What's Your Secret: How to Handle Your Doctor's Retirement

By Holly Harding

1 min read

It can take years to find the right migraine specialist. Establishing a good fit, a healthy dynamic and solid relationship is a journey. Working through various treatments can be exhausting and means being literally patient as the process of trial and error plays itself out. A long window of time can pass before trust is established. So, what happens when your doctor retires or moves away? Just the thought of having to start over with a new doctor can be terrifying for many of us.

In this What’s Your Secret Video, we explore this crossroads and ask the community for input and guidance as to how they have handled this reality in their lives.

Have you had to say goodbye to a good doctor who retired?

Have you been through this process? Is there anything that can be done to prepare in advance? In the comment section below, please share your experiences on the topic of how to handle your doctor's retirement so that we can learn from one another.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Migraine.com team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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glassmind Member
Under my healthcare plan, I am assigned doctors. I can request to change if there is a problem, but it can take 8 months or longer to see a new doctor (also randomly assigned.) Doctors regularly quit with no motice. I have lost three providers in two years as they each just failed to return to work one day. None gave notice. I was senn by interns and nurses until new providers were availible. My health coverage (through a national program) is unproductive.
ldydrgn Member
I had this same challenge with my pain management. The first doctor I found after living with chronic pain for a while had diagnosed me with Fibromyalgia. He was wonderful. Then a handful of years later he retired. He handed me a file of my records and contacts for other doctors he felt would take me. Unfortunately, they didn't, so it was difficult to find a new one I can work with and actually talk to and get feedback. With my migraines it was different. I moved away and had to start over. After dealing with chronic migraine for nearly 50 years and I am now on aimovig and can have something of a more normal existence.
sandybev Member
I had the same doctor for over 30 years. He knew me and my barometric pressure/stress related migrianes well and worked with me through every preventative, medication, therapy, etc. that became available. (I waited a year for an appointment with a 'migraine specialist' who basically told me she couldn't change the weather!!) Triptans were my go-to medication and have worked effectively as an abortive for me since they came on the market many years ago. Several years ago my doctor retired and was replaced in the clinic by a young man in his first year as a physician. He absolutely refused to prescribe triptans for me as they are contraindicated because of my age (I'm now 79 and have suffered migraines since I was in my teens - the last 15 years they have been chronic.) Otherwise, I am in good health. My insurance would not cover Botox, so it's unlikely they would consider the new CGRP inhibitors. So, back to spending 2 - 3 days in a dark room every time it rains - which is quite often where I live. I do not live in the US and it is not easy to find a new doctor who is accepting patients in my country.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Oh my gracious, <inline-mention user-id="3877504" username="sandybev"/> - What you describe here is my nightmare and biggest fear. That a treatment approach which has been arrived at through a journey of trial and error with one doctor is dismissed with the arrival of a new doctor. The slate gets wiped clean and we have to start anew as if we haven't been living with this disease for decades. Honestly, these doctors are (hopefully) well trained, but WE are also experts and it's an awful thing to be devalued in the process. I didn't know about triptans having an age cut-off. That's new on me. Perhaps might be worth a second opinion on that. The only information I can find on limitations of that drug related to age is if there is a history of heart or stroke issues. As to Botox, the company that owns that drug has a savings program for those who don't have insurance for it. I, myself, have enrolled in the program and have been able to have nearly all of the costs reimbursed. Might be worth looking into: <a href='https://www.botoxsavingsprogram.com/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://www.botoxsavingsprogram.com/</a> Lastly, with CGRPs, there's actually not connection (as far as I've read) between insurance limitations on Botox and the CGRP's. In fact, many insurance companies reject claims for CGRP's BECAUSE patients are also using Botox, not because they are not taking it/or have been denied. I hope that makes sense- but again, would probably be worth a phone call. So glad you chimed in and are a part of our community. Please stay in touch!
