Hi there from Migrainville AZ,
I thought I would weigh in on the ER experience. The very first time in 2006 I was very ill and after eight hours of excrutiating waiting, left the ER. However as Teri knows and teaches us all - we are our own best patient advocates. I went after the hospital - speaking to several people in patient relations and writing - so there was a written record. I was told that I would never be treated like that again. The next time I was at the hospital in 2007 I was in really bad shape. We all know the experience of being given a "bucket" and told to wait. However, this time I alerted my GP who was astounded after the first bad experience because he practices at the hospital. Between him alerting the hospital and whatever was now on computer record, and my own Medic Alert information, I was treated and released within a couple of hours - still there was the wait and my own rather awful "sound affects" in that bucket. I talked with my GP again after that and he spoke with the head physician of the ER and the next time I came in with status mig. I was actually rushed back, in a bed within a half hour and was direct admitted to the hospital. In July of this year (2008) I knew things were deteriorating and in this particular instance my doctors and I had a plan and they told me to in fact to go to the ER where they would direct admit me again on their orders - which was the case. It was a good thing because I was in agony and only waited a half hour.
I think what we learn from this is really good communication between your doctor and the ER is essential. Having a plan is the best way to combat that feeling of hopelessness and not being treated in the ER.
Talk to your preferred doctor or specialist about the fact that you need a clear ER plan, especially if the closest hospital is not familiar with either you or doctor.
The time to do this - is when you are as well as possible not when you need the ER because it will be too late.
I wish everyone good health - and some of you - Happy New Year.
Best-
Ian
I agree it is a good idea to have a clear plan when you can't manage the migraine at home. My visit to the ER was a desparate plea in some sense...eventhough they treated me well it was not the right plan. Finally I think my physicians understood how bad things really were and at least we have a plan now for when things aren't going well. I think everyone with migraines should have an ER plan or even something written on a prescription pad from their specialist that they can carry with them.