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Convincing a parent about source of migraines?

dstromberg

Hi folks.

I have very debilitating migraines, and I've become convinced that they're triggered by foods containing a high amount of histamine, and/or histamine liberators. The histamine foods list at https://www.mastzellaktivierung.info/downloads/foodlist/21_FoodList_EN_alphabetic_withCateg.pdf is really a big help for me.

But my dad doesn't seem to believe me about this. I'm 55, and I probably understand my own body better than he does - but I also don't want to push back too hard about this, even though he has a long history of not taking me seriously enough.

What would you do to persuade a parent that "this is my body, let me make my own decisions for it", without causing a rift? I like it that he thinks critically, but this really isn't the place for it.

Is there some sort of doctor that could give me a formal diagnosis, one way or the other? I tried an allergist, but she just gave me that checkerboard-on-the-back test and didn't really pin down the source of my headaches.

Thanks.

April.Sluder Moderator
Hi , have you been to see a migraine specialist for a diagnosis? As far as persuading your dad, that's a tricky question. I eventually came to a point where I stopped trying to convince people about my own journey because there's really no way for them to totally understand. You just have to try to make the best decisions for yourself. You mentioned that you saw an allergist. What did they suggest? April - Migraine. com Team
dstromberg Member
Hi April. I didn't even know there Were migraine specialists. That sounds great. The allergist didn't offer any suggestions. Thanks.
1. Nancy Harris Bonk Moderator
  
  You're not alone - not many people understand there are doctors who are experts in treating migraine and headache. Most think a general neurologist is all they need. The thing is for most of us, especially those who are chronic, an expert can have a huge impact in our care. Let me share this information on how these doctors are different and how to find one; https://migraine.com/blog/really-find-headache-specialist/
  https://migraine.com/blog/seeing-a-board-certified-headache-specialist/
  https://migraine.com/living-migraine/change-thoughts-new-care/
  https://headaches.org/resources/healthcare-provider-finder/.
  Let me know what you think! Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Leader/Moderator Migraine.com Team