anne

By ateach

1 min read

I have had migraines since I was 13 and am now 61. I have tried everything for migraines, stayed away from pain meds for the last 10 years as they didn't do any good. Am on preventatives plus frova every day. Have an occipital neuromodulator, and want to have it out as I do not see what good it does.have had it for 5 years or so.

Have gone to boston to see a headache specialist, but is more like a consultant. Usually end up in er once a month. Am thinking of trying the diamond headache ctr in chicago. Long way from home,but last resort. Thought they would go away after menopause, did not. Appreciate others stories.

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Katie M. Golden Moderator
Anne, I have not personally been to Diamond, but agree that it is probably a good place for you to look into. I've been to the Jefferson Headache Center in Philly and have found it a great fit for me. While I haven't found the magic cure (and I'm sure it may not exist), the doctors there were compassionate and have worked with me to better manage the chronic Migraines. I wrote about my first inpatient experience with them here: <a href='http://migraine.com/migraine-treatment/natural-remedies/' target='_blank'>http://migraine.com/migraine-treatment/natural-remedies/</a> You may also want to check out our Forums area where there are threads about Jefferson and the Michigan Headache and Neurological Institute. Let us know how you are doing! -Katie
1. ateach Member
 Katie I could not find the forum on the jefferson hospital, it would <a href='http://certainly.be' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>certainly.be</a> much closer to home. When I read reviews online, it sounded like what I get done in my er. Would love to hear your experience.
2. Katie M. Golden Moderator
 Anne, Here's a link to the Forum about Jefferson. It also discusses the costs of the first visit, which is helpful. <a href='http://migraine.com/topic/in-patient-jefferson-headache-center-costs/' target='_blank'>http://migraine.com/topic/in-patient-jefferson-headache-center-costs/</a> The big difference over the ER at Jefferson, is that they have an inpatient program. They may give you some similar medications, but the lidocaine is the one you'd rarely see in an ER. And it's a continuous drip for at least 3 days. I've been back for another inpatient stay and they used some different meds since I did not get long lasting relief with the first visit. The second round has helped overall in managing my pain. I've heard that one treatment has cured others, while some need to go back repeatedly. Everyone is different so just be prepared for this to be a potentially long road. Also if you make an appt to get a consult, say that you're ok with seeing a Fellow. They work closely with the Attendings and you'll get in a lot quicker. Let me know if you have any other questions! -Katie

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