If my neuro keeps swearing she can help but doesn't want to try anything but her drug of choice..when is it time to give up & look for a new neuro? This sounds easier than it is. She is my 3rd neurologist & seemingly interested enough but when the meds she prescribes do nothing she has her receptionist tell me to go to the E.R. Her office only excepts questions for the Doctor via email & then I cannot get a response until I throw a fit back-via email! Even then when I receive a response she puts me on something I have already tried in the past. She wanted me to go cold turkey and quit ALL meds for 2 wks, which I did but thought my head would burst, only to turn around 2 months later & put me on the very thing she wanted me off of, Fioricet. I wonder if she even reads my chart. Should I just consider her a loss & move to neuro #4?
- Find
- Manage
- Resources
Q: When is it time to call it quits with your doctor & move on?
Melody,
Truth? I'd have fired her sorry butt already.
Maybe the problem is that you're seeing neurologists, not Migraine speciaists. It's important to note that neurologists aren't necessarily Migraine and headache specialists. Take a look at the article Migraine and Headache Specialists - What's So Special? If you need help finding a Migraine specialist, check our listing of Patient Recommended Migraine and Headache Specialists.
Please be very, very careful with Fioricet. It can actually make things worse in a couple of ways. Here's some info:
Taking Migraine abortive meds such as the triptans or ergotamines or any kind of pain medication -- prescription or over-the-counter -- more than two or three days a week can make matters worse by causing medication overuse headache (MOH), aka rebound. See Medication Overuse Headache - When the Remedy Backfires for more information on this.
ALSO
ANY use of opioids or barbiturates (including Fioricet) and frequent use of triptans and NSIADs are associated with increased risk of transformed Migraine. See Transformed Migraine - Risk Increased by Some Medications for more information on this.
Let me ask you a question. Let's say you're shopping for clothes. You go to the closest department store to shop. The sales associates don't listen when you tell them what fabrics are comfortable for you, what styles you're looking for, or what colors you look best in.
The next time you shop for clothes, are you going to go back to that store? I doubt it. You work hard for your money, and you expect sales people to meet your needs.
In a way, healthcare services aren't entirely different. Those of us who have insurance work hard, pay high premiums, or both for that insurance. Some of us have none and pay out-of-pocket for care. In either case, we've worked hard for that care, and we deserve "good customer service." Take a look at our article Patients as Consumers - Managing Healthcare and the Healthcare System for more information. Just something to think about. OK?
I hope this helps a bit. Will you please keep in touch, and let me know what happens?
Good luck,
Teri
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Remedy Health Media. Remedy Health Media does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Teri,
I want to start by saying thank you for your response. This web site gives hope & support to an otherwise seemingly hopless & unsupported ailment. As it turns out, I did not get to see her yeterday because her office called me & told me the doctor finally looked at my chart & doesn't think she can do anything. I understand that but I cannot understand cancelling my last appointment(which they did) & then doing me the same way again. Seems like they would not make you wait weeks and weeks for an appointment only to drop you.
I did ead your posts over the weekend about the migrain specialist & that makes me feel better. I live in Mississippi & there are not many close but I can go to the next state over. Thanks again for all of your help and this awesome website.