2. wimidwife Member
 I would ask the doctor to show you where it says that triptans are contraindicated because of your age. Ask if he will prescribe one of the CGRP drugs. I got a script and my insurance declined it. Then I read the big packet of info that came with a discount card for Ajovy. It literally said "WHEN your insurance declines coverage, present this card". So I did and it is FREE for 12 months. I would also be a squeaky wheel and call the doctor's office for every migraine you have and say "Would you please give Dr. Whatever a message" Tell him I've had a terrible migraine for xxx and I don't know what to do since he won't prescribe the Triptans I have been using for the past xxx years. Would you please ask him to call me back?" It might just annoy him, but it might get the message across!
pdemers Member
Holly, It can take years for you to find the right specialist... if that is what you choose. There are specialists everywhere. I've disclosed my suicide ideation that *I had earlier in the year* (not anymore) (before diet changes) to my previous GP but he still could not get me a referral for CGRP. Besides I hate clinics. I believe the solution is better understanding of nutrition. It works for me and I'm not dependant on a doctor. I have cut out dairy, meat, sugar and gluten and I feel like an olympian. I make my own anti inflammatory elixirs with better ingredients than the ones sold at Whole Foods.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Hi <inline-mention user-id="3857297" username="pdemers"/> - Thanks so much for chiming in. So glad to hear you've found relief in the way of nutrition, especially given your dislike of clinics (though I'm not sure many of us enjoy time in a doctor's office!). I have been living without dairy, alcohol, meat, gluten, sugar, and caffeine for many years now and while it certainly helped lift my energy overall, and decrease some of my pain, it did not decrease the frequency of my attacks (almost daily). We are all so very different and migraine disease shows itself in each of us in so many different ways- with each of us responding to various therapies and treatments also in such unique ways. It is wonderful that you've been able to find relief through nutrition and self-made anti-inflammatory elixirs so that you have become less dependent on specialists in general. Good for you! Thanks for sharing what is working for you.
saleen13 Member
My migraine specialist recently retired. He had been my doctor and wore many different hats for me throughout the years everything from being my specialist to my PCP for a short time when my PCP has retired. He was my physician for close to 20 years, when he left his practice he did not really refer anyone as he did not feel there were any other good fits for his patients. Now my case is far from simple or normal so I was lucky enough to have a medication clarification document that he filled out so that my PCP could continue my medications until I was able to find another good fit. I recently had my sleep apnea testing redone and was able to confirm that I do in fact have this my medical team has been trying to find me another potential longer term fix for my migraines since the CGRPs I have a adverse reaction to. Anyway to answer the question as to what i did was I have a good relationship with my physicians on my medical team and they were able to find me a work-a-round for now at least...I’m hoping that when it comes time that I need to see another migraine specific specialist that they will be able to advocate for me.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Hi <inline-mention user-id="3751305" username="saleen13"/> - Thank you so much for chiming in. We are really learning from each other in this comment section. I didn't know it was possible to have a "medication clarification document" created and signed as a way to carry a patient through until a relationship with a new doctor is secured. That's a great resource to share. Thank you! Sorry to hear that you had a reaction to the CGRPs! That's rough news, for sure. Did you try all three or was it enough to try one to know that you'd have a reaction to all of them? I join you in hoping that you'll be able to find a good fit with a new migraine specialist when the time comes. Here is a listing of migraine specialists in the US, in case that might be of help: <a href='https://migraine.com/blog/the-mrf-directory-of-headache-and-migraine-specialists/' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/blog/the-mrf-directory-of-headache-and-migraine-specialists/</a> So glad you're a part of our community. Please stay in touch!
2. saleen13 Member
 The reaction I had was severe enough that it’s not worth the risk. I had a similar one to triptans as well. I can not remember the exact name of it but it was a continuation of care contract. Since one of the medications I utilize at times a rarity is a pain medication (honestly they work the best for me and I’m able to get by with a extremely low dose with it)...anyway basically what it contained was a evaluation of my treatment plan and what is being used and why. I am more then happy to share my experience and hopefully it does assist someone find a solution or assistance with making the transition to another health care profesional.
