See All
Preferences
My Communities
My Discussions
My Email Digests

Making full use of the doctor's office, and as little use of the ER as possible is the best way to avoid the label of "drug seeker." While the label may not be correct, it's a good sign that you're showing up in the ER way too often, and that there is a problem with how you are managing your migraines. Talk to your doctor about preventative therapy; some doctors won't start preventative drugs unless you are having multiple migraines per month, but some will be amenable to a trial if you are really having difficulty with pain control. Showing that you are open to considering a range of different treatments (i.e. not just narcotics) will go a long way towards building trust with your doctor(s) for those times when other drugs have failed, and you really do need the pain medicine. Once you have built that trust back up with your famly doctor and your neurologist, then they will be able to "go to bat" for you if the ER doctor questions your history.View Thread

Did you have the headaches prior to the accident? If not, especially you were not at fault in the accident, you may be able to have the auto liability coverage (yours or the other driver's) cover any specialist's bills, outpatient tests, and prescriptions.View Thread


In fact, it sems that you have already identified the neck tension (and probably muscle spasms) that are triggering your headaches. Have you seen either a physical therapist or a chiropracter? Either one could help with exercises, ultrasound therapy, and use of heat/cold to relieve some of your neck pain. If you are spending long hours at a computer, or in another fairly static position, (especially at work where you are probably already feeling stressed) it may be worth checking out whether there is an ergonomic issue involved. Do talk to your doctor as well since you may benefit from muscle relaxants, and you may need referrals to the other providers, and possibly a MRI of your neck if the conservative measures don't work after a few weeks.View Thread




First, definitely go back to the ER if you re-experience similar symptoms (i.e. not being able to move your arm,) or any other stroke-like problem. Your instincts on that were right on target.
Second, although MRIs or CTs are sometimes ordered, they usually will only be ordered if you have abnormal findiings on your actual exam by the emergency room doctor. In other words, it wouldn't have been the mushroom story that failed to get you the imaging, it was probably just that your exam was not worrisome (e.g. no pupillary changes, balance deficits, difficulty with speaking, etc.) Next time, if you are concerned about leaving the ER and still having some symptoms, you could ask if you could stay as an observation patient for a few more hours to make sure that there are no serious events. Third, do consider starting the antidepressant, there's no point in feeling miserable all of the time. As the other posters have noted, the antipsychotic class of drugs now is used for a lot of purposes. The choice of that drug was not a dismissal of your concerns, but a recognition that you probably have treatment-resistant depression, and the overlap with the migraine drugs means that it would be a better choice for someone with headaches.View Thread


See Related Pain Management Communities
Women's Health Newsletter
Find out what women really need.
Other Migraines/Headaches Information
More Related Communities
The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.
Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.



