Coping
I haven’t contributed in a while. I have had so much going on to cope with. Besides the chronic migraines, which only respond to Maxalt, which I end up taking too often. So my doc took me off it, had a5 day migraine which I thought was a flare of my latest diagnosis, GCA, headaches being one symptom. As it turns out it was a migraine. The new med my doctor put me on needed to be approved by the insurance company. The lag time is what caused the problem. Well, today I tried it, it doesn’t work. No surprise to me. Meanwhile I have been dealing with the GCA, starting on high dose prednisone to save my sight, and a slow taper. I am still on it as well as a weekly biologic that I inject. It also decreases my immunity. I am tired all the time, and basically housebound as my doctors don’t want me to drive. It’s been over 3 years. I have a 93 yo mom who I would normally visit at least weekly. She is forgetful and confused. So we talk on the phone.
I will leave it there for today, be well everyone 🧡Linda
Hi
, sending love, light and hopes that your pre-auth comes through sooner than later. It is sad that we are at the mercy of the insurance companies. Hope you and your mom are both doing well. - Warmly, Donna (Team Member) Hi Donna, It came through, unfortunately the med didn’t work. So I am going back on my previous med which was as good as it got. I see my neurologist and a bit later my pcp. The subject of my not driving has to be brought up. It’s been years, I am so isolated and depressed. I am losing the motivation to even go outside.
thank you for the update on how things have been for you, although I wish it had all been better news! How frustrating that the medication didn't work for your migraine attacks. And on top of that you are managing GCA symptoms and possible complications. I can hear how difficult this has all been, and the frustration of being tired and mostly housebound - and now potentially not driving. When you see your doctor again, in addition to the other things you mentioned, would you consider bringing up how you've been feeling so isolated and depressed lately? You are managing a lot physically which can impact emotional health as well, so it might be worth bringing this up with your doctor, if you haven't already. Please know this community is here for you. Sending you gentle hugs. -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)
Thank you Christine, I really thought by my age, 69, my life would have more to look forward to. I can cope pretty well, and my special needs son is in a good program. The one that left, it’s his loss. Problem is, migraines and all I still want to get out and travel and do things. Unfortunately, my husband, who is a wonderful,giving person, is a workaholic. Not to worry, I am resourceful. There are groups out there and I am not dead yet! Thanks for letting me vent, it’s been a crumby day, Linda
you're always welcome to vent here, although I am sorry it's been a crumby day. I'm glad for you that your son is in a good program, and you have such a wonderful husband (even if he is a bit of a workaholic). Do you have any hobbies that you enjoy when you're not fighting symptoms of migraine? -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)
Yes, plenty. I sew, make jewelry, embroider. I have made ‘dolls’ out of antique ladies hankies, whatever I think would be fun. I also am a reading addict.
oh those all sound like such lovely hobbies! As a fellow reading addict, is there anything in particular you gravitate toward? I mostly read realistic fiction lately, sometimes mysteries sometimes light summer-novels. Thanks so much for sharing and being a part of the community. -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)
