Complicated Migraines

By buckbo

1 min read

One year ago, I had an episode. No aura, no symptoms other than my pupils were unevenly dilated. My daughter said, 'what's wrong with your eyes? '. I thought I might be having a stroke but after seeing several neurologists & having tons of tests, they said you have complicated migraines. Meaning, we don't know why!

Since then, I am getting worse with ocular & speech difficulty. I can't read like I used to love & I can't annunciate words. I was fired for not being able to see, although they phrased it "she is mentally, physically & emotionally incompetent that made me feel great! I've gotten new glasses, seen a dentist, massage, acupuncture, chiro, nothing stops them! I tried working out of my home for a realtor who, after 2 months, said I am slow, another nice ego boost! I take imitrex daily, but they only give me 9 -.25 mg per script. I have tried all the natural remedies, to ni avail. I am unemployed, no insurance, live alone & this has ruined my life. I changed my diet, etc. I believe these are ruining my lifestyle, I'm scared.

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Katie M. Golden Moderator
Buckbo, I want to offer you support and help. First the symptoms that you have must be extremely scary and frustrating. I've experienced this to a certain extent as well. It's hard going from a fully functional person one day to a completely different person the next with no reason, explanation or clear path of what to do next. With Migraines it's important to stay away from stress, but how can you when your entire financial footing has now changed? Have you applied for unemployment benefits? I'm not an expert, but would imagine that you would qualify for benefits which would help in the short term with income. Have you thought about applying for Social Security Disability benefits? Chronic Migraineurs can get approved, however it is a long process. I am in the middle of it myself. I started 3 months ago and I don't expect to get a decision for a few more months. You also have a better chance if you work with a firm to help you through the process since it is extremely complicated. Most won't charge you unless you are awarded benefits. Here's a link that might be helpful: <a href='https://migraine.com/blog/social-security-disability-insurance-benefits-the-basics' target='_blank'>http://migraine.com/blog/social-security-disability-insurance-benefits-the-basics/</a> Lastly, with your condition insurance isn't a luxury, it's a necessity. With the new Healthcare Reform Act you are able to get coverage since you lost your job. Look into it! Unfortunately all of this is very paperwork heavy and with your Migraines I understand how difficult it can be to have the energy to deal with this. Enlist the help of friends or family. It is so important for you to get this stuff straightened out so you can focus on your health! Let us know if there's anything else we can do for you! -Katie
1. pthemaras Member
 Well, here I thought Iwas suffering alone. I too have lost all savings to doctors. I have been unemployed for years due to my incapacitating migrains. So i am not able to collect unemployment. I was turned doen twice for disability. Florida dors not offer me medicaide. I am applying for disability a third time but cannot find a doc or friend willing to fill out any documrnt. I too am ver,very scared and alone. I was only able to see one neurologist who gave me no meds at all but one seizure med. She said migrains were her favorite. Guess its fun for her cause she and her multimillion dollar bank book can ply with our suffering. It is comforting though to know im not alkne or have just gone crazy. Best of luck friends.-Patricia
Katie M. Golden Moderator
Patricia, I'm so sorry! Don't give up on SSDI. Yes, you need to have a doctor that will work with you and that can be a long process. It may be beneficial for you to find a Headache Specialist. There are a number of them in Florida. You may have to travel, but it might be worth it if they can help with SSDI. Here's a list of specialists: <a href='https://www.ucns.org/globals/axon/assets/10300.pdf' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>http://www.ucns.org/globals/axon/assets/10300.pdf</a> Also, I'm working with a third-party to file for SSDI. They don't get paid unless I win my claim. They help with the awful amount of paperwork and will work through the appeal process. I'm using the Advocator Group, but try researching these types of firms. Good luck to you! -Katie