Migraine

I'm in Chapel Hill, but go to Greensboro for treatment. Actually, my doctor is one of the patient- recommended ones- that's how I got there.

Actually- that reminds me to find that appointment slip- I know I have an appointment relatively soon. This month has been beastly- I'm not happy about the amount of meds or migraines I've had. It's like a step backwards. I'm still waiting on the botox preauthorization, as I have occipital neuralgia as well as migraines, we're trying to do something to keep my neck muscles from spasming- and triggering TTH-triggering-migraines... (if that last sentence makes any sense!) I'm a trigger point/ nerve block fan. It's definitely worth the pain of the block for me- all that relief, even for a short time!


So, yeah. Yay! More North Carolinians. I'm always on the lookout for my fellow tarheel state migraineurs. I mean- I wish that none of us had to be here... but since we all have the need for support, it's nice to meet people close in proximity who understand!

I am in Greensboro. I bet you go to Adlemen. (sp) He is suposed to be very good. He has never accepted my insurance plan so I have never seen him. He is suposed to be very good though. Yes, nerve blocks do wonders for ON. Are you in school i Chapel Hill? Have you filed for disability? Sorry, I am sure you have addressed all of these questions elsewhere. I am new and just learning about everyone on here. I believe you are still trying to find things that work, right? I am curious though. It seems like what has worked for others with ON and migraines might work for us. Different causes require different treatment. Take care. Hope you have a painfree day!

Yep, good call. I do see Dr. Adelman. So far, so good! Much more willing to work with a patient than the hit-or-miss residency system where I am over here (Oh, there were gobs of stories!) I had one awesome resident...and then... well... not so much.

No, I've never filed for disability-I'm able to work (mostly) through the pain, and lowered energy levels when they occur. (like right now, actually, lol)

Feel free to ask as many questions- especially of the forum moderators- we're here to help you have a good experience here and to help you gain information... and also because we have the same stuff ourselves... so, sometimes, a question does jar something loose- and I remember something that I was going to look into for myself, because a forum member suggested it, or was asking about it!

As for me, I work at UNC... I went there undergrad, and now I'm making back some of the money that I spent as an out of state student, lol. But, my DH and our three cats are pretty settled here, and it's a nice place to call home.

Welcome again, and if I can be of any assistance, feel free to ask. Usually, I'm pretty chatty, except when one of those migraine beasties gets me.

Hey Jamie. Just out of curiosity, when you addressed the residency system were you refering to the Nuero department at UNCH? I am asking because they came highly recommended to me but I am not sure how much I like them. It would be interesting to hear stories from other patients.

I used to be in the medical field. What do you do at CH? It is a great town to live in. I am so glad you like it there!

Alison

quote:

Originally posted by Ali:
Hey Jamie. Just out of curiosity, when you addressed the residency system were you refering to the Nuero department at UNCH? I am asking because they came highly recommended to me but I am not sure how much I like them. It would be interesting to hear stories from other patients.

Good call! Yes, I am referring to that residency system. I did not have the best of experiences there. It's loud, impersonal, and after a VERY bad incident, I decided that this was not for me. I still do use the UNC ER when needed, and the other facets of UNC health care, but the residency thing in the neuro clinic seems (to me) to be very hit or miss. My first resident was a fellow migraineur, and fabulous. I wish I could say that the next one was equally good. My second resident also more or less gave up on me when "the usual" treatments didn't work.

Luckily, I was already a member of this community, and learned that there was no reason to give up on me- there were so many different treatments, combos, and other tricks of the trade that they weren't trying, that I grew increasingly sure that if my resident wasn't going to fill out the paperwork to transfer me to the headache clinic (ego?) I deserved better. Then, other things happened (not really comfy writing here-feel free to contact me through my sharepost "send a message")and Teri and others gave me the "you deserve better, Jamie" speech. I agreed. And that's how I got to Dr. Adelman!

quote:

I used to be in the medical field. What do you do at CH? It is a great town to live in. I am so glad you like it there!

Alison

I'm a research-type person here at UNC.

CH is definitely unique. And that quirkyness is terrific, or at least it is to this quirky individual!It is a great town to be in- gonna be fun tomorrow night with the typical Franklin Street Halloween Bash. (For those outside of NC, up to 75k costumed people from as far as tenn. and the coast who drive up here to see and be seen.)

