Migraine Update: Decision Time & Leaving my Neurologist

Chronic Headaches and Migraine
Hey, friends!

I finally had a Neurologist appointment last week after being discharged from PT almost a month ago. I thought about writing this after my appointment but I just felt so discouraged that I cried in my car before forcing myself back to work.

Basically, my Neurologist didn’t even read my discharge papers and wanted to put me back on the same medicine I was on before. I put my foot down and told him no because I was on it for YEARS with very minimal results. He was in such a hurry to move onto his next appointment that he didn’t even listen to what I was saying. He prescribed an anti-seizure medication that is crazy expensive.

I am managing just fine right now without any medication. I still have a headache every single day and migraines a few times a month. I really want to try out acupuncture or a chiropractor before trying the prescribed medicine.

I think I have made a big decision though. I don’t want to see this Neurologist anymore. I don’t know if this means seeing another Neurologist or finding a headache specialist somewhere else. All I know is that I can’t justify spending $200 per visit to talk to a brick wall anymore.

My old physical therapist called me on Friday to recommend a book called Grain Brian which apparently goes into how gluten and sugar work with our brains. I ordered it on Amazon and am looking forward to reading it. I really do not want to give up Gluten though.

I want to spend some more time researching before I decide what my next steps should be. Here’s the list of what I am researching:

  • Acupuncture
  • Chiropractor
  • Elimination diet (gluten, dairy, etc)
  • Botox

Things I’ve already tried:

  • Massage Therapy (will do again)
  • Physical Therapy
  • Preventative/Abortive Medications
  • OTC Medications
  • Basic elimination diet (cheese, red wine, etc)
  • Trigger Identification

For now I am just taking it one day at a time and trying to remain positive 🙂 I think things will be much better once I ditch my current Neurologist and find someone who will actually listen and try to help me.

As always, thanks so much for all your support and feedback! I have loved reading your suggestions and have a running list of things to try based on blog comments.

Footer

Image via Unsplash

17 thoughts on “Migraine Update: Decision Time & Leaving my Neurologist”

  1. kaylaannauthor says:
    Reply

    Hayley, I have felt your pain. I have suffered from headaches, migraines, dizziness for years. When I went in to see my neurologist he spent 30min telling me and my fiancé (boyfriend at that time) that we needed to hurry up, get married, and have kids because my biological clock was ticking. I had to remind him I was there for my splitting headache not my reproductive abilities.

    It is SO difficult when we are in pain to meet with a doctor who either lacks the ability or the attentiveness to help. I would definitely seek out a new neurologist. I’ll be praying for you to find results.

    Like

    • Life of Hayley says:
      Reply

      I’m so sorry to hear that you are suffering too 😦 Wow, that was really rude of him to suggest having children over finding a solution for your pain. I cannot imagine having a kid while having a migraine. That’s one of the reasons my husband and I feel like we can’t have kids right now. It’s so hard to take care of yourself while having a migraine. It would be almost impossible to take care of a baby! I hope you didn’t take his suggestion to heart! You always have to do what is best for you ❤

      Thank you so much for your kind words and prayers. I hope that you are also able to find some healing!

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Stephanie Moore says:
    Reply

    I’m sorry for your pain and the way the neurologist handled you as a patient; that doesn’t sound professional at all! I hope you find one that truly helps your needs and takes the time to make sure you’re okay. I’d like to believe they exist. Lots of prayers to you! ❤

    Like

  5. Hunida says:
    Reply

    Ah. I don’t blame you for wanting to see a new neurologist — how rude of him to rush you & not even hear what you have to say. I hope you find something that works out for you soon!! I have heard a ton of success stories with acupuncture! ♡

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Lizzy says:
    Reply

    I’m so sorry to hear that story! 💞 I hope that the elimination diet and your other ideas will help you, Haley! You are in my prayers! 💞🙏 Removing sugar, gluten, and dairy from diet has removed about 98% of my headaches and migraines so I am hopeful that you will find a true solution soon! 😊

    Like

    • Life of Hayley says:
      Reply

      Thanks, Lizzy! It’s great to hear that the diet changes helped you! It’s so hard to get started but it makes it easier knowing that removing certain food items has helped others. I’m about halfway through the book Grain Brain and I have learned a ton so far. Hopefully I’ll be starting the elimination diet next week! ❤

      Like

  8. Pingback: Migraine Update: Feeling Discouraged – Life of Hayley

Leave a comment