nmyers09 Member
About 5 years ago I finally found a wonderful specialist. Thankfully I was able to follow her when she changed from private practice to being the director of a hospital's new medical program. She has worked with me through all my med changes, through the changes and additions to my long list of medical conditions and often treats more than just my neurological conditions. I truly would benefit from moving somewhere else where the cost of living wasn't so high (because my financial situation is very difficult) but I refuse to start over with a new neuro (not to mention my other drs who I would be hard pressed to replace) unless I'm left with absolutely no other choice. The idea of starting over with a new neuro is beyond terrifying. It took years to build that trust and to go through all of the hurdles we've been through. She also respects and trusts me about my knowledge of my body and knows what I'm talking about when we discuss things. She is also open to and treats me with pain medication. I did have to sign all the fun paperwork but getting a doc that listens to you and doesn't judge you when it comes to starting or changing pain meds is a HUGE thing. Lucky to have her... Terrified to lose her... No idea where I would even begin to start looking for someone new.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 You are not alone in feeling very attached to your specialist, <inline-mention user-id="3847033" username="nmyers09"/> . I have heard of many patients who had to move due to life circumstances and they travel many miles back to where they lived previously in order to continue being cared for by their migraine specialists. These relationships are so special and, as you so eloquently state, involve trust and nonjudgment- things that can be hard to come by. The pain medication piece is becoming more of a front and center issue as the opioid epidemic reaches a fever pitch. Generally, those of us who take opioids were prescribed them only after we went through a long journey in which we tried everything else and nothing worked. A new doctor might want us to start from scratch and prove that nothing works to them before being willing to prescribe this medication. A daunting and stressful situation if we've already gone through it before. Glad you have such a good fit with your current neurologist. Fingers crossed that she lives forever and you and she never need to move! Please take a look at the comment section for ideas about how to prepare (gathering your records and history) as it might not hurt to have that at the ready in any case. Thanks again for sharing- so glad you're a part of our community. Please stay in touch!
deedeevee1 Member
My primary care doc left the network I'm in and has a do not compete clause in his contract. I was absolutely devastated by this news. He's been my doctor longer than I've had migraine disease. He was integral in getting me diagnosed. He also is the doctor that helped me deal with the anxiety and the deep depression that followed the diagnosis. On our last office visit we laughed, we cried, and we prayed together. He referred me to a personal friend of his. Not the same doctor that was getting all his other patients. His friend and his personal physician. I was put a little at ease knowing that if Vinny trusted him with his own health that I'd be in good hands. I've only seen the new doctor twice so far as this just happened in February. But so far so good.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Hi <inline-mention user-id="3718603" username="deedeevee1"/> - Thanks so much for sharing your experience with this situation. That sounds devastating indeed to have lost such a key person in your life. I would feel the same way. Wonderful that he took that time to refer you especially to someone he really trusts. And what a relief that you've had a good experience with the new doctor thus far. Thanks again for sharing. Please stay in touch!
dinamay Member
I don’t think there’s any magic formula to starting over with a new doctor. I’ve done this many times for lots of different reasons. In my experience, starting with a new doctor is very different from finding the first good one. I know my own history pretty well so I had a lot to share, the next time around. I can say who first diagnosed me and when, list the symptoms besides pain that accompany migraine attacks, describe some of the main triggers (it’s too time consuming to talk about them all at one sitting), and tell which treatments I’ve tried. Plus, I have questions I know to ask the doctor, too, to find out how open he/she is to certain treatments, and, more importantly, how open she/he is to discussion. I want a doctor who will talk things over, not just dash off a prescription and run. So, if you’re facing the daunting task of finding a new doctor, take heart. It’s even possible you’ll find one better than you had before - I’m living proof.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention user-id="3907903" username="dinamay"/> - Thank you for this thoughtful comment. I couldn't agree with you more about the fact that likely the best any of us can do to prepare for a shift in our doctor care is to know our history and be well-prepared for that first appointment. It can be a challenge to be able to articulate your entire migraine history if it's a long one, so it's probably a good idea to take some time prior to the first appointment to outline your life with migraine in order to make sure you touch upon the most important parts. Also wouldn't hurt to get your actual clinical history/records from your last doctor to bring with you. I like your point about being prepared to ask the doctor questions as well to assess and evaluate him/her. The fit is so important in this relationship. Do you mind sharing the types of questions you ask in order to do this kind of assessment? I, too, was lucky enough to find a better one the next time around. It is daunting- but can be worthwhile. Again, so grateful that you shared these solutions and approaches. I'm sure many in our community learned from what you wrote.
