Let the Updates Commence

I saw my neurologist again yesterday.  I had the beginnings of a migraine while I was in his office and he got to experience some of my mental mix up.  We talked about how I feel during some of my migraines, which he said were normal for migraine sufferers.  While I know in my head that I'm not alone, it was good for my heart to actually hear this.

We also talked about my medication.  Since the Gabapentin is working for my restless leg issues, we are leaving that alone.  As for the Topamax, he started me out on the lowest dose, so it has now been doubled.  One of the things he asked before upping the dose was if I had noticed any tingling or numbness in my fingers, which I hadn't.  I think I jinxed myself because this morning the tip of my right ring finger was pretty tingly.

We also talked about where to go from here.  I asked about feverfew and magnesium, since I had read a few things about them.  He said, between his experience and the research he had done, feverfew wasn't helpful at all.  As for magnesium, while it is good if I have a migraine bad enough to send me to the ER and they give it to me with iv fluids, it does nothing in small doses to prevent migraines.  We talked about the new Cephaly device.  He is still researching that, but is willing to try it if my insurance will cover it.  In the research he has read so far, it is only marginally helpful (1-2 less migraines a month), but that is better than nothing.  

I go back in 3 weeks.  By then, I will also have the results of my sleep study and we should have a better idea of where we can go from there.  So, fingers and toes crossed!

New Medicine

I saw my neurologist yesterday. He was very happy with me. He actually told me thank you twice for following his instructions. I get the feeling that a lot of patients don't.

I asked him about my panic issues during my aura. He said it's kinda like “the chicken and the egg”. Considering how long I've been dealing with migraines, it's a wonder I haven't had panic attacks sooner.

I asked him about my restless leg issues. He said while they are probably not related, it makes sense that I might have it. It's fairly common (about 10% of the population has it) and it's hereditary (my mom has it).

He also said that since I have done my part, it was now time for him to do his part. We have decided to try Gabapentin, both for the migraines and for the leg issues.

I took one last night before bed. When I woke up this morning, I could still feel it, that medicine head feeling. So far, I haven't had much in the way of head pain, just light pain with none of the sharp pain I have become almost used to. This has made me optimistic.

I am supposed to call in 2 weeks to let him know how I am feeling and we will go from there.

*toes crossed*