I should have believed my physical therapist I guess when he said I'd been "given the boot." I saw my new neurologist on Jan. 10. She did refer me to a migraine specialist and a rheumatologist, which was fine. I had asked about whether I should see them. Of the migraine specialist, it will be a while until I can afford to go to the initial appointment since I'm already facing medical bills between my husband and me combined. She had said of the migraine specialist that I could go for a consultation only and then whether the doctor suggested she or my pain management doctor could implement care. When I told her I was going to try Botox with the pain management specialist, she said she would step back and give him the reins. I told her he usually defers back to my neurologist or at least that's what he said when I asked about continuing my care through him in place of a separate neurologist. She said I should then go to this pain center in an area nearby if he doesn't want to be responsible for my care beyond the Botox. She did shake my hand and say that it has been nice working with me. That's the part of the story where my PT told me she was saying she couldn't do any more for me.
Here's the thing. She prescribed Topamax and when I asked for a refill of another medication, the nurse called back and said she's call in the refill but that the doctor said she was returning me to my family doctor who can refill all others. Huh. I guess I should have said, "Why did she put me on a new drug if she's not going to monitor my care?" It's unsettling. I had thought you couldn't just set a person free like that. I did make an appointment with my doctor already for ear pain I'm experiencing, so I will also be able to tell him this latest development and finally ask him when I cannot see another doctor from one of the previous practices I went to for care. I will ask the pain doctor I see if he regularly sees patients and prescribes preventative medications, etc., in the meantime.
Sounds like to "boot" to me. But I'm confused about your medication. Is Topamax a new one for you and did this doctor who is "dumping" you start you on it recently?
I was on Topamax years ago, like maybe 2007, so this doctor prescribed it again for me to try with Pamelor, thinking I should re-visit it. I haven't started it; I have no one monitoring my progress right now really, so I don't feel comfortable. I see my family doctor tomorrow. I don't think he'll be too thrilled that all the meds I'm on will need to be refilled by him in the meantime. (I already had one error in a med - Zanaflex - I usually get from the neurologist in generic formula coming to me in the brand name because my primary medical doctor, who probably doesn't prescribe it often, put "capsule" not "tablet." Instead of calling the doctor, they filled it with the brand name. Costly error for me.)
Guess I didn't specify I realized. She prescribed it during that final vist that I didn't realize was so final.
How did your appointment go with your doctor?
It went a lot smoother than I thought. My family doctor was in agreement with the Caremark pharmacist I had talked to about my medication. He said he just isn't as familiar with the medications used by neurologists, so didn't feel comfortable working with them. He did refill one I needed now, and I learned that I misunderstood him about going to another doctor in the same practice. He had meant that if I wanted a second opinion I should go to another practice. THAT makes sense. He's referring me to Dr. Schoonover, a doctor I saw listed as a migraine specialist on mychronicmigraine.com. Their office called the same day (yesterday), but I wasn't home, of course. I feel much better now and not like a boat set adrift in a storm with no oars. :) Thanks for keeping track of me!
I spoke too soon I guess. The doctor I thought I would see isn't taking any new patients, so the office was going to put me in with someone else I don't recognize. I'm thinking I should return to my most "aggressive" doctor that I saw when I was still working. The treatments she came up with were such that it required more days off work and I was then already taking off anyway b/c of migraine attacks. Now that I am medically retired, I am probably in a better place to go back and see what it is she recommends. She trained at the Cleveland Clinic, and I remember her to be "cutting edge" when it came to helping people. I left a message with my family doctor since he may need to send another referral. (I seem to get myself in some trying positions when seeking care...) Fingers crossed!