Migraine

I am actually going to a comprehensive headache clinic tomorrow for the first time changing from the Neuro I had been seeing. I actually have cold feet, not sure what to expect and actually questioning myself if I am doing the right thing. My migraines and chronic daily headaches have defeated me, and the person I was seeing seemed to have given up as well. I am not very hopeful, but maybe new eyes on this problem will open up other options. I am hoping this nervousness is not unique! LK

No, certainly not unique! It's kind of scary to go to a new doctor. You are taking the risk that he/she will not actually be able to help you. So you are showing a lot of courage, and I'm proud of you. The only thing scarier than going is probably the possibility that if you didn't go, this would be the doctor who could have helped you!

Take a look at a couple of articles before you go. Kind of like taking an exam, being well-prepared and knowing what to expect will probably help you be less nervous.

Migraineur's Guide To a Successful Doctor's Appointment

Coping With Busy Doctors

We'll have our fingers crossed for you!

It is always tough to venture into uncharted territory with a new doc, particularly when you don't know doodly squat about them. Trying a new, comprehensive clinic with lots of docs would be an adventure to start. Hopefully, because they are a headache clinic, they have specialists that really know their stuff and you'll gain all kinds of new ideas. We'll keep our fingers crossed. I see Nutcracker has already given you the links to the new doc visit guides. That's a good start.

If you feel your MD has given up on you, it's probably best to seek another opinion. Good luck!

Hi Lk,

I get nervous when I go to a new doctor too! I sometimes even get flustered when I go back to my normal doctor because I want to make the most of the appointment. So, I think you are feeling very normal feelings. The article Nutcracker gave you are great and really do help. I also make a list of all my questions so I don't forget to ask anything. I do think it is great that you are going to a headache clinic and I am excited to hear how it goes. Don't let your migraine defeat you, there is always hope . I got my fingers crossed for you too
Dar

Your headaches and migraines haven't won if you're still fighting them! And you're doing the right thing by seeing someone new. I started seeing a specialist last month. My local neurologist and I were pretty well out of ideas. My specialist has changed one of my meds, added a new one, and given me a new strategy for acutely treating my headaches and migraine attacks.

My neurologist gave me the referral, but he wasn't very encouraging that the specialist would have any ideas that he hadn't heard of. He keeps up pretty well. But the specialist did have some new ideas, and the local guy is pleased that there's something new to try. [I'm going to continue to see him. The specialist is 8 hours away, and I need someone for routine things and emergencies]

I fly from central Mississippi to Nashville to see my specialist. It's a hard 8-hour drive, and flying is easier on me.

You're doing the right thing. Writing down your questions is a great idea. All my questions fly out of my head the minute the doctor comes in the door!. I leave space between the questions to give myself room to write the answers.

Good luck!

Gretchen in Mississippi

I think seeking a 2nd opinion is something that's very important given the first neuro hasn't been able to fully treat the migraines. We all deserve another opinion if we don't feel we've received optimal treatment.
Good luck with the clinic and keep us posted.
Cheers DJ