Migraine

Of course I was up at 5:45 this morning and drove myself to Philly and back so I'm nearly gaga, so I can't write much, but... I'm a great big fan. I will come back and tell you in detail about the appointment later after I've had some rest. But I will say, he thought I have been "significantly under-treated" considering the level and impact of my Migraines. Thank you, thank you. That's what I've been saying! Finally I feel I am in the hands of someone who listens AND knows what he's doing.

- Megan

Sounds like it's time for...



I can't tell you how utterly thrilled I am to hear you had such a hopeful, positive experience. There just aren't words. As soon as my back unspasms (no worries, it's not overly painful), I'll do some happy bounces, too.

Hi there,

It was so good to meet you in person and I can't wait to hear about your appointment!!

Nancy it was wonderful to meet you in person too! And Droolie thanks for the hugs - bounce when you feel up to it!

I had a bit of a nap and dinner and I have more brain now. I really liked the whole first appointment routine at Jefferson, with the psychiatric evaluation and the very careful and detailed history they took. I felt like someone (a whole team of someones) is finally paying attention to and carefully considering all the parts of my care. Just what we all should be getting!

As many of you know my anxiety level has been fairly high for a while and it interferes with my sleep, so we talked about that a fair amount. Dr. T (psychiatrist) and Dr. Y agreed that using something for a preventive that may help the anxiety as well is a good strategy - we are going to start with noritryptaline (sp?) and if that is not sufficient for the anxiety we may add sertraline which is more specific for the anxiety but probably not as good a first line choice for Migraine prevention. Dr. Y also discussed different triptans with me, which my former dr didn't seem to know enough to do, and felt Axert probably had the best combination of high effectiveness and low side effects, so I'll be trying that. He wrote me more Oxycodone for rescue, trusting me not to take it more than 3 times per month (former dr didn't want me taking it more than 3 times per lifetime!!!), and increased the Reglan dose.

So that's the pharmaceutical plan. Other than that, it's just so good to have someone agree with me that the care I've gotten is not good enough, and that the progress I've made isn't enough! In the last year on the Topamax I've gone from an average 7 Migraines per month with frequent milder head pain, to an average 7 Migraines per month without frequent milder head pain. What I've lost in frequent head pain I think I've made up in mental fuzziness from the Topamax - at least in terms of interfering with my functioning.

He asked me how much Migraines interfere with my functioning and it's so important to ask the right questions - that's hard to answer since I mostly work for myself and have built my life around my illnesses. So he said, "Imagine you had a full-time, 9-5 job. How often do you think you would miss work?" That was such a great question. I could tell him without hesitation I thought I'd miss a day a week - which we all know is a lot! And that my evening activities are nearly nil in order to avoid triggering Migraines. Adds up to significantly impaired!

I'll be titrating up the noritryptaline over about a month, and then I will go off the Topamax over a couple of weeks.

Dr. Y thought my last dr was way too timid in his treatment - and I have to agree!

A good start!

- Megan

Megs, I'm so happy for you! This doctor sounds great, and I will definately be stalking your doc again
Good luck with the Nortriptalyne! I'm on klonapin at bedtime for my anxiety, but mostly b/c my worrying mind keeps me up at night which is no good for my migs.

I think it's awesome your first appt was so long. That is a consult!!!

Megs,

I'm so glad your appointment went well! Dr. Y is a wonderful person and doc and he won't give up on you! He has so many great ideas. And he really, really listens.

I just knew things would go well for you there!!

Congrats!!



jenny

What wonderful news, Megan! I hope he can really help you.

Diana

I'm so glad you had a good appointment and feel so positive about your interactions with your docs! It makes a world of difference, doesn't it? I'm so glad you were able to get them to understand what an impact migrianes have on you!! It amazes me how few doctors "get" it!!

Thanks for sharing your good news!! Happy feet for sure!!

Cyn