Today was my routine monthly visit to Dr. Awesome. Because I still have so many health issues that need work, and because I'm on pain meds, she has me come in once a month to check my progress and to get refills on my pain meds. Personally, I think this works well, so that if anything isn't quite working for me, it's only a matter of weeks before our next visit. And I think it has really strengthened our doctor/patient relationship. Having that kind of trust is truly invaluable.
We reviewed the preliminary findings of my endoscopy; she was pleased to hear how well the probiotics are working for me. My pain levels have been up a bit, I think due to the change in our hot/humid/rainy weather. She was glad to hear I haven't had any major esophagitis flareups (though I started feeling bad today--I think it's leftover from my endoscopy yesterday...but the meds helped so whew).
However, The Migraines have still been untreatable. Headaches, mostly better--I still have them nearly every day but usually tolerable and treatable with my vicodin. But for 2-6 days a month, Migraines keep me in severe pain with no solace except a dark room and ice packs. Even the pepper spray (she still giggles over that) wears off after a short time.
So we reviewed my treatment history. Triptans, like Imitrex, no longer work and leave me feeling sicker. Anything with an NSAID is out because of my stomach. Ditto for migraine meds with caffeine because not only does it affect my stomach, it sets off my anxiety and insomnia. And since my days and nights are mixed up again, I really don't need to add more insomnia to the mix. Which leaves me with.....narcotics.
Contrary to popular belief, I do not get high off my meds. The only feeling I get sometimes is a little lightheaded feeling. There may be a little euphoria when I've had extended severe pain that finally lets up, but that's more from relief than meds. So I really don't like to have to take narcotics, but I'd rather take them then be sentenced to bed for 6 days a month (and yes, contrary to the stupid migraine commercials, my migraines are that bad).
So she prescribed Stadol in nasal spray form. I am hopeful, and optimistic that this may help, especially since nasal sprays start working quicker than oral tablets. The prescription raised a few eyebrows in the pharmacy--where everyone knows me and my husband on a first-name basis. Again, a good partnership because they really look out for me, knowing I'm on a myriad of meds. But it's not because it's a narcotic (I've heard horror stories of how chronic pain patients have been treated at pharmacies). They just know it's strong stuff and know I'm really suffering--they even told my husband how many patients really can't tolerate triptans.
Speaking of doctors and medications, I strongly urge you to voice your support for health care reform here:
http://my.barackobama.com/HealthCareOrganizing I not only shared my story, but I am sending a letter to President Obama. My brand new medication for my stomach, Aciphex, is going to cost $82 a month, and that is WITH really good insurance. Between my meds, and the meds for my son, we probably spend nearly $300/month just on prescriptions (add $80 for my probiotics, of course NOT covered, even though they work better than the prescriptions I originally had). Ouch, right?
We reviewed the preliminary findings of my endoscopy; she was pleased to hear how well the probiotics are working for me. My pain levels have been up a bit, I think due to the change in our hot/humid/rainy weather. She was glad to hear I haven't had any major esophagitis flareups (though I started feeling bad today--I think it's leftover from my endoscopy yesterday...but the meds helped so whew).
However, The Migraines have still been untreatable. Headaches, mostly better--I still have them nearly every day but usually tolerable and treatable with my vicodin. But for 2-6 days a month, Migraines keep me in severe pain with no solace except a dark room and ice packs. Even the pepper spray (she still giggles over that) wears off after a short time.
So we reviewed my treatment history. Triptans, like Imitrex, no longer work and leave me feeling sicker. Anything with an NSAID is out because of my stomach. Ditto for migraine meds with caffeine because not only does it affect my stomach, it sets off my anxiety and insomnia. And since my days and nights are mixed up again, I really don't need to add more insomnia to the mix. Which leaves me with.....narcotics.
Contrary to popular belief, I do not get high off my meds. The only feeling I get sometimes is a little lightheaded feeling. There may be a little euphoria when I've had extended severe pain that finally lets up, but that's more from relief than meds. So I really don't like to have to take narcotics, but I'd rather take them then be sentenced to bed for 6 days a month (and yes, contrary to the stupid migraine commercials, my migraines are that bad).
So she prescribed Stadol in nasal spray form. I am hopeful, and optimistic that this may help, especially since nasal sprays start working quicker than oral tablets. The prescription raised a few eyebrows in the pharmacy--where everyone knows me and my husband on a first-name basis. Again, a good partnership because they really look out for me, knowing I'm on a myriad of meds. But it's not because it's a narcotic (I've heard horror stories of how chronic pain patients have been treated at pharmacies). They just know it's strong stuff and know I'm really suffering--they even told my husband how many patients really can't tolerate triptans.
Speaking of doctors and medications, I strongly urge you to voice your support for health care reform here:
http://my.barackobama.com/HealthCareOrganizing
I not only shared my story, but I am sending a letter to President Obama. My brand new medication for my stomach, Aciphex, is going to cost $82 a month, and that is WITH really good insurance. Between my meds, and the meds for my son, we probably spend nearly $300/month just on prescriptions (add $80 for my probiotics, of course NOT covered, even though they work better than the prescriptions I originally had). Ouch, right?