Migraine Advise

[Helpless41]

I have Migraines from time to time. I was given the drug Topamax from my old doctor. I just got a new doctor and she took me off cause of the huge side effects I was experiencing Which was a good thing. I was also on the pain medication Vicodin to take when needed, too take the edge off the pain. The new doctor does not want me to take any kind of pain medication to help take the edge off. I think she is afraid of prescribing pain meds to anyone. I have stopped take any medication right now for my migraines. I need advice on what to do? Do I tell her I need new medication including pain medication or find another new doctor that cares more about their customer’s health? Do I stay the course and get a new migraine medicine but do without the pain medication and deal with it?

[sara12345]

That's terrific! Good for you.  I think that you got the best by getting the pain pills AND being referred to a neurologist who is far better at evaluating and treating migraines.  And no need to lie about taking the pain pills with this new doctor because your doctor referred you.  

Please keep me posted on your appointment with the neurologist.  I hope that it goes well for you.

Sara

[tigerize]

I was also on Topamax for about 10 years. It worked great for my migraines until recently. I think I became immune to the meds. The only side effect I had was the it gave me some memory  loss and inability to form words. Because it worked so well on my migraines, I continued taking it. I have tried a few different meds since stopping, incuding Propanalol and Protriptyline. The propanalol worked but gave me blurry vision and no sex drive at all. The Protriptyline gave me very dry mouth and nose, to the point I could now swallow well or talk. I also can't take many migraines meds because I have bad reactions to them. I am now just taking the vitamin Riboflavin and hoping that will help without the meds. I am so tired of side effects. I also take Hydromorphone when I get really bad migraines. Good luck to you.

[Helpless41]

Thanks for your response. I did call my doctor yesterday evening and told her I will find another doctor who cares about their customers if you can’t take care of my health issues. She gave me a two week supply of pain meds to take and referred me to a Neurologist. I have an appointment with him in 2 weeks. Two weeks of pain meds and see a new doctor in two weeks. ( Makes me wonder). Getting pain meds here where I am located is getting harder and harder. It is VERY sad when you call around to find new doctor and the first thing they ask is “Are you under any pain medication”. If you say “Yes” then they can’t help you. If you say”NO” then you are stuck with that answer with this doctor. I am not giving up on this. Fight to the end I will.

[sara12345]

Hi,

You say you have migraines from time to time.  How often do you have them.  If you're taking any pain reliever 3x a week or more, then you will get rebound migraines.  So don't know why your doctor says no to the pain pills, but I would think that she could even give you a limited supply of them.

I would call her office and say that you really need some pain pills until the new daily preventative medication takes effect.  If she won't call a prescription in for you, then I would definately find another doctor.

She must never have been in pain herself or must be some really tough broad (sp?).  Sorry for my anger, but it's really unconscionable.  I once had a dentist who told me that he didn't believe in pain pills.  I didn't need one at the time, but I never saw him again.

Sara