Migraine

Well I decided today that I really needed to contact my neurlogist and get some meds adjusted. I didn't know if I would need to go in or the changes could be made over the phone. The office took the message and said either the neuro or her nurse practioner would call me back.

The NP called me back right around 4 pm. I'd not met her before, I've always seen the neuro. She obviously had my chart in front of her. I asked about starting an antidepressent and possibly upping the depakote. We went over my symptoms. Other medications and factors that could be contributing to the depression. The bottom line was I did need to be seen, earlier than my next appointment (6/10) and have some blood work done.

So I called the office back for an appointment. They do not schedule the NP out like they do the neuro. I'm seeing the NP tomorrow. I could have seen her at 8:30, but I've got meetings I need to attend and can't re-schedule, so I'm going in the afternoon. This will allow me to get the blood work done and it might be available to her by than.

I've not had to call and talk to either the doctor or NP before. So I was very please with the turn around time on the call AND that she had all my information with her and clearly had or was reading it.

Everytime I deal with the office I just get more pleased. It was a good move when I switched doctors.

Cindy

Sounds like a good phone call - hopefully your visit tomorrow will also be a good one! Let us know how it goes.

Wonderful! You absolutely cannot beat that kind of responsiveness!

NPs are the best, in my book. Both of my girls were delivered by a type of NP that they have in Georgia called a Certified Nurse/Midwife--no doctor was present. BUT the nurse/midwife goes with you from the doctor's office to the hospital and stays until after the baby is born no matter what, no matter how long it takes.

NPs are A#1 to me.

And I am SO PROUD of you for jumping on depression. You deserve to feel better and you will. Depression is not our fault. But we can most assuredly fix it.

You're right on target, dear one. You are doing everything right.

Ladies and gents, take note: This is how it's done right.

Great phone call. I hope it leads to a great appointment--I can't wait to hear about it.

Way to be on top of things Cindy!

Good call speaking with the NP and getting in there quickly!!!

Let us know how it goes today!

Hi Cindy

Nice job.

I look forward to your update.

Well I'm back from visit with the nurse practioner. She is as nice, warm and through as the neurlogist she works with is!! She listens too.

We covered all of the reason I could be depressed, including medical. The lab I had drawn this morning was not back yet. But that will be reviewed and I will be called with the results. The bottom line is she also felt the Depakote was the culprite for the depression.

So the plan is:
-Start Lexapro 10 mg each morning
-F/u in 1 month
-Don't stop the Depakote for now.

Her first choice was to stop the Depakote. But she reviewed my migraine diary and clearly saw that they have decreased significantly in frequency and intensity. She understands me wanting to give this a bit longer to work. When I go for f/u in June it will be 3 months on the Depakote.

Thank you everyone. I really don't know what I would do without your support and friendship. You are the best.

Cindy

Sounds like a reasonable plan, Cindy. Keep us updated, ok?

Alright! Yay!

Cindy- Let me know how you like the Lexapro. I tried a number of antidepressants before that one and this one was the only one my body seemed able to tolerate. Hope it works for you!

Valerie

That's great, Cindy. I'm so glad they're taking such good care of you.

Diana

Hey Cindy, great work, lady! And it sounds like you've got a great team working with you. Keep us posted.

- megs

Super news Cindy--

Personally I think Nurse Practioners and PAs are the greatest. Every one I've dealt with has taken more time and got to know me better. Often they are the ones who know me best in the office and have been able to remind the neurologist about my crazy drug reactions before I had too, etc.

It's so wonderful to have such valuable team members. Dr Wonderful has just taken on a PA and last time I went for an appointment, she came in for about 15 minutes and we discussed by headache plan. She promised that she would have read my whole chart by the time we met again, and that I could count on her if I needed emergency intervention just like I could count on Dr Wonderful.

Tracie