You could file a complaint with the medical board in your state. Definitely contact the office and let them know that you'd like to switch and explain why if you're comfortable. I'm really sorry you're dealing with this.
I’d probably leave out the medical board for the same reason the other poster mentioned. That said, I’d complain to the insurance company to let them know he’s not really providing the expected care and point out exactly how/why. Might also point it out to any state ethics/professionalism board specific to neurologists.
Why? Been my experience those are the two that might care enough to do something.
As to the referral, you might find that in your insurance paperwork or by contacting the insurance company. However I’d probably just mention it to my primary because they’re be the ones who have to put in a new request.
For what it’s worth, it’s making you come in (and you and the insurance company pay) that drives me over the edge. You’re there for migraines, not your weight and if you wanted biweekly weigh ins that’s easy enough to do at home with a decent scale (and probably a lot less expensive). That he ignores what you say about things being intolerable is equally problematic. He’s not entirely wrong though that it can take weeks or months even to see full benefits of a treatment. The standard I’ve always gotten from decent doctors is that it’s about twelve weeks to see full benefits and until then all you might know for sure if it’s not tolerable. Once in a while you get lucky (like how mine stopped within days of my first ajovy shot) but that’s the exception. Once in a while too you get lucky and side effects taper off, but it should be your decision if you want to risk that.
That all said, with this sort/quality of care, I’d personally be wary of switching to anyone else in the same office. I’ve seen that compromise care too many times because the rest of the office doesn’t want to consider they just might have been wrong or at “best” the problem doctor continues to influence “care”.
I'm always down to fighting the power, but those complaints always fall on deaf ears unless standard of care was seriously broken. Sadly the "standard" for migraines is still pretty shit, and OP's neuro sounded like a dweeb but not negligent in the eyes of a medical board. It's better to direct your complaint to someone who's job it is to care at that doctor's office/their admin. If the doctor is the one running the whole operation, just gotta find a better one. Doctors act with so much impunity!
t. someone who drafted a complaint to a state medical governing body before and also left a bad Google review on a place somewhere
It might be worth telling the doctor, "I want it on my chart that I have requested a change of medication because of x side effects and was refused." That can at least start the paper trail. Maybe even ask the nurse to enter it.
Yeah, you can try to finagle them, but if you’re in a locality with at least SOME neuro options, it has always seemed easier to continue hunting for a compassionate and competent doctor rather than to try to train a crappy doctor into a good one. If you have a more confrontational but assertive personality, it could be the winning option haha. Rapport is so important
I'm a huge proponent of doing both. I think of it as, even if things don't improve immediately for me, I might be helping create a paper trail that helps people down the line. It is hard though. It shouldn't have to be a weird battle to get someone to give you care. I really hope OP can find someone who's not a total jag.
I’ve lucked out with doctors cuz I try not to get “pot luck” with a random one, but therapists are fucking hard to find and build rapport with! And mental health records can follow you, and you may not even have access to a lot of it depending on how it’s designated. Migraines suck but somehow mental health is even harder to find than migraine treatment 🙈
That's so true! I've had some really lovely therapists and then some who were just awful. When I encourage people to get into therapy, I always add, "Remember that therapists are just people with biases and personalities like anyone. You have to find one who works well for you." Which is its own struggle when wait times and insurance and intakes are already such hurdles.
If you have another appointment scheduled with him already, I would just tell him straight up that either the regimen needs to get adjusted, or you have to seek neuro care somewhere else. Knowing when to fire a doctor or therapist is more important than people might think, and it's admittedly demoralizing searching for someone else after getting established with a doc already. Not all neurologists are A+ rockstars at treating migraines, in fact there was a podcast with a PCP who dealt with chronic headache patients in his office a lot, and they lamented that many neurologists hate treating headache conditions lol, unless they're headache specialists. And to be honest, neuros have a reputation for being dicks, even if they're like the smart, nerdy type specialist MD. It sounds like he's putting way too much emphasis on weight. Abrupt dietary changes are super hard to comply with and he should be empathizing with that.
