[jbug]

I went and saw my neurologist this morning because my headaches are getting worse and he told me he thinks I'll never get rid of them. Not really what I wanted to hear. He refilled my pain meds and had me walk heel to toe without my flipflops on. Let's say its a good thing I wasn't on the side of the road doing a sobriety check. I don't know what he found out though doing that because he didn't say. He always does a neurological exam on me when I go in but then doesn't tell me what he sees when he does it. Maybe he doesn't see anything abnormal but I couldn't walk in a straight line when he had me go to heel to toe today. I kept having to stop and rebalance myself. Then he had me stand with my feet together and my arms out and my eyes shut and I felt like I was wobbly that way also. But again he didn't say anything. I want a new neurologist but my primary care doc won't give me a referral to a different one and the other one's around here require a referral from your primary care doc. So I'm stuck with the one I have.

I just want these headaches to go away or someway to make them less of a bother.

I get them 2-3 times a week and lately when I get them I get all wobbly and can't walk worth anything. I feel like I'm drunk when I get the headache. All my doctor said was to monitor the situation and if it got worse to come back.

Jan

[Christina86]

(((((((((((Jbug))))))))))))))

Did he mention the possibility of it being a migraine, not a "headache"? It sounds like it's more serious than a regular headache! Have you had a CAT scan or MRI?

[jbug]

He has said they are migranes and I have imitrex for them thanks to my pdoc. I have had a CT scan and it came back that I do have a brain LOL. But that nothing is wrong with it. My neurologist thought that maybe it was something called psuedotumor disorder and ordered a field of vision study done and it came back that that isn't it. So he told me that I just need to learn to live with my migranes. I don't think that is right there has to be something that can be done for them but I don't think he cares so he doesn't want to do anything for them.

Jan

[shezbut]

(((Jan)))

I get migraine headaches too - no fun ! Are your migraines in the back of your head (near the top)? Are you having visual auras with your migraines? Do any other types of auras warn you of an impending migraine?

I presume that's why they did the CT scan - to be sure that there is nothing physically wrong with your brain (i.e. brain hemorrhage, tumor, cyst, IVM, etc.).

I take mainly Maxalt for my migraine headaches, which I was told is very much like Imitrex. It's not meant to be a preventative medication. Rather, it's one meant to nip the migraine in the bud, if you catch it time. Not ideal, of course. Ideal is no migraines & no medications But, that's not our reality !

Perhaps your neurologist was looking at the big picture? Which is what they're supposed to do I take a lot of medications. I don't like taking them. But, I do it, because I have to for my health. My epileptologist knows that I don't want to take even more medications to control migraines, especially because it can have a cognitive effect. Not too big of a deal if I was brilliant and or Ms. Social. But, I'm the opposite! When you're struggling already, you don't want to struggle even harder because of the side effects of all the medications. I'm not saying that this is the way it is for you. Just a possibility you may want to consider or talk with your doctor about. Or, I don't know what the heck I'm talking about, and you can just let it go !

Best wishes to you, Jan!

Shez

[jbug]

I take Topamax to supposedly prevent the migranes and it worked for awhile but it doesn't work anymore. It is doing a decent job as a mood stabilizer though so I don't want to go off of it. My neurologist said he has tried all the medications he knows to try. He has only tried 2 the Topamax and one other one. The other one I can't remember the name of it and I had to go off of it because it was causing me to gain weight. I am not needing to gain weight and am trying very hard to lose it so took myself off of the med. He told me that there are other meds out there but he is reluctant to try me on them because of all the other meds I take. I do take the imitrex as soon as I realize I have a migrane and it gets the migrane down to a dull roar and I am able to function somewhat. I end up sleeping a lot when I take it so that isn't always a good thing.

My migranes usually start at the base of my head and then travel to the top of my head. Sometimes I get auras and sometimes I don't. I have gone blind with my migranes which when that happens it is scary. Luckily it hasn't happened when I'm driving.

Jan

[MacKLeo]

Hi,

Drink lot's of water so blood can flow properly. Also do some exercising, Have you heard about Baba Ram Dev. He is very popular all around the world. He does have some very good tips on it.

[lynn P.]

Hi,
since your neurologist doesn't offer you info., just go ahead and ask him yourself. Be assertive after all he getting payed so make the visit worth while. Seems like you're doing everything medically possible to help yourself and I know headaches are tough to treat. Have you ever tried accupuncture? I also heard calcium/magnesium supplements are good too. Best of luck.

[smiley1984]

you said that you are taking lots of medications for various things. We all know that meds cause side effects - is it possible that some of your other medications are aggravating your symptoms.

If you need meds, you need them but the best comment I heard was that if a med is potent enough to do good, it is also strong enough to cause bad things. It sounds like they can't find anything on tests - which is good, you don't want some nasty brain disease.
It might not be perfect but there comes a point where you have to just do what you can. Exercise and eating well is a good start. It is always your right to see other drs but there also comes a point when you just dr shop and become upset if there is nothing they can offer you.

[Miracle1986]

Originally Posted by jbug

I take Topamax to supposedly prevent the migranes and it worked for awhile but it doesn't work anymore.

Yeah... Topamax worked for like 2 weeks for me.
Migraines can be hell on earth.
(((gentle hugs)))

[nightbird]

Also, you can ask for copies of your tests and your medical records he is keeping.

You are entitled to your health records jbug.

There need not be any secrets with ones health, unless a patient wants less information, then a Dr. will oblige.

I have been learning about the importance of keeping my own medical records, as there are opportunities for us to manage our own health care, and make decisions regarding our bodies and what goes into them, and knowing what is going on does empower us to be our own well informed advocate for our health.

Best to you...

Peace and Support,
Night
xoxo

[shezbut]

Originally Posted by jbug

My neurologist said he has tried all the medications he knows to try. He has only tried 2 the Topamax and one other one. The other one I can't remember the name of it and I had to go off of it because it was causing me to gain weight. I am not needing to gain weight and am trying very hard to lose it so took myself off of the med. Jan

Hi Jan,

Is the other medication that you tried Depakote (aka- depakene)? If you haven't tried that medication, give it a shot! It can cause weight gain for some people. But you might want to weigh the pros and cons (all possible sides) in both cases before giving up. This ought to help you feel more comfortable in whatever decision/s you make.

Best wishes to you!
Shez

[jbug]

I can't take Depakote as I am allergic to it. I had tried it as a mood stablizer once and broke out in hives.

Thanks for the suggestion though.

Jan

[hydrocare]

Hi there Jbug! I suggest you don't take any other meds unless your doctor approves it because we don't know if it would only worsen the situation or bring along adverse effects. And also, you could ask for a second opinion from other specialists about your case. Another expert's insight wouldn't hurt