My Migraine and Headache Blog

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

11/07/2011

What Makes Me Sad In Migraine Advocacy #NHBPM Day7

What gets me down? Well, a few things get me down that I would love to “purge” here. However, most of them I am able to resolve on my own. Things that get me down seem to “big picture” things. I cannot find a plausible answer for them.

Let us chat about what has happened at a doctor’s appointment to some Migraineurs I know. Migraineur A has been seeing Dr. XYZ for a year and is not making any real progress. This patient has the feeling that Dr. XYZ is not really listening to her or taking her Migraine disease very seriously. After her initial visit, Migraineur A has kept a Migraine diary as requested, been compliant with her medications and has started a walking program as the doctor suggested. She feels she is doing her part in her healthcare but feels her appointments are extremely rushed. Worse, she feels her doctor does not seem to have any interest or time for her questions.

After discussing her concerns with her husband, he really is not buying her complaint. He replies, “It must be all in your head.” Migraineur A did not want to hear this. She has heard this many times before and didn't expect it from her husband too. After a few more lengthy conversations, her husband began to realize his wife was quite serious and offered to go to the next appointment with her.

A few weeks later, it is time to see Dr. XYZ for a follow up appointment. Migraineur A has her medication list, Migraine diary and list of questions ready to go. Once inside the examining room, they wait patiently for Dr. XYZ. They do not have to wait long because he is always prompt. Migraine A introduces her husband and the doctor proceeds with his exam. “Ok, Migraineur A, it’s looking good. Let’s stay on the same course and I’ll see you in four months,” as he stands and starts walking to the door. “Excuse me,” husband says, “is that it?” “Aren’t you going to ask my wife how she is feeling? Aren’t you going to go over the diary she carefully completes every day? Aren’t you going to see if she has any questions?”

“Well, Mr. Husband,” Dr. XYZ says, “I didn’t realize her ‘headaches’ were THAT serious. They really must be something if you came in with her today. Now, let’s see what we can do to make her feel better.”

Really? It takes a man or any significant other to validate the fact that Migraine disease is affecting our quality of life? Now, that makes me mad.

This post was written as part of NHBPM - 30 health posts 30 days: http://bit.ly/vU0g9J

Thanks for reading and feel well,