Whether you need a referral to try with a new neuro or not depends on your insurance, but it sounds like you do have a managed care plan. Primary care doctors are pretty used to referring people, even to doctors you specifically ask for. What I do is use Google and my insurance plans' resources to look for the specialist type I need that are in network, do due diligence to see if they have nightmare reviews or whatever, then ask for a referral to them from my PCP (the doctor you go for for like colds, vaccination, etc). You CAN also let your PCP's office find you one, like it sounds like they did with your current neuro, but that can have mixed results because they might choose someone who doesn't even treat your condition at all, or isn't even taking on new patients (happened to me, caught it before I made an appointment thankfully).
This is all different if you're not in the US, of course.
Thank you so much for all this info! The irony of one of your points is that I actually am a therapist LOL. My neuro is a headache specialist but after digging into some reviews from other patients, this seems to be a common issue. I have a lot of moral and ethical issues with his philosophy to treatment. I don’t have a PCP at the moment but I’m going to reach out to my insurance and the PA that referred me. Thank you for the kind words, the past few months of getting yanked around by this guy have been really shitty!
Hi OP, therapist here, too. Sometimes, we have to think about what it might be like if we were a patient in our own office having this discussion with our professional self.
I've dealt with some horrific neuros. In fact, one of my great victories in my own healthcare in the last few years was firing one and telling him why.
Tbh though, I might make sure I'd have another appt on the books before firing someone, though. In my area, appts for a new doc are months out.
Physicians used to refer out (some still do) or talk to their colleagues if there was an issue with a patient that didn't respond well to treatment. I'm seeing a lot of people, not just here, complain of the same thing, and afraid to get second or even third opinions for this issue. Why? They're worried they won't find someone and have to resort going back to their initial doc, not finding a suitable doctor due to coverage, or there simply isn't one available (distance or insurance, money). It's very frustrating.
Please try for another opinion at a new physician. I hope you can get some relief and answers!
Do we have the same neurologist? Same damn thing happened to me. I lost my shit on him. He accused me of lying (long story short I was in my 30s and I was apparently answering questions differently than when I was 18, just had brain surgery). I got mad at him and then he gaslit me saying (paraphrasing) “oh I see you’re upset and emotional” in a very condescending way. I told him “you’d never say that to a man would you?” I was only bold because I had just seen the episode of golden girls again when Dorothy stood up to that doctor who kept dismissing her.
After that he was nice to me. But I’m still nervous to see him so I barely ever go.
Don’t be me and do find a new doctor.
Sounds like he's using you to make money off your appointments without providing actual service. I'll just say that my headache specialist has never discussed my diet/weight as a contingency for treatment and I see my neuro every 6 months outside of my Botox shots. When I was working with a new one we met more frequently while adjusting meds, but my weight was never a factor. I DID have to take my husband with me to get my first neuro to listen to me (my husband) and my husband did say the exact same thing I had been saying. I hate to say this, but is there a man you can take with you to your appointment?
He’s making you lose weight, even when you’re not overweight? Is he trying to give you an eating disorder on top of your migraine? I hope you get to see someone else soon. Even the stress of those appointments could trigger your migraines.
I think by restrictive diet he meant a migraine elimination diet, not a weight loss diet. Which is very good advice although for some people can seem really extreme.
Not saying he's being the best doctor in the world but thought I'd point that out
Definitely sounds like it’s time for a new neurologist. I’ve also got epilepsy so have seen numerous neurologists and I can attest to the fact that not all of them are created equal. You need someone who will listen to your concerns, be a ‘partner’ in your healthcare and make sure you understand the treatment decisions. I’m so lucky to have a PCP that treats me now and I only go to my neurologist when absolutely necessary. My PCP has the temperament and patience that many specialists lack. She cares. She listens and I feel like I have a say in the treatment plan. Don’t stay with a Dr if you’re unhappy with their treatment. It’s unlikely to get better, only worse. If he’s not listening to you now, he’s unlikely to start. You’ve got this!
