If it were not for this community, I may have been totally lost in a year-long migraine & TIAs that was causing some brain damage and memory loss.  With the assistance of Teri's, Megans and Nancy's wonderful posts and links, I have been able to see a lot of changes. 

I have always tended toward being proactive in my healthcare, attempting to learn as much about any condition as possible.  I went back to the neurologist who diagnosed me nearly 30 years ago.  Progress has been slow, but he did some genetic test as well as ruling out a PFO.  The genetics popped up tri-fold.  So I am very limited in the medication offerings.  Absolutely no abortives (Triptans). 

If it hadn't been me pushing either my neuro or primary, "why don't we try this?"  handing them something I had printed off.  I had previously asked about infusions and given my neuro the info, he regularly had been using Decadron, and tried it.  It still took about 3 days for the migraine to abort, but when it cleared, it really cleared.  The second infusion didn't go so well and almost ended up in the ER... they actually were so busy that I had been forgotten before totally triaged, I went AMA.  I then asked about IV magnesium.  My primary had used it in combo with a B complex.  My neuro was skeptical, but was willing for more info.  I provided it.  On my last visit he is now using it with others, and it will be my primary infusion method. 

I have also finally sought the opinion of a Migraine specialist listed on this site for a 2nd opinion.  We are very fortunate to have one in our area.  It did take me 2 months to get an appointment.  I took my genetic tests & MRIs with me.  She mentioned a potential new med, and started explaining how it worked on the glutamates, and I made mention, "oh, like Namenda works on the NMDA receptors."  Her response, "I'm going to like treating you." I mentioned another patient as well as Teri, and she mentioned how AWESOME Teri is.  How much good she has done for the migraneur community.   

It may be a slippery slope... I have other neurological issues that need tending to so I do not wish to fire my neurologist, however, he may fire me once he finds out I've consulted with a migraine specialist.  I feel good that for the most part, my treatment is not so bad, there are only 2 changes that were recommended in my meds.  I have also added a migraine specialist to the scope of things.

Next month I venture on a study that I was accepted on from a link that Nancy "religiously" links us to clinicaltrials.gov.

My migraines are not cured, but are more tolerable. There are still those really bad days where I have asked dr's for a guillotine to cut my head off.  But those are pretty rare now.

Oh, and Megan has helped oodles too, especially with FML issues.  I rarely use it, but when I do, I need to.