Saturday, February 11, 2012

Migraines, headaches, pain, and HOPE!

I spent last week in Dallas at Dr. John Claude Krusz's clinic, ANODYNE Headache and PainCare. Dr. Krusz and I have written Ask the Clinician for almost five years now, but this was the first chance I'd had to visit his clinic and observe him with patients.   Dr. K's patients w...
12/ 9/07 6:59pm

Dear Teri:

 

Thank you for sharing the highlights of your visit to Dr. Krusz office, and the great news of two "breakthroughs" for patients whose headaches were nearly intolerable. 

 

I just wanted to share an update of my own (a success story with a specialist) and the importance of delving into sleep and endocrine issues. 

 

As you may already remember, I have had hormonal migraines for decades and other endocrine diseases including hashimotos, PCOS, female cysts & polyps.  A recent series of visits to a headache specialist in California indicated that I have a host of pituitary/hypothalimic dysfunctions and that in addition to hormonal migraines, I have hypnic headaches (that wake me up exactly at the same time every night, during REM sleep).  The clues were the exact timing of the nocturnal and morning attacks, the severity & features of the attacks, and for me, a history of crossing time zones constantly for work, shift work, and moving across time zones.

 

I don't know if most migraine patients know about hypnic headaches, because I did not until this diagnosis.  Half of those with hypnics have a long history of migraine disease.  I know I am one of the lucky ones who got diagnosed by a specialist (who had heard of them!) before I did something impulsive due to feeling hopelessly in pain, and rapidly declining in health.  I am glad that Dr. Krucz integrates questions regarding sleep and endocrine issues into his history, and hope that in time, many other physicians will do the same. 

 

I hope you are doing great, and thanks again for sharing more positive news with us. 

Clemmie 

12/10/07 12:22am

Clemmie,

 

I'm so glad you've gotten to the bottom of another issue causing you problems! Thank you very much for sharing it here. It's helpful for us to see that people do make progress.

 

Yes, I'm doing great, thanks!

 

take care,

Teri 

12/ 9/07 7:20pm

Teri,

 

Your statement on hoping that Kristen and Susan's situation would give us some hope did touch my heart some. I don't think you realize the hope that you give to so many of us. You really give us inspiration to want to pursue as many options that our out their for pain sufferers/migrainers.  My gosh, if it weren't for you alot of us probably wouldn't even know our rights as a patient in a hospital/ER setting let along our own General Doctor's office.

 

Yes, very much do we appreciate you passing along the information from your Dallas Migraine Office visit. 

 

Enjoy the Holiday Season Everyone!

Marlene  

12/10/07 12:24am

Thanks, {{{{{{Marlene}}}}}}.

 

I'm glad to be able to help. I remember all too well what it's like to have Migraines that make you feel hopeless. It's a privilege to now be able to help other Migraineurs.

 

Happy Holidays!

Teri 

12/ 9/07 9:00pm

I wish I had joined this family two years ago!  I had no idea I was only three hours away from him!! 

 

What a wonderful week you enjoyed and I am excited and hopeful once again because of you and because there are other doctors out there who "get it".

 

Teri, with all my heart, I say:

 

God Bless!

 

Laura M

12/10/07 12:26am

Laura,

 

It was such a wonderful week that I had to share it with my "family" here.

 

There ARE great doctors out there. Keep your chin up and keep working at it. I know you'll make it.

 

hugs,

Teri 

12/11/07 3:14pm

Thank you so much for sharing this, Teri. In reading your share post, it gradually occurred to me that there is absolutely no reason for me not to try the clinic and Dr. Krusz. I live about eight hours away, and I feel as though I've exhausted my options here.

 

Sometimes it can be hard to know whether your writing or work is touching people. I think this share post is the start of something really good for me. I have an appointment to visit Dallas in the new year. I can't wait!

12/11/07 4:07pm

Diana,

 

You're very welcome. It's really worth it to travel to get the help you need. I did it for a long time, also an 8-hour drive.

 

I can't wait for you to see Dr. K.! Then you can share your success story with us. It may take some time to find what works for you, but I know it can be done.

 

Teri 

Anonymous
Pamela
12/11/07 7:15pm
I am so fortunate that I get to be a new patient with Dr. Krusz.  It's only been two days but I am amazed at his knowledge, compassion and sincere interest in me.  Thank you Teri for the introduction by way of the Internet! Heart
12/11/07 11:50pm

Pamela,

 

You're very welcome! I'm so glad you're seeing our Dr. K. In addition to being a fantastic doctor, he's also a genuinely nice person. Big Smile

 

Teri 

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