Being Able to Afford Migraine Medication and Doctor's Visits

Okay! Thank you! I have used acupuncture for migraine one time and I felt it helped. Then something changed with my chiropractor who did such great treatments and also the acupuncture. They were dropped from my network. My chiropractor thought that if she did some extra paperwork she could get back in network, but it didn’t work for them.

Does it ever feel to you while on this migraine journey that just as something begins to work, another thing shifts in the equation and you are back to searching for answers again? I feel that way so often. It seems like I go in 3 month bursts where if I try something new it will work for abt a 3 month slot before it shows up it’s evil side. Then we are done and it is time to call in the next bit of help… (of course, I can never change out that fast because it doesn’t work that way with tapering off meds, etc…) onward and forward! My neurologist and headache specialist says that I am not out of medication options yet!

One medication that I found beneficial has been indomethacin, taken 30 to 60 minutes before exercise, for exercise induced migraines. I got this prescription when I needed physical therapy after breaking my leg & ankle in 3 places. I was having a hard time with therapy because of migraines and this got me through. I felt like a part of therapy that I could have benefited from more was the water therapy. I walked into this large glassed in box that had a treadmill in the bottom of it. After the side door shut and sealed, water began coming up through the floor until it was about shoulder height. The physical therapist was outside the “glass box” and instructed me on different exercises and then I walked or ran on the treadmill. When you are in the water you don’t feel the impact on your joints and muscles and you are working harder than you think. This was good for my migraines, because it was a way to get moving that wasn’t painful. Unfortunately, I don’t have access to that water therapy so I can’t use it anymore. Would have been nice to test it out over a year. If anyone of you have the chance, though, I would encourage you to try it and if it takes indomethacin, then try that with it, per doctor’s orders, of course.

Wishing everyone a low pain day!

I feel you on the frustrations of finding providers like an acupuncturist and chiropractor who are in network. I was very blessed during my time of seeking acupuncture. I moved about a year ago, and there are almost no providers who are in network in my new area. I searched high and low. Even the directory from the insurance company was often either out of date or simply not accurate. So frustrating. I did unfortunately end up abandoning those efforts as I wasn't making any headway.


I can also understand the complex emotions that come with finding something that works and having it fade over time. I was stuck in that cycle for many years. However, the fact that your neuro says there are still options for you is a good sign.

My migraines appear to respond very well to lifestyle changes, which I recognize is not the case for everyone. Since the beginning they were mostly triggered by sleep disruptions, excessive caffeine, the foods I ate, and scented products. I was eventually able to reduce my migraines about 95%. I went from 1 to 2 migraines per week to about once a month, maybe even once every two months. I hope with all my heart that this will happen for you too one day.

Sincerely, - Cody (Team Member)

P.S. It's also great to hear that your provider was able to find a med to help you complete physical therapy. Hydrotherapy is such a cool concept. Your town might have a community pool, or you could look for a local gym/YMCA that have open swim hours!