I think I'm gonna watch it on TV this year. Just too much for me this year...with a neck that doesn't like the cold, I'm starting to think about things like that, and all of the practical things that go along with taking care of myself.

Hi Ali-Jamie is right: "It's tough having patience when you're the Patient" but, I guess, as they say, it is what it is.

Jamie-I should print that out in big letters to remind myself to stay patient.

BTW-I think it is great you guys are so close to each other...wonder if DH and I should retire to NC?!! Although, I would miss the beach so much! When I lived in Louisiana, we had lakes, now we have the beach and I love to go at night (especially now that it isn't to hot) and watch the waves and crabs.

I applie in October 2006 and was denied 10 months later. I'm in process of appealing. My lawyer says he hasn't seen a medical file as big as mine in a long time.....

Letter from SSDI said it could take another 18-24 months!

Unfortuantely Nancy that is what I keep hearing also! I hope you have other resources while you are waiting. It is a very long time to go without working/income.

Ali

Yeah, the poor house!

I'm not sure what to do except to call them every other week. With me not working things are getting tighter and tighter. My credit card company will really love me this holiday season.

I already sat the boys down about Christmas and let them know this year was going to be very reserved and thankfully they understand. My daughter (8 y/o) is on that lovely borderline of counting and appricating gifts. But, I am sure she will be fine.

I wish they knew how hard it is to even ask for disability let alone wait for an answer.

I totally understand. With an 18 yr old off to college in the fall and an almost 13 yrs old it isn't getting any easier.

Can't we just cancel the gift part of Christmas?

I totally agree with you there, Nancy!! We have a 17 year old, and we will get her some stuff for Christmas, but not like usual. I have been out of work for a little over 2 months, and don't see myself returning anytime soon. I have been getting unemployment, but it ends in 2 weeks. It just makes me feel so useless, not working, ya know? I have just began filling out the paperwork for disability at the insistence of my hubby. He said, well , it can't hurt to try. And it would really help us a lot. I feel so bad because I bought a new car a year ago, not knowing (of course), that I would be in this position now. I don't even really need a car that much these days, since I stay home most of the time. So it just sits in the driveway, costing us money. I have thought about trying to sell it, but I don't know if I could get enough to pay it off or not. And if I let it go back, it will ruin my credit. Gosh< i just feel like this monster is ruining my life more and more everyday.

quote:

Originally posted by Nancy Bonk:
I totally understand. With an 18 yr old off to college in the fall and an almost 13 yrs old it isn't getting any easier.

Can't we just cancel the gift part of Christmas?

I think...or better yet...I KNOW that I am so very proud of you right now! So...

Here you go...

quote:

Originally posted by JamieHOST:

I think I'm gonna watch it on TV this year. Just too much for me this year...with a neck that doesn't like the cold, I'm starting to think about things like that, and all of the practical things that go along with taking care of myself.

I'll share in droolie's seven smilie salute.

I have never applied for disability even though I have not been working for a year and 8 months. I applaud you who are goign through the process. It sounds like it teaches a lot about patience!
I think I've been wary of it b/c it sounds like so much work and seems to have very little odds of actually getting the disability. And, I guess maybe I'm still holding out hope I'll get back to work...which I know is not possible for me in the near future. I guess part of me is in major denial or just clinging to hope until it becomes reality instead of facing my current reality.
But, then the other part of me feels like such a burden on my husband financially. He insists I contribute to other things to the marraige that aren't so tangible. But, still... It is hard. I can see you all deal with it too. My dr. said to me. "It isn't fair that disability isn't easier to obtain for migraine sufferers." Such an understatement, I think.
And I have to say, it is hard for me when people ask me what do I do....if I were on disability, I could at least say I was. Although, that may be hard to say too. But right now because I'm not working and I'm not on disability, it looks like it is a choice instead of because of my illness keeps me from it. I always get "You are too young to not be working" or "you could just work part time." I've would love to. I miss it terribly. I frequently joke that my house is a party house, which is why I'm here all the time and always miss my friend's get togethers ect. Don't get me started.
Thanks for listening to my sob story...helps to get it out I think. I feel a bit better now.
Kelly