Migraine Melodrama

On January 24, I took the train into Chicago, then the subway, then walked a block or so to the Diamond Headache Clinic--the mecca for headaches--as my general doctor call it. I met with Dr. Merle Diamond and relayed my tale of suffering. At this point, I was getting migraines every single day without fail and wolfing down Maxalt pills like candy. I haven't been able to work, I cannot even drive myself anywhere most days. This is not workable for a busy stay-at-home mom and budding writer. So, this clinic was my last chance for some relief. Dr. Diamond talked to me for a bit, then, told me I would have to stay for awhile at their headache unit at St. Joseph Hospital. I was expecting that, so I had a backpack packed with clothes and such. I took a cab to the hospital. Dr. Diamond prescribed sntidepressants, antianxiety, and antiseizure meds for me as well as abortive pain meds for when a migraine would strike. She said I had to detox from the Maxalt for a few days, then I would receive 9 rounds of intravaneous DHE treatments. For the first few days, I attended classes on stress management, diet, exercise, and participated in group therapy sessions. I enjoyed the therapy sessions very much and was comforted in hearing the stories of other women with the same affliction. I received the DHE (strong drug) treatments the next few days and attended physical therapy and a pharmacy class. I was feeling pretty good while in this protected environment. I began a low tyramine and gluten-free diet, though I am not convinced that either have helped with the migraines. I left the hospital after a week, with 13 prescriptions in hand, including DHE shots (I was taught how to inject myself before I left). The doctor confirmed my diagnosis of generalized anxiety and also deemed me depressed. So, several of the meds are to treat those afflictions and the rest are either migraine preventatives or migraine abortives. Since my stay, the headaches have lessened in intensity (the shots really work as does the Migranal, which is a nasal spray); however, they are still very frequent. I'm getting them about every other day. On a positive note, my family says that my mood is much better and I seem happier. I don't know if I agree, time will tell. In the mean time, I have been denied disability, but have appealed the decision and have enlisted Dr. Diamond's help. I am awaiting the decision on the appeal. I head back to Chicago on March 3.