Migraine

Ok so I went to the neurologist today... and I shame to say it but I felt as though he had no clue as to what he was doing... (neurologist = dork)
I told him about the happenings with the falling over, the tremors and twitching and the loss of speech/words etc (even when I don't have a migraine at the time)... he just brushed it off and said "oh that's the neurological disturbances that are associated with migraine" and waffled on about which part of the brain does what... then prescribed me topamax without asking what medication I was already taking and also didn't ask what my family history was in regards to migraine disorders etc....

Then when I asked him about a medic alert bracelet (which should by theory be free) he said that he knew nothing about it and that I would have to talk to a GP about that and that it would cost me $75- $100 and something or so dollars... which I currently don't have because I can't work...because of the falling over and all the other associated "neurological disturbances"...

sheesh! I'll show him neurologically disturbed!!!

AAARRRGGHHH!!

So it looks like we'll be forking out the big bucks to pay for private care... either that or move across to Australia to see a headache specialist... or just put up with it (I somehow don't think puting up with it is an option).....

Should have really posted this on the gripes and vents board but meh! BITE ME!!!

((Kiwi))

Unfortunately, too many md's seem to think that the md stands for medical deity! If only they'd come down to the level of those of us slogging in the trenches!!!

I'm so sorry you had such a frustrating visit!!! I hate to admit to being geographically challenged so I have no idea how far it would be to go to Australia for you!

Do you have a doctor you can take some of the information from this site to?

You're right - IT STINKS - and you have every right to be angry with a doctor who didn't take the time to find out even the most basic information about you!!!!!

Wishing I could make things better!

Cyn

My partner and I are going to look at going into private care and alternative therapies... there's not much else we can really do...

Australia is quite a hike away... across the Tasmin sea to be exact...

Purely for the migraines (and not the other neuro stuff) have you ever tried Petadolex or Magnesium? The only reason for mentioning this, is I'm having a little luck with those and they don't need a Rx. After only having 9 migraine-free days in July, I've crept up to 13 in Sept and hoping for 14-15 in Oct.

Wishing you luck in finding someone who has a clue.

Forgive me for sounding like a moron here but what does Rx mean?
Yea I would have to be careful in looking into further medication as I'm already on a truckload for mood and migraine and pain (and a patridge in a pear tree)... I can't say I've tried magnesium supplements but I have tried magnesium sulphate bath salts which are great for body aches that tend to linger after an attack...

Good on ya for having 13 migraine free days in Sept! that's totally awesome! hope that trend continues...

Anyhoo I'm going to have a nana nap... I'm not sure if its the topamax or what but I'm so completely and utterly zonked!

Aroha Nui

Sorry, Rx means "a prescription" as in the kind to take to a pharmacy to have filled.

Good Morning,

I read your post a couple of days ago and I just thought your doctor was well, not good. This is a family friendly site so I'll keep it at that!!

Many of our neurlogist have add Magnisuim, B2 and CoEnzymeQ10 supplements to our care. Like anything else we put in our system they should be introduced one at a time as they can cause reactions. Just because the are "natural" doesn't mean you r body will like them.

My neurlogist add the B2 first and I was amazed at how it decreased the intensity of a migraine. I really didn't believe it would. So I would talk to the doc about that.

Having visited Fiji (and had to get out a map to figure out where I was going) I understand how far you would need to travel. I have heard stories from people here and in person about a variety of doctors who have helped them. My sisters Family Practice doctor has been wonderful treating and helping her. Do you have the option of changing neurlogist? Or is the number of them too limited?

Welcome to the Forum. We're glad you found us.

Yea Cindy, Chanaging Neurologist is an option but it will cost.... as I'm currently under the public health system which is free but with a long wait... private care is incredibly expensive but there is no wait and they should by theory take on board what I have to say about my health....

Yea I have to switch GP first before sorting out the meds thing.... still haven't doen that as I've been too ill or too busy sorting things out with study options and what not grrr!

I don't know whether or not the way he treated me was due to my previous diagnosis of depression or whatever... there still is a lot of stigma towards with people mental illness within the health system... I just felt as though he was under the impression I was putting it on or something.... ARG!

Trust me mate there are a lot of words I could use to describe his sort but I am very aware of this site being family friendly....lol....

Oh, that's a very easy fix. I shall use my *magic* forum powers and shuffle it over for you.

quote:

Originally posted by kiwiE-J:
Should have really posted this on the gripes and vents board but meh! BITE ME!!!

Hmm well my partner was doing a ring round and was cruising through the phonebook and who should be a private neurologist too but my current neurologist *insert rude word here*.... Anyway...we have decided to take it to the local MP because we can't seem to get any help anywhere else and to get a health advocate to give us a hand too... My mum reckons that the neurologist *insert rude word here* has broken the health and disability code of ethics... which could land him in a fair bit of trouble...

I might also write a letter to the press because I feel that part of the problem is a likely to be a little bit of stigma towards me because I also have depression...I feel like at times I am not taken seriously witihn the health system because I also have a "mental illness"

ARG!

Hopefully something good will come out of all this mess.... anyhoo ... that's the update for now...

Gotta keep on trooping I suppose... what doesn't kill ya makes ya stronger right?

Aroha Nui

I think "not good" is the understatement of the century. Abismal comes to mind. Incompentant. Should have his license revoked.

I hope you can get some help through an advocate.

Please please please check out the Topamax drug interactions online, and with your pharmacist to see if there are any potential interactions with what you are already on. The idea of a doc precribing so much as an asprin without a full medication list is unbelievable to me! Well, I can believe it, but it's so wrong!!!

Good luck and keep us posted
Kelly

Yea went to my GP today... he gave us a number to call for an independant advocacy group within the hospital... apparently my case is already under review... they already got the letter from the MP... lol now they're going to get a letter from my GP... because now things have gotten from bad to worse... now with a suspected stroke on board too I've lost a bit of my speech since my last attack... my GP is doing everything he can within his power but his hands are tied... the public health system is pretty screwy...

It will be ironic if all this migrainey stuff passes on its' own just as the neurologist gets into trouble for ignorance or unproffessional conduct or whatever lol... I just want it sorted.. it's ruining my life!!! not just my life my partners life too... he may not admit it.. he's the one who ends up staying up all night looking after me when he has to get up early the next morning... or sacrificing his social life to make sure I'm alright... it must be awful for him too...

Hi Kiwi,

Good! They need to address these kinds of issues when a doctor is out of line. I don't understand your country's healthcare system though. Do you have other options for care in the public sector?

I completely understand about how hard it is on our caregivers. Illness impacts everyone in the family, not just us. I see the worry, sleepless nights, constant watching, and overall concern on my partner too. It is awful on them. They love us and want to help....but they helpless.

My prayers are with you for this latest round of tests and stroke concerns! Let us know when you find out.

Wishing you a HM and pain-free day! And here's to regaining your speech quickly!
Keep smiling, Tonya