Disillusioned with doctors!

Hi Richard, you exceed my suffering by 26 years. I cannot comprehend how you have coped. There are theories about magnesium glycinate and the hormone adrenaline. There must be a medic out there somewhere who can give us hope . Best wishes to you and your family.

I think the problem is a large proportion of people visit primary care just wanting a quick fix with a pill of some kind. This along with a 10 minute appointment time conditions physicians to just provide the take a pill and see what happens approach as it gets you out of the door and it will 'fix' a fair number of the people.

You may have had the migraine for many years but if you think that its symptoms have changed and worsened then you need to start taking a detailed diary of symptoms. Maybe photograph your face mid migraine and when not symptomatic to see if there are any subtle changes to your eyes etc.

Then it may be worth approaching the GP and saying I am loosing x days a month to this, I have tried these drugs, here is some evidence, would you consider reffering me to a neurologist.

The alternative if finances allow may be a private neuro apointment, again I would take a detailed diary to this but for 200ish quid you would get 40 minutes of dedicated time which you could use to discuss the impact, what has been tried any what ideas they may have for the furute.

Hope you manage to fjnd some relief from your symptoms soon!

Hi Richard!

sorry you are having a rubbish time I have probably being on every type of tablet over the years and the only one that worked with no undesirable side effects before I became immune to them was Epilim. In terms of non medical treatment again I have tried loads! The best I found was a osteopath as there is a strong link with neck issues particularly is you have a job sat at a desk. Also in terms of aborting pain I use a hot pack around the back of my neck as soon as the aura strikes which is incredibly effective and can be teamed with a cold patch on your forehead for double effect! 😀

Yes, drs can be so bad at helping people sometimes, even though that is their job.  The only thing that brings any kind of abortive relief for me is Sumatriptan and you can get epipen injections or tablets.  For preventative I use Pregabalin and Verapamil.  Also Flunarizine from Neurologist,  I recently started Botox as I have  2 types of migraine, Hemi[legic, that can hospitalise me as it mimics a stroke and cluster headache when the eye pain can become unbearable and watery.

Good luck and also in my experience you have to nag nag and nag the drs to get anywhere with this

i completely empathise with liz's experience with the neurologist.

I got referred to a neurologist in 2008 whilst i was takind propanolol for my migraines.The appointment consisted of me giving her a history of my migraines, severity, regularity etc.A series of reflex tests were carried out on my knees and elbows.

The 10 minute appt then concluded with an OFFICIAL diagnosis of migraines for me (this was blindingly obvious anyway) and she told me to continue with the propanolol.

I left thinking what a bloody waste of time that was.

Hallo Yola

if im at work with a migraine i regularly press a cold compress from cold water  tap to my head which offers short term relief.A hot shower also helps, the massaging feel around my neck is nice.

The only time tablets work is if i find a new brand that i havent taken before, but it doesnt take long before my body realises this and they then become ineffective.

Hi Richard

Sorry to hear you are suffering so much.  I can image how difficult it is for you, especially having a young family.  I can understand how difficult it is for the medical profession to treat migraine as every cause and symptom is so different, but you deserve better care than you seemed to have been given.

I too have suffered with migraine from childhood (now in early 60's).  I also suffer with vertigo and tinnitus.  When I collapsed and was admitted to hospital, five years ago, I was fortunate to see a consultant who specialised in migraine/vertigo and was able to give me a diagnosis.  She herself had suffered from migraine which led to her interest. I was unable to work and had to retire on ill health.  I couldn't go out on my own for three months and was unable to drive for two years. 

It's been a long hard road, but now five years on I am able to have a good quality of life.  I was initially prescribed amitryptyline, co-codomol and buccastem.  When I didn't improve I was given imigran nasal spray, betahistmine hydrochloride, and prochlorperazine maleate.  I didn't improve with this combination either.

I now take almotriptan when I get a migraine, which has been very effective, although there are still occasions when the migraine will persist.  I've also recently been put back on almotriptan. I have regular chiropractic treatment and have tried a number of other alternative therapies, including acupuncture, which all helped to get me through.

The consultant said that migraine can cause depression.  The medical profession can mistakenly think that depression is causing the migraine when it is the other way round.  I've have been lucky not to suffer from depression with my condition because of the support I have had. I guess the lack of support can leave you wondering what to do and where to go.  Don't give up! 

I would suggest that you do a little research on some of the medication mentioned by myself and other Forum members and make an appointment with your GP to discuss alternative medication.  I do believe that it is a matter of finding the right medication for you as what can be prescribed for one person may not be suitable for another.

Wishing you all the best.   

So sorry to hear your experience but I agree I don't think some doctors really understand the pain and discomfort that comes with migraines. After suffering with migraines for over 40 years, really badly over the last 15 years, I have eventually found a GP who is very sympthatic. I first saw him about a year ago and he made it his mission to improve my symptoms. Between him, the neurologist and myself we have found something that works for me. I am not migraine free but they are more manageable and more importantly, not as painful. It may worth trying a different GP in your surgery if possible. Have you been referred to a neurologist, if not push for that. As you will understand from this forum there does not seem to be a cure but there are many different types of medication and treatments that do work. Persist with your GP, ask for a second opinion and good luck.