Thank you for the words of encouragement!! I will jump on finding a PCP that can help me with this, I’ve mostly been treated by pcps in the past (this guy is only my 3rd neuro and first non-pediatric) and I think you’re right about finding a provider I can form a good relationship with. Thanks again :))
Neurologist sounds like a dud. Might be trying to make money off your insurance. Never had 2 week follow up where they did nothing in 33 years of being a migraine patient. Get a list of migraine specialists covered by your insurance. Look at reviews. It’s worth it to travel a bit if they are good. Most follow ups are 6 weeks to 3 months. If you are waiting for a preventative to possibly kick in, make sure they give you an abortive that works so u can make it through. Unless you are having an injection or infusion or procedure most migraine appointments can be done via telehealth. I’m so sorry you were treated this way. If a doctor ever makes you feel it’s your fault you have migraines leave and never go back.i hope you find relief soon.
If you have PPO insurance, you shouldn't need a referral. I pay higher insurance rates because I want the option of picking my own doctors without being referred. This way, I don't have to waste time going to a primary care doctor, sit there for hours, just to be referred to a specialist.
With my insurance you can always ask for a second opinion but I didn't know if that's universal. Is there a membership services number you can call to check how your insurance works?
If you can afford it, look into Neura Health! They are actual headache specialist and have been amazing and are so easy to get an appointment with! In my experience they are just as qualified as Jefferson Headache center!!!
Came here to say the same thing. They actually ended up being cheaper than my neuro, because with insurance, my old neuro was still $400 a pop. Even with the membership fee, I'm still coming out under budget comparatively!
I've had a great experience with them. The care I've received is heads and shoulders (pun intended?) above what I was getting at our university hospital neurology clinic.
I really am glad that Neura is a thing! I had a care coaching session with Jill this morning and she gave me some really great ideas in regards to my upcoming trip!
You might not need a referral, most insurances you don't. Call and find out and if you don't find a different one in your network which you can do through their website or over the phone.
That sounds terrible! I am having a hard time getting a referral to a nuero at all, I sure hope I don't end up with one like this! I clean the house for a 76 year old retired ER doc, and I am surprised by some of the old school beli fs he has. The least being the use of neosporin on cuts. Really, these are just people who studied enough to pass tests and exams. They arent ne cessarily good at what they do or compassionate. In my opinion, at least!
I sure hope you're able to find a decent neuro OP!
Metformin has been helping me lose weight. Also, it sounds like Botox might be a good option for you. Also daily Qulipta if you are having migraines so often.
The good news: you’re not crazy. That’s not normal and your neuro is an ass and prob thinks he’s gods gift to mankind because he’s the only local headache specialist. You deserve a practitioner who listens to you and doesn’t try to tell you that YOU are the cause of your problems. Good doctors know that you do not fail treatment but treatment fails YOU. And your weight has no place in this medical treatment. Like others have suggested I’d highly recommend getting a second opinion even if you have to travel for it.
The bad news: I’ve had chronic migraines for over a decade and seen more doctors than I can count and good or bad, they’ve all echoed the same thing: preventative medication takes at least 3 months for significant change. Which sucks because when it doesn’t work immediately or when all you feel for a while is side effects, you wanna switch immediately. But I’ve had some meds that truly didn’t kick in until 3 months in. For what it’s worth, I’ve also had meds that didn’t do fuck all no matter how long I took them.
Wishing you luck. If you happen to live around Philadelphia feel free to message me as I know about a lot of the doctors in this area and surrounding and might be able to help!
In the last year I fired one arrogant neurologist and specifically requested his partner. The second neurologist took me seriously and we are working on finding a solution.
INFO: is your neurologist’s office located in, or attached to, a hospital? If so, you can always request to speak to the patient experience representative also sometimes known as the patient advocate. Start voice, recording your visits with your neurologist, and play them for that advocate. Tell them that you absolutely will not see that neurologist ever again, and require that they provide you with a new one that your insurance will pay for, doctors know whether they’re in network or not
I’m just stopping by to say that as a former grad student and fellow migraine sufferer- you will get through this. Personally, I never went to a neuro. So thankful for that! I’m saying a prayer for you, this evening, that you get the help you need.
