Finding a New Doctor is like Dating

Well I'm 0 for 2 for my appointments today. My neurology consult was a bust but I hope I can only use this office for Botox. 

As I'm explaining my symptoms, past medications, and triggers, I am relieved that he's diligently writing down all details. At the end of it, however, he looks frustrated. He then says, "Whatever. What do you want me to do for you again?" Smoke immediately came out of my ears. Who says that to a new patient? After everything I've explained I had been through, was that really the best response?

Granted it's not the first time I've been shut down by a doctor. My first neurologist just kept prescribing pills and typing in his little laptop, barely acknowledging I was in the room. No bedside manner whatsoever. My neurologist, who was actually a physician's assistant, was the best. My first consult was a two hour detailed meeting with head to toe assessment and plans that didn't involve chemicals. Maybe I should see if she'll move down here? Wishful thinking.

Well an EEG is scheduled, which I need, and the Botox request is being sent to insurance. That's as far as I'll go with this office. Time for the next one! 

With every situation I need to remember this is a process and I need to be patient. (Get it?) Although it's difficult, I have to stay positive and know that I'm living life the way I want. 

What are your first appointment nightmare stories?

 

Fighting a Losing Battle

My newest poem inspired by a frustrating ER visit:

Lying in a hospital bed
Crying from the sorrow
Wishing for answers
Praying for a better tomorrow

The doctor and the nurse take turns
Telling me to breathe in and out
There's no way I could relax
When I don't know what my body is about

I get the blood taken, the pee in a cup
Start the IV, tell my sobby tale,
See no empathy, hear no help
Just empty words that feel like fail

"There's no more we can do for you," he says
The same words I've heard in the past
My spirits drown, my heart is on fire,
And I just want to leave fast.

If no one can help me, what can I do?
Do I keep searching or give in?
How can I fight a losing battle
And how to win?

For now I just keep living
Finding happiness where I can
Keep all my loved ones near
And keep living according to plan.

When It Rains, It Pours

It seems when a chronic migraineur gets any type of illness (cold, earache, sniffle, etc), it turns into an epic slowdown. When you have daily pain and your nerves work overtime, sometimes the rest of your body is too tired to fight the small stuff.

Friday, my ear started aching, and I didn't think anything of it. I've always been the type of person that allows my natural immune system to heal me rather than call the doctor for a small illness. Well, lately my immune system has failed me and my symptoms got worse...

Saturday, I started to lose my hearing in my right ear. Talk about frustration! Saturdays are the days for fun and adventure! So I spent the day lying on the couch with my dog at my side. I read an article today that said those who live with chronic pain should pet their dogs often. When you cuddle and pet your dog, your body produces a chemical for happiness and your blood pressure goes down from the calming effect. My dog is a great cuddler so I tried that therapy.

Then Sunday came. I lost all hearing in my right ear and my left had a high pitched noise that gave me an insane migraine. Oh great! A migraine on top of an earache! So I went to the Walgreens Take Care Clinic and they said I had an outer ear infection. The doctor prescribed some ear drops (which I figured would need) and told me to take four drops four times daily. I'd have to lie on my side and let it sink it. Like a good little patient, I did what the doctor told me.

So this morning, I had such an intense pain that just wouldn't go away from my ear as well as the rest of my head. I still couldn't hear out my right ear. I went into work hoping to take my mind off the pain. Sometimes distraction is a great medicine. Well, that wasn't happening. My coworker in the cubicle in front of me was calling my name several times and I could not hear him. Poor guy thought I was being mean. About three hours in, I couldn't take the pain anymore. I went into a walk-in clinic and they put an ear wick (hurt like hell) to soak in the drops and make sure all of my infection gets the medication it needs. The doctor also said it'll take about a week to heal and I should see an ear, nose, and throat specialist in 2-3 days. Add another specialist to my list!

Tonight has been off and on with the pain, but I'm taking my drops like I'm supposed to and trying to distract myself with my puppy (who's being very sleepy due to the thunderstorms yesterday) and watching The Voice and the NCAA Championship game.

What are your experiences with common illness while struggling with chronic migraine?