Just came back from seeing my new neurologist. He ran through my history, did a quick office exam and said not to offend me but I was definitely wired differently than other people. HA HA He said most migrainers are but people who only suffer migraine equivalents and not the actual headache itself are few and far between. He figures I have a transformed migraine - going from “normal” migraines to a radically changed one - most often occurs in women who reach the perimenopausal stage in their life. Figures that my problem was a combination of stress/anxiety and hormonal changes - exactly what I thought all along. The medications that I’m on now are good but he wants to bump the nori up. I bumped it up from 20 to 30 about a month ago and have noticed I’ve been feeling better My GP isnt as stupid as I thought because she recommended the same thing and I ignored her as I’m not very receptive to meds. Oops! The pain that I’ve been feeling in my neck, upper back and down my arm for years is the one part of my brain that’s causes pain to that nerve - so instead of feeling head pain with my migraines I feel that pain. Here I thought I was having heart problems because it mimics the same pain - brother! He also offered Botox as a last resort which he does in his office. I’d have to get healthcare approval for it. Apparently he just gave a lecture at our local university about migraine and menopause so I guess he knows what he’s talking about.
So in a nutshell I have to increase my nori from 30mg to 40 for 3 weeks then up to 50. VERY important that I get 45 minutes of heart raising exercise 3 to 4 times a week, cut out coffee (not even ONE CUP!), have decaff he said (UGH) and no artificial sweeteners or regular soda of any kind. He wants to see me again in 3 months but in the interim he would like me to email him every month and let him know how I’m doing and if I have any questions. That surprised me! He is also emailing me a bunch of documentation to read so I have a better understanding of my condition although I pretty much know it all anyway with all the research I’ve been doing. He also said when he was examining my eyes that I have an outstanding cortex or something or other (bet I never heard THAT line before he said) - ha ha!
Anyway, I feel much better about everything - it was worth the 6 month wait. I just have to do what he says, especially the exercise part, which will be tough but I know better for me all around. So…that’s it! I hope it all works!
its great that you have found a dr that actually folllows up and give you info - hard to do. IM STILL CONSIDERING BOTOX AS IM NOT KEEN ON MEDS, (OFF MY OWN BACK HASNT BEEN MENTIONED BY ANY DR) AS THEY MESS ME AROUND, LOVE TO KNOW IF GO DOWN THAT TRACK AND IF IT HELPS WITH UNBALANCED/VERTIGO ETC
That sounds like a very productive appt. Since I got hit with this at 42, I def think hormones playing a role. Is nori his first choice med?
You said you were feeling better? You didn’t tolerate effexor if I remember correctly? And trying to remember other meds you tried?
Glad ur feeling better. Are you having any side effects?
Kelley
Yes, nori is his first choice. Said I should be up to at least 50mg because of my height and weight - he goes by that quite a bit. I upped my nori to 30mg a month ago and I definitely have noticed a difference. No side effects at all. I’m going to bump it up to 40 starting tonite for 3 weeks like he said and then up to the 50. I also take 10mg of Cipralex. He isn’t a big believer in B2 and Magnesium supplements or acupuncture and chiro. Really favored regular exercise, massage therapy and heat/ice for neck tension.
I went on vacation for a week to the mountains two weeks ago, did all the driving (10 hours there and back) and I felt wonderful the entire week - no symptoms at all until I got back home and then I had symptoms for 2 days! I guess the solution is to be away from home on vacation!
Good for you! It is always reassuring to have a doc that listens to what you say and that will be available if you need him. It’s great that you have been feeling better too!
Tamsha - great news that you had such a positive experience with the new neurologist. Take it as a compliment that you are a rare species of migraineur
That is wonderful news Tamsha! Gives me hope. I finally got health insurance again earlier this year and have started over with visiting the Doctors, getting referrals, etc… trying to find some answers. Currently undergoing Physical Therapy for vestibular rehabilitation (not sure it’s helping or hurting… I’m so used to my “new normal” of being off so much that I can’t tell).
I believe I am perimenopausal at 37, (early menopause runs in the family )… My first OB/GYN refused to do hormone labs of any kind because “menopause” is when you stop having a period for three months straight and I didn’t meet that requirement. I changed OB/GYN. My GP told me that she doesn’t know anything about hormones, it’s not her specialty. At OB/GYN #2 I requested a detailed hormone panel and he refused because he told me that nothing could be done because hormones fluctuate throughout the month. Duh.
I’m thinking I will pay on my own to see a bio-identical hormone specialist in my area. I want to know if my hormones are off and if they are playing a part in my 24/7 dizziness/feeling horrible all the time. I’ve seen on Dr. Oz or Oprah before about hormones and how a females hormones must be balanced correctly and fluctuations begin as early as the twenties.
Tamsha, if you happen to be w/Kaiser in N. Cali would you mind PM-ing me the name of your neuro? Sounds like he actually cares and understands the female body.
I’m back, and I’m fighting the medical system once again to find a doctor who is not a robot!
