A Word of Caution about Pills, Neurologists, & Migraines

[Slegna Owt]

After my PCP said she wouldn't prescribe me hydr0 twice a year for my migraines, she referred me to a neurologist. I did my research on him and he had good reviews for the most part. I pretty much played dumb, told him what I had taken in the past that didn't work, and even still he wouldn't budge with any kind of pain meds. He told me he "didn't believe pain medication was supposed to be in the field of neurology". Yes, those were his exact words. He proceeded to prescribe me two nasal sprays and 3 medications including an antidepressant. I even asked for a "rescue" medication and he told me it would be there at the pharmacy with the rest of the medicaiton.. Well, a few days later I felt a migraine coming on and yeah, I knew these things he prescribed wouldn't work, but I went ahead and tried.. all of them. I waited an hour.. yeah, an hour with a migraine is equal to what feels like a week. Nothing, no improvements whatsoever. So, I drove there- something I don't do unless I HAVE to because of how dangerous I know it is for me. I get there and the dr wasn't in that day only the receptionist. (Keep in mind now, I have really good insurance and this is a legit and high end neurology center.) The receptionist informed me that she was communicating to the dr by text. I told her to tell him I needed a stronger medication and she told me that he called in a stronger version of the antidepressant- all I could do was start crying as soon as I left because I was in so much pain. This isn't the first or second time this has happened at a dr either. To be left in pain by a dr when you know there is a simple solution is the worst feeling, and I wanted to share my story so others don't waste their time with neurologists.

 

[LBGIRL213]

@Slegna Owt Unfortunately with the changes from CDC, FDA etc.. the government.. doctors that used to give us migrane patients some rescue meds, are being told not to give any. I think its a combo between them getting harassed and monitored very closely, and all the media etc on the opioid deaths. And yes its a crisis, but not giving them to patients that need them is not helping. I have found over the past couple years, all docs.. PCP, neuro, want you to go to pain docs, and when I did that, they took me OFF all pain meds, and said my diagnosis don't call for pain meds... Just wanted to put me on everything I have already tried with too many side effects.. sooooo, I'm between a rock and a hard place..  I would suggest at least changing neurologists, looking for one that sees migraine patients.. Or you could try a pain specialist. If you only take a few they might be ok with that.. Good luck!

 

[Slegna Owt]

@Slegna Owt Unfortunately with the changes from CDC, FDA etc.. the government.. doctors that used to give us migrane patients some rescue meds, are being told not to give any. I think its a combo between them getting harassed and monitored very closely, and all the media etc on the opioid deaths. And yes its a crisis, but not giving them to patients that need them is not helping. I have found over the past couple years, all docs.. PCP, neuro, want you to go to pain docs, and when I did that, they took me OFF all pain meds, and said my diagnosis don't call for pain meds... Just wanted to put me on everything I have already tried with too many side effects.. sooooo, I'm between a rock and a hard place..  I would suggest at least changing neurologists, looking for one that sees migraine patients.. Or you could try a pain specialist. If you only take a few they might be ok with that.. Good luck!

Thank you! I just saw a pain specialist today and he put me on a new medication called nucynta.. none of the pharmacies carry it but i'm hoping it's a step in the right direction for controlling my pain!

 

[Grl424]

I have migraines and it has been over 2 decades now (I was 8 when they started) that I have been to doctor's off and on and they have tried almost everything... I finally went to a pain management place who didn't even necessarily seem to believe me (they had me consult with one of their neuro experts) since my pain was so generalized by the time I got there (shoulder, neck, jaw, headaches... I went after trying a chiropractor and when I was having dental surgery done that kicked off a bout of it again).  I told the doc that I was absolutely certain that the Vic's helped and there was one other time I happened to be shaky (it happens when I get cross-contaminated food now-other issue) and took a small dose of Xanny n that helped... long story short the neurotic specialist said there actually are occasional cases where these meds help and others won't. Trisomething neuralgia.  Either way I figured out since that its mostly radiating pain from points in ya upper back / shoulders.  I always tell the docs that I'd prefer not to take anything and I'd really like to just be fixed but in the meantime I still need to function for my job and my life.  I'm always one to say I'm willing to try something different but if I know something works I'd like to make sure I have that as a backup.

its a long process and a lot of tears and a lot of fears and you've just gotta keep following your gut when it comes to doctors.  Uncomfortable / scared and just not right are different gut feelings for me.

 

[Dr-Octagon]

After my PCP said she wouldn't prescribe me hydr0 twice a year for my migraines, she referred me to a neurologist. I did my research on him and he had good reviews for the most part. I pretty much played dumb, told him what I had taken in the past that didn't work, and even still he wouldn't budge with any kind of pain meds. He told me he "didn't believe pain medication was supposed to be in the field of neurology". Yes, those were his exact words. He proceeded to prescribe me two nasal sprays and 3 medications including an antidepressant. I even asked for a "rescue" medication and he told me it would be there at the pharmacy with the rest of the medicaiton.. Well, a few days later I felt a migraine coming on and yeah, I knew these things he prescribed wouldn't work, but I went ahead and tried.. all of them. I waited an hour.. yeah, an hour with a migraine is equal to what feels like a week. Nothing, no improvements whatsoever. So, I drove there- something I don't do unless I HAVE to because of how dangerous I know it is for me. I get there and the dr wasn't in that day only the receptionist. (Keep in mind now, I have really good insurance and this is a legit and high end neurology center.) The receptionist informed me that she was communicating to the dr by text. I told her to tell him I needed a stronger medication and she told me that he called in a stronger version of the antidepressant- all I could do was start crying as soon as I left because I was in so much pain. This isn't the first or second time this has happened at a dr either. To be left in pain by a dr when you know there is a simple solution is the worst feeling, and I wanted to share my story so others don't waste their time with neurologists.

I had done extensive reseaecb regarding ps1l0cybin and migraine relief some time ago.  Works miracles in certain instances.  Food for thought

 

[US Army Veteran]

The VA can't get my migraines under control. I have several a week however I've learned how to function on most of them. But I do get ones on occasion that I am stuck in my bed in the dark all day! I get the nausea, dizziness, vomiting, etc etc etc.

 

[Meowtown]

I know someone who had viral meningitis and now has daily migraines from high cebreal fluid in the spine and was never prescribed pain medicine... Somas, yes, but never any pain meds.

 

[mttx]

I get migraines and meds dont even put a dent in them. So my neurologist now gives me Botox treatments every three months. They’re incredibly effective!!