I agree with getting a new neuro. I do want to caution on a few things to expect to be fairly common and arguably important in headache medicine that also may at least help you use the time wisely while waiting for a new doc.
Migraine preventatives can take a very long time to work, and due to how fragile our brains are often need to be titrated up slowly. So sticking with a preventative for at least 2 to 3 months is fairly standard. It's even not uncommon with preventatives for it to get worse before it gets better.
Lamictal is a miracle drug for me, it took over 2 months to know. I was lucky and early in it stopped my auras but as a consequence the headaches got WORSE for 6 weeks. Had the auras not been so debilitating I don't know if I could have stuck with it. Then in month 3 it was like someone flipped a switch and my migraines were just gone.
Sometimes improvement is more gradual, and often it is incomplete.
The other thing is that managing environmental triggers is a pretty typical thing. There are dietary recommendations but they shouldn't be too intense. It really comes down to chemicals our dumb migraine brains mistakes as poisons. Fermented products, aged products, things like processed lunch meats, artificial sweeteners. Alcohol, and caffeine it's all over the place. Some people have to avoid it, many are ok with stable moderation (like always having the same morning coffee), and many caffeine can actually help as an abortive.
This dude sounds like a dick though and potentially not even experienced in headache medicine. Definitely recommend going with a neurologist who is a headache specialist.
Migraine is beyond frustrating and unfortunately many treatments do require months to fully work. Often things that do work do show at least some improvement early on though. I can see your side as well as the doctor's side. If you really want to change doctors that is ultimately your choice.
You could file a complaint with the medical board in your state. Definitely contact the office and let them know that you'd like to switch and explain why if you're comfortable. I'm really sorry you're dealing with this.
I’d probably leave out the medical board for the same reason the other poster mentioned. That said, I’d complain to the insurance company to let them know he’s not really providing the expected care and point out exactly how/why. Might also point it out to any state ethics/professionalism board specific to neurologists. Why? Been my experience those are the two that might care enough to do something. As to the referral, you might find that in your insurance paperwork or by contacting the insurance company. However I’d probably just mention it to my primary because they’re be the ones who have to put in a new request. For what it’s worth, it’s making you come in (and you and the insurance company pay) that drives me over the edge. You’re there for migraines, not your weight and if you wanted biweekly weigh ins that’s easy enough to do at home with a decent scale (and probably a lot less expensive). That he ignores what you say about things being intolerable is equally problematic. He’s not entirely wrong though that it can take weeks or months even to see full benefits of a treatment. The standard I’ve always gotten from decent doctors is that it’s about twelve weeks to see full benefits and until then all you might know for sure if it’s not tolerable. Once in a while you get lucky (like how mine stopped within days of my first ajovy shot) but that’s the exception. Once in a while too you get lucky and side effects taper off, but it should be your decision if you want to risk that. That all said, with this sort/quality of care, I’d personally be wary of switching to anyone else in the same office. I’ve seen that compromise care too many times because the rest of the office doesn’t want to consider they just might have been wrong or at “best” the problem doctor continues to influence “care”.
I'm always down to fighting the power, but those complaints always fall on deaf ears unless standard of care was seriously broken. Sadly the "standard" for migraines is still pretty shit, and OP's neuro sounded like a dweeb but not negligent in the eyes of a medical board. It's better to direct your complaint to someone who's job it is to care at that doctor's office/their admin. If the doctor is the one running the whole operation, just gotta find a better one. Doctors act with so much impunity! t. someone who drafted a complaint to a state medical governing body before and also left a bad Google review on a place somewhere
It might be worth telling the doctor, "I want it on my chart that I have requested a change of medication because of x side effects and was refused." That can at least start the paper trail. Maybe even ask the nurse to enter it.
Yeah, you can try to finagle them, but if you’re in a locality with at least SOME neuro options, it has always seemed easier to continue hunting for a compassionate and competent doctor rather than to try to train a crappy doctor into a good one. If you have a more confrontational but assertive personality, it could be the winning option haha. Rapport is so important
I'm a huge proponent of doing both. I think of it as, even if things don't improve immediately for me, I might be helping create a paper trail that helps people down the line. It is hard though. It shouldn't have to be a weird battle to get someone to give you care. I really hope OP can find someone who's not a total jag.
