and each and everyone one of you mean so much to me !!

Happy dance all around

Dar

Dar, I'm just getting to this thread, but Yahoo! Your doc sounds amazing. I'm impressed just reading what you had to say. Way to go.

Welcome to the "I Frova" group.

Kelly

Thank Kelly,

You Rock!! I am pretty happy so far. I had to e-mail regarding something and they e-mailed right back. Also, I had a 8 one night that would not stop and was supposed to take frova, but knew it would not work in time, Bill call them. They called back right away and gave instruction on what to do!!! It is amazing what a good team can do. I haven't decreased in migraines, but I have hope, yahooo!!

And Yep, I think I joining the I Frova group LOL

Dar