Migraine

quote:

Originally posted by Teri Robert:
As for those you mention becoming "addicted" from medications prescribed for real pain, I don't consider them to be addicted. They've become physically dependent on the medications. There's a big difference. Someone don't become addicted when they're taking medications their body needs for pain. They can become dependent on the meds that way, just as I'm physically dependent on the antidepressant I take every day. If I tried to stop taking it cold turkey, I would have horrid withdrawal. It's the person who no longer needs the medications for pain, but continues to take it for the "boost" it gives them who becomes addicted.

quote:

Originally posted by Migraineur:
Couple things, coming from a half-sociology, half-psychology student, so take it with a grain of salt:

IF this guy is a dr, which I still question, this could be a case of "kick the dog." He gets all of these patients in at work that he absolutely despises, but because he's a professional, he has to be nice to them to their faces. Obviously this guy has a real beef with anyone wanting pain meds, and it just boils him to a vapor, so he gets home and just lets off on anyone he can find on the internet who even remotely resembles the patients he see in his ER. Doesn't matter who they are, how legit they are, if they get in his way, he's going to let them have some of his divine retribution. The very virtual nature of the internet may make his victims seem unreal to him, as well, which offsets any guilt he may feel.

"So what if I'm a jerk on the internet, I'm a compassionate doctor." In Sociological theory Goffman talks about the dramaturgical (or theatrical) presentation of self. There's the "front stage" and the "back stage". The front stage is what we want everyone else to see and believe (aka "I'm a compassionate doctor") by basically putting on a costume and acting a certain way. We can do this through our clothes, make-up, posture, speech patterns, facial expressions, bodily gestures, etc. On the reverse, the back stage is where someone can relax, drop the facade, and and essentially “be one’s self”. Generally we do this when we are alone or with those we are closest to, but I think that the internet also allows us another place where we can "let it all hang out" and be in that back stage. This guy is probably really just a jerk in real life who's pleasant enough at work but comes home, sits on his computer, and then lets the world know what he's really about.

Either way, it's this guy who's got problems , not us. He'll end up on someone's "couch" at some point in his life. You can't have that much anger in you and not be set-up to fall. I'm kind of starting to feel bad for the guy because it's going to be a long way to fall. Let's just hope there's a therapist out their equipped enough to deal with him (who hopefully doesn't have migraines).

quote:

Originally posted by Leeloo:
I don't know. I don't feel that it was productive at all, especially reading the comments left on Scalpel's blog:

"Anyone have strobes?!"

"I'll bring some noisy children!"

"I didn't know migraine was the new fibro!"

"How is it people make it onto the computer with migraines?"

"They're all getting worked up and it can't be helping their migraines, while they try to outdo each other with comments on how debilitating they are!"

Uh, no, everyone seems to have missed the point and their sarcasm and "humor" falls very poorly on my brain...which may be my sour attitude at the moment. I did not get a break at work tonight, and I have no water at my house at the moment. So I'm a little more than cheesed, and, I suppose, looking for something to take it out on.

It just reinforces the point that none of these ninnies "gets" it, WHATSOEVER. Whatever grasp they think they have, is pretty much a grasp on poo. I'm SO glad that I don't go to any of their ERs. God bless my specialist, too.

That being said, I wouldn't post nor address anyone any longer since it's obvious they don't get it nor read enough here to know the people and everyone's unique set of circumstances, nor do they seem to try and care. Which is baffling, considering they are in the business to help people. If they are so bitter already, maybe it's time to find another job? No wonder their patient satisfaction scores are so low.

Teri Robert
Lead Expert, MyMigraineConnection
terimmc@helpforheadaches.com

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The generally long periods of time between my Migraines are the result of working with a Migraine specialist to refine my preventive regimen. You can see my current regimen HERE.

quote:

Originally posted by Migraineur:
I think that's a really good distinction to make, between "addiction" and "physical dependency." I was thinking last night how easy it could have been for any of us to accidentally end up physically dependent. Before finding a migraine specialist, any well-meaning, but poorly informed, doctor could have simply treated our migraines with prescriptions for Vicodin. We all know how easy it is to get into rebound headaches...dependency can't be much of a stretch.

I know my migraine specialist absolutely does not prescribe narcotics, not even as a rescue med. I asked once and got a flat out denial. He said that it, "doesn't fix the problem." He's absolutely right, of course. I'm not sure if I agree he should be leaving me in pain when abortives fail though...but he's pretty responsive when I need to be seen for IV therapy, so I don't complain.

Teri Robert
Lead Expert, MyMigraineConnection
terimmc@helpforheadaches.com

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The generally long periods of time between my Migraines are the result of working with a Migraine specialist to refine my preventive regimen. You can see my current regimen HERE.