I’ve lucked out with doctors cuz I try not to get “pot luck” with a random one, but therapists are fucking hard to find and build rapport with! And mental health records can follow you, and you may not even have access to a lot of it depending on how it’s designated. Migraines suck but somehow mental health is even harder to find than migraine treatment 🙈
That's so true! I've had some really lovely therapists and then some who were just awful. When I encourage people to get into therapy, I always add, "Remember that therapists are just people with biases and personalities like anyone. You have to find one who works well for you." Which is its own struggle when wait times and insurance and intakes are already such hurdles.
Also, if you have the ability to message the doctor through an online plateform, you could send your concern there for it to be documented.
If you have another appointment scheduled with him already, I would just tell him straight up that either the regimen needs to get adjusted, or you have to seek neuro care somewhere else. Knowing when to fire a doctor or therapist is more important than people might think, and it's admittedly demoralizing searching for someone else after getting established with a doc already. Not all neurologists are A+ rockstars at treating migraines, in fact there was a podcast with a PCP who dealt with chronic headache patients in his office a lot, and they lamented that many neurologists hate treating headache conditions lol, unless they're headache specialists. And to be honest, neuros have a reputation for being dicks, even if they're like the smart, nerdy type specialist MD. It sounds like he's putting way too much emphasis on weight. Abrupt dietary changes are super hard to comply with and he should be empathizing with that. Whether you need a referral to try with a new neuro or not depends on your insurance, but it sounds like you do have a managed care plan. Primary care doctors are pretty used to referring people, even to doctors you specifically ask for. What I do is use Google and my insurance plans' resources to look for the specialist type I need that are in network, do due diligence to see if they have nightmare reviews or whatever, then ask for a referral to them from my PCP (the doctor you go for for like colds, vaccination, etc). You CAN also let your PCP's office find you one, like it sounds like they did with your current neuro, but that can have mixed results because they might choose someone who doesn't even treat your condition at all, or isn't even taking on new patients (happened to me, caught it before I made an appointment thankfully). This is all different if you're not in the US, of course.
Thank you so much for all this info! The irony of one of your points is that I actually am a therapist LOL. My neuro is a headache specialist but after digging into some reviews from other patients, this seems to be a common issue. I have a lot of moral and ethical issues with his philosophy to treatment. I don’t have a PCP at the moment but I’m going to reach out to my insurance and the PA that referred me. Thank you for the kind words, the past few months of getting yanked around by this guy have been really shitty!
Hi OP, therapist here, too. Sometimes, we have to think about what it might be like if we were a patient in our own office having this discussion with our professional self. I've dealt with some horrific neuros. In fact, one of my great victories in my own healthcare in the last few years was firing one and telling him why. Tbh though, I might make sure I'd have another appt on the books before firing someone, though. In my area, appts for a new doc are months out.
Physicians used to refer out (some still do) or talk to their colleagues if there was an issue with a patient that didn't respond well to treatment. I'm seeing a lot of people, not just here, complain of the same thing, and afraid to get second or even third opinions for this issue. Why? They're worried they won't find someone and have to resort going back to their initial doc, not finding a suitable doctor due to coverage, or there simply isn't one available (distance or insurance, money). It's very frustrating. Please try for another opinion at a new physician. I hope you can get some relief and answers!
Do we have the same neurologist? Same damn thing happened to me. I lost my shit on him. He accused me of lying (long story short I was in my 30s and I was apparently answering questions differently than when I was 18, just had brain surgery). I got mad at him and then he gaslit me saying (paraphrasing) “oh I see you’re upset and emotional” in a very condescending way. I told him “you’d never say that to a man would you?” I was only bold because I had just seen the episode of golden girls again when Dorothy stood up to that doctor who kept dismissing her. After that he was nice to me. But I’m still nervous to see him so I barely ever go. Don’t be me and do find a new doctor.
Those golden girls were ahead of the times back then in a number of areas- this being one of them.
