Migraine

I've got to admit I'm pretty down today. As you all know I've had this non-stop headache and visual problems since Novemeber. I've been out of work since them. The pain is relentless. I'm just so tired. It wears you out to have this constant 6-8 pain in your head that effects everything you do day in and day out. It wakes me up 2-4 times a night. I'm so fed up with waiting to feel better. The doctors just want to sit and wait. We aren't comfortable with it. My GP dosen't want to get involved with a new referral. My visual problems are so bad I literally can't read. My computer font huge. I'm on disablity due to my vision but it's listed as my headache. I haven't had any crazy thoughts but I'm afraid of spirling downward. My so called pain psycholoigst was supposed to help with all kinds of stuff including new meds but never got back to me dispite numerous attempts to contact him. I know everyones going to say find another doctors. But how do you do that. Especially when the doctors hold your disability in there hands. He actually told me he'd drop me if I continued to get other opinions and tried other meds from other doctors.

We live in Maine but drive to Boston for care. We've looked at the list of doctors and see there is one in Newburyport, MA and the clinic in CT. Has anyone actually been to the clinic in CT?

I know how constant pain drags you down, emotionally and physically. Can you get a referral to a psychiatrist instead of a psychologist? I've seen both, and I think that after awhile, the counselor actually made me more unhappy. Long story.

I's inexcusable for a *professional* not to return phone calls. I wouldn't consider myself his patient if he's not even trying to treat you.

I have Major Depression, in addition to my CDH and migraines. I take Effexor and Wellbutrin, plus Moban and Ambien for sleep. My mood meds are pretty well balanced right now. We're tweaking dosages because of some side effects. We don't know where they're coming from, so we're adjusting one med at a time and seeing what happens.

I'd recommend trying an antidepressant. Migraines and depression often happen in the same person. I think it's because they both involve some of the the same brain chemicals.
Besides, the kind of pain we have could make anybody depressed. And depression makes the pain harder to handle.

I'm not going to tell you to snap out of it, because I know that's useless. But I would suggest that you think about medication. Depression is not a character flaw. It's caused by an imbalance in the chemicals of the brain. That's why meds are helpful.

Hang in there!

Gretchen

Thanks Gretchen, the doctor who hasn't called me back wants to put me on cymbalta. I'm thinking about Effexor instead because there's a generic that'll be cheaper on my insurance. I'm hopin to hear from him tomorrow, Monday. I think he takes long weekends. Must be nice, huh?

I'm glad your meds are stable and your feeling well emotionally. hang in there.

Have you seen our recommended list of doctors? Too bad that your GP doesn't want to mess with referrals, he works for YOU! If he won't find you someone, you'll have to do the homework yourself; and if your insurance requires a referral from him, remember, he works for you. He can't deny you seeking help.

I don't want to sound harsh, but there are things that can be tried to address your pain and visual issues. I just want you to get help.

http://www.healthcentral.com/migraine/headache-specialists.html?ic=506016

quote:

Originally posted by Doah:
Thanks Gretchen, the doctor who hasn't called me back wants to put me on cymbalta. I'm thinking about Effexor instead because there's a generic that'll be cheaper on my insurance. I'm hopin to hear from him tomorrow, Monday. I think he takes long weekends. Must be nice, huh?

I'm glad your meds are stable and your feeling well emotionally. hang in there.

Doah,

I'm sorry to hear that you are having a rough go at the moment. I have been in a similar spot. Chronic pain is very taxing both emotionally and physically. When it got too much for me to handle on my own, my doctor referred me to a psychologist who referred me on to a psychiatrist. Finding the right anti-depressant really did help a lot with stabilizing my mood. Finding someone that I could talk to about my fears and anxiety associated with my chronic pain helped a lot too. Talking with my pyschologist helped me to put things back into perspective as I can catastrophize the situation.

Just know that you are not alone and there are people sending postivie vibes your way.

Shortone

Hei Doah mine name is Solveig (also goes by Sol or Sollie) and it nice to "meets" you. Justs quick sidesnote mine Huband is Dave Him no has migraines but Him does posting here much of time.

I can relates to pains reallie draggin you downs. I can also relates to one day beings healthie adult and productives to nest day suddenlie hasing wery serious health issues and no so indepenents. (I has lupus wit kidney fauliures and few other tings as well as HM attacks).

I kinda babbles rights now but bottom lines is I hoping you is hasing betters day today and that you knows you no alones honi. There is much supports to be founds here and sometimes it godt to vents. (I dids plentie of this just few hours ago...I vents and it dids help plus the support here dids helps tons).

Knows that mine husband Dave and me sends you our godt thoughts and vibe and is tinking of you.

Hugs to you,

Sol

Sol, thanks for the cheering up. I am feeling better today. I found Terri's post on New Daily Persistent Headaches. It may sound crazy but just knowing that I fit that profile so completely that the diagnosis is probably what I am makes me feel vindicated. I'm the kind of person who needs to know what is wrong and what it's called. I don't like things to be sugar coated.

I'm also seeing an osteopathic doctor tomorrow and I'm hoping he'll help. Even if he can't cure the headaches maybe he'll make me feel better overall.

By the way, my husbands name is Dave too.

Thanks again for the hug!