Another day, another doctor

I just did an internet search and found a doctor who is certified as a "headache specialist" (of course so was the famous doctor I recently saw who worse than useless, but that's another story). This new guy is a board certified neuro and pain management doc. He's only about an hour and a half away. But I'm so sick of doctors and what they'll say- mostly because they don't listen- at least in my experience. I know, I know- a broad generalization.

I know I need pain management, but I'm so afraid of all the hoops they'll make me jump through first- and then they may not do what I need. Also, I've found that being an RN makes doctors treat me in a very odd way- like I'm an uppity RN and shouldn't question them.

My family doc is very, very nice- but that's about all. He listens, but he seems so ignorant regarding my situation. He believes that I am depressed and wants to give me antidepressants, despite the fact that they make my migraines worse- and are hell to get off (I believe that it's taken me a year to finally recover from my years on Cymbalta.)

Any thoughts, opinions etc? How should I approach him if I do decide to go?

Thanks,
Anna

Anna,

One question - do you tell them you're an RN? Or does it become apparent because you have more knowledge than the average patient? I guess I'd keep that bit under my hat...I've found that if my neuro finds out you have more education he tends to talk a bit more causitively/physiologically (I work with 2 other of his patients and this was a topic).

I guess my suggestion is to go in with a list of what you've tried, and the results. Then where you are at and what you need direction on for managing the symptoms. I don't know that the RN part is a factor (although if they have a god-complex, it's highly likely) as if you are more knowledgeable then can get kind of snippy about it anyway. I guess if he (I'm assuming male) wants to go in a direction that you know is bad - just walk away, if you can. There is no rule that says you have to take things you know will harm you (and another thought is, if you've expressed this before and he still insists - what happened to the Hippocratic oath?).

Just my two cents and take it for what it's worth.

Becky

Becky, I think that's good advice. We do have the option of walking away. There are certainly drugs I won't take and I have tried many, many avenues. Having everything written down and being clear with what I need (symptom management) is a great idea.

As far as being an RN, well, my family doc knows as he works with my husband at a small hospital. And often a new doctor will have forms for you to fill out which usually have questions regarding employment. Of course, since I'm unable to work as an RN now I guess I could leave it off the form.

Thanks for writing and for your help.

Anna

I recently found a headache specialist who I love. I think a good way to find a good migraine doctor is to find one who has migraines too! Mine has migraines, so when I spoke to him it was as if I were talking to a much smarter version of myself. I think he invests more time than the usual doctor on outside research because he understands the importance of the situation and is probably trying to find solutions for himself as well.

It was obvious that my family doctor didn't have migraines. I walked in, he spent 2 minutes listening and put me on anti-depressants and Imitrex. He actually told me that the Imitrex has a side-effect of making you feel "out of it" or fatigued, but he thought that was probably just from being exhausted from the headache. He was just clueless.