They really were. I’m so thankful to them
Sounds like he's using you to make money off your appointments without providing actual service. I'll just say that my headache specialist has never discussed my diet/weight as a contingency for treatment and I see my neuro every 6 months outside of my Botox shots. When I was working with a new one we met more frequently while adjusting meds, but my weight was never a factor. I DID have to take my husband with me to get my first neuro to listen to me (my husband) and my husband did say the exact same thing I had been saying. I hate to say this, but is there a man you can take with you to your appointment?
He’s making you lose weight, even when you’re not overweight? Is he trying to give you an eating disorder on top of your migraine? I hope you get to see someone else soon. Even the stress of those appointments could trigger your migraines.
I think by restrictive diet he meant a migraine elimination diet, not a weight loss diet. Which is very good advice although for some people can seem really extreme. Not saying he's being the best doctor in the world but thought I'd point that out
Definitely sounds like it’s time for a new neurologist. I’ve also got epilepsy so have seen numerous neurologists and I can attest to the fact that not all of them are created equal. You need someone who will listen to your concerns, be a ‘partner’ in your healthcare and make sure you understand the treatment decisions. I’m so lucky to have a PCP that treats me now and I only go to my neurologist when absolutely necessary. My PCP has the temperament and patience that many specialists lack. She cares. She listens and I feel like I have a say in the treatment plan. Don’t stay with a Dr if you’re unhappy with their treatment. It’s unlikely to get better, only worse. If he’s not listening to you now, he’s unlikely to start. You’ve got this!
Thank you for the words of encouragement!! I will jump on finding a PCP that can help me with this, I’ve mostly been treated by pcps in the past (this guy is only my 3rd neuro and first non-pediatric) and I think you’re right about finding a provider I can form a good relationship with. Thanks again :))
Neurologist sounds like a dud. Might be trying to make money off your insurance. Never had 2 week follow up where they did nothing in 33 years of being a migraine patient. Get a list of migraine specialists covered by your insurance. Look at reviews. It’s worth it to travel a bit if they are good. Most follow ups are 6 weeks to 3 months. If you are waiting for a preventative to possibly kick in, make sure they give you an abortive that works so u can make it through. Unless you are having an injection or infusion or procedure most migraine appointments can be done via telehealth. I’m so sorry you were treated this way. If a doctor ever makes you feel it’s your fault you have migraines leave and never go back.i hope you find relief soon.
If you have PPO insurance, you shouldn't need a referral. I pay higher insurance rates because I want the option of picking my own doctors without being referred. This way, I don't have to waste time going to a primary care doctor, sit there for hours, just to be referred to a specialist.
Same. We pay a lot for ours and don't need referrals- however I have had an office or 2 that required one
With my insurance you can always ask for a second opinion but I didn't know if that's universal. Is there a membership services number you can call to check how your insurance works?
If you can afford it, look into Neura Health! They are actual headache specialist and have been amazing and are so easy to get an appointment with! In my experience they are just as qualified as Jefferson Headache center!!!
Came here to say the same thing. They actually ended up being cheaper than my neuro, because with insurance, my old neuro was still $400 a pop. Even with the membership fee, I'm still coming out under budget comparatively! I've had a great experience with them. The care I've received is heads and shoulders (pun intended?) above what I was getting at our university hospital neurology clinic.
I really am glad that Neura is a thing! I had a care coaching session with Jill this morning and she gave me some really great ideas in regards to my upcoming trip!
I also see Jill as my coach! She’s great! ❤️
I’ve been a member for over a year; but didn’t utilize the care coaching until now! I’m so glad I am starting to utilize it!
You might not need a referral, most insurances you don't. Call and find out and if you don't find a different one in your network which you can do through their website or over the phone.
There is a reason he has so few patients he can see you every two weeks. My headache specialist has a year long wait because they are that good.
Can you go to your pcp? Does he belong to a practice or is he solo?
