I have been having chronic headaches for fifteen years. I have been on several different meds and nothing is working. how can I keep going back to doc after doc and ask for more meds and not sound like a drug addict because that is how they are starting to treat me?
Hi jen 883,
The most important thing is to get an accurate diagnosis, which can be difficult when we don't have a good working relationship with our doctor. A Migraine/Headache specialist treats patients with Migraine and headache disorders, only. He is the expert and the doctor you'd want to get the best care from. This article Migraine and Headache Specialists - What's so Special? has great information. You can look at Our Patient Recommended Migraine and Headache Specialists list next and see if a doctor is near you, although most of our members travel over eight hours to see their specialists!!
I know it is hard not to do, but try not to get discouraged, there are over 100 medications used for Migraine prevention. Migraine Preventive Medications - Too Many Options To Give Up! It can take a lot of trial and error before we find the right combination of Migraine preventive medications.
It is more important than ever now to reduce the number of Migraine attacks we have because there is evidence that Migrainuers with frequent attacks and/or a long history of Migraines are at an increased risk of silent brain damage. Please read: Yes, Migraines Can Cause Brain Damage.
Good luck
Nancy
I am so sorry to hear that you are being treated like that. I know how it feels because I have been treated the same. It has taken me over 19 years to figure out that the they (the health care professionals) do not have the final word in how to treat you for your headaches. I have learned to push them for better treatment, wheather it is a specailist or a different treatment for your headaches other than the drugs they do not want to give you. There are many preventative medications to try to stop the headaches and alternative treatments like acpuncture or botox injections. I am getting ready to try the botox injections since I have tried everything elce. I hope you don't have to travel as far as I have gone to get releif for your headaches. Good luck to you.
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