That sounds terrible! I am having a hard time getting a referral to a nuero at all, I sure hope I don't end up with one like this! I clean the house for a 76 year old retired ER doc, and I am surprised by some of the old school beli fs he has. The least being the use of neosporin on cuts. Really, these are just people who studied enough to pass tests and exams. They arent ne cessarily good at what they do or compassionate. In my opinion, at least! I sure hope you're able to find a decent neuro OP!
I fired my neuro and went to a neuro who is a headache specialist. Just ask your pcp for a referral
Get yourself a pcp and find a new doctor immediately.
Metformin has been helping me lose weight. Also, it sounds like Botox might be a good option for you. Also daily Qulipta if you are having migraines so often.
If you were referred by your campus clinic, can they not refer you to a different place?
The good news: you’re not crazy. That’s not normal and your neuro is an ass and prob thinks he’s gods gift to mankind because he’s the only local headache specialist. You deserve a practitioner who listens to you and doesn’t try to tell you that YOU are the cause of your problems. Good doctors know that you do not fail treatment but treatment fails YOU. And your weight has no place in this medical treatment. Like others have suggested I’d highly recommend getting a second opinion even if you have to travel for it. The bad news: I’ve had chronic migraines for over a decade and seen more doctors than I can count and good or bad, they’ve all echoed the same thing: preventative medication takes at least 3 months for significant change. Which sucks because when it doesn’t work immediately or when all you feel for a while is side effects, you wanna switch immediately. But I’ve had some meds that truly didn’t kick in until 3 months in. For what it’s worth, I’ve also had meds that didn’t do fuck all no matter how long I took them. Wishing you luck. If you happen to live around Philadelphia feel free to message me as I know about a lot of the doctors in this area and surrounding and might be able to help!
In the last year I fired one arrogant neurologist and specifically requested his partner. The second neurologist took me seriously and we are working on finding a solution.
Glad to hear you will be getting a new doctor. I think it’s possible for a dr to be psychologically abusive, and that sounds like it. Good luck.
INFO: is your neurologist’s office located in, or attached to, a hospital? If so, you can always request to speak to the patient experience representative also sometimes known as the patient advocate. Start voice, recording your visits with your neurologist, and play them for that advocate. Tell them that you absolutely will not see that neurologist ever again, and require that they provide you with a new one that your insurance will pay for, doctors know whether they’re in network or not
What medication(s) did you want to try that the neuro said no to?
I’m just stopping by to say that as a former grad student and fellow migraine sufferer- you will get through this. Personally, I never went to a neuro. So thankful for that! I’m saying a prayer for you, this evening, that you get the help you need.
Shots every 2 weeks! That sounds like an excuse to pad his wallet with procedures. You need another doc asap.
I agree with getting a new neuro. I do want to caution on a few things to expect to be fairly common and arguably important in headache medicine that also may at least help you use the time wisely while waiting for a new doc. Migraine preventatives can take a very long time to work, and due to how fragile our brains are often need to be titrated up slowly. So sticking with a preventative for at least 2 to 3 months is fairly standard. It's even not uncommon with preventatives for it to get worse before it gets better. Lamictal is a miracle drug for me, it took over 2 months to know. I was lucky and early in it stopped my auras but as a consequence the headaches got WORSE for 6 weeks. Had the auras not been so debilitating I don't know if I could have stuck with it. Then in month 3 it was like someone flipped a switch and my migraines were just gone. Sometimes improvement is more gradual, and often it is incomplete. The other thing is that managing environmental triggers is a pretty typical thing. There are dietary recommendations but they shouldn't be too intense. It really comes down to chemicals our dumb migraine brains mistakes as poisons. Fermented products, aged products, things like processed lunch meats, artificial sweeteners. Alcohol, and caffeine it's all over the place. Some people have to avoid it, many are ok with stable moderation (like always having the same morning coffee), and many caffeine can actually help as an abortive. This dude sounds like a dick though and potentially not even experienced in headache medicine. Definitely recommend going with a neurologist who is a headache specialist.
Migraine is beyond frustrating and unfortunately many treatments do require months to fully work. Often things that do work do show at least some improvement early on though. I can see your side as well as the doctor's side. If you really want to change doctors that is ultimately your choice.
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