2. dinamay Member
 @hollybaddour, I tell a new doctor that I’ve taken a few statins, starting with Imitrex (sumatriptan) when it first came out as an injection. Then I ask if it would be worthwhile trying any others and if so what they might be. My opinion, based on what I’ve read as well as my own experience, is that it’s not worthwhile because they are so similar. My current doctor pointed out that i could take a triptan along with an over-the-counter pain med such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or naproxen (Aleve). This may provide more relief than the triptan alone. Good answer. He made it better by going on to say I could take all three since these are 3 different categories of pain reliever. (But do NOT take two from the same category, such as aspirin or ibuprofen along with naproxen.) I also ask about possible new therapies. This was how I first heard about CGRP agonists, which now include Aimovig, Emgality, and another that I’ve forgotten. Since a number of people told me about a friend or relative who had gotten rid of migraines by using marijuana, I asked about that too. He did not seem eager to prescribe that and I doubted my insurance would pay for it if he did, so I didn’t press this topic further. The questions others would ask would no doubt be different, based on their experience and what sorts of things they would like to try. But regardless of the specific questions and answers, I think we all want to find a doctor who listens to what we have to say and discusses things rather than making decisions for us.
1wb9cnd Member
One of the things that experienced when my doctor retired was I went to the assigned doctor who would take over most if not all of my "NOW RETIRED DOCTOR!" However, this did not go well for me and I did not feel comfortable at all! So I decided that it did not matter how many different doctors I had to go to in order that I find the one who was "The Right Doctor" for me! This was not an easy task by any means but I was determined in finding the very best for myself and my medical issues! After I had actually seen, four different doctors, I had finally found the one I felt connected with me on so many levels! "It was such an uneasy feeling for me that I honestly can say; "I do not wish this on anyone but we do live in the, "REAL WORLD" and our precious doctors do retire! My quest took me about 7 months and as I mentioned, it was not easy by any means but my advise to those of you who do have to face this new reality is to stay focused on what's important to you in finding that right doctor and if one does not work out, move on till you do find the one who will work with you! "Trust me, you will know as we all have that sixth sense and in this case, I say use it because had I not continued seeking the "ONE SPECIAL DOCTOR" for myself, "I wouldn't have received the proper medical attention that I need!" Do not be shy in asking direct questions pertaining to your medical needs as that is the only way you will find the right doctor as you have to remember, "Others can not read our minds to be, "Open & Honest! Best of luck to those who have to look for a new doctor! One is out there for you! P.S.I don't care if I would have had to go to 10 different doctors, I was not going to just settle! Stay focused and remain calm! *
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 This is a great gift you have just offered to walk us through the process you just completed in finding a new migraine doctor. You're so right that finding the right fit is so important and settling just doesn't make sense when it comes to such a key relationship. Many of us don't have a deep bench from which to choose due to where we live and the shortage of specialists out there. That said, your encouragement to keep looking until our gut tells us we're in the right place is inspiring. I wonder if you'd be willing to reply to the following article with your advice as well: <a href='https://migraine.com/living-migraine/evaluating-doctor-patient-relationship-right-fit/' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/living-migraine/evaluating-doctor-patient-relationship-right-fit/</a>. It would be helpful to have your advice (even if it's basically the same as you offer here) in the comment section of that piece as well. Finding a new migraine doctor is a big process and hearing from a community member who has just been through it successfully is a big help. Thanks so much for taking the time to share with the rest of us.
dfonner Member
I was with a headache specialty clinic that "retired". While they had one main founder, I started with his partner who left after a few years and that seemed to be the routine. Every 2-3 years I'd have a new MD or PA. The first doc and the last two were my favorites by far. The last one told me to head to another state to a new headache clinic when this clinic closed about a year ago. I didn't listen and instead just stuck with the "system" and went to their neurology clinic b/c they had my box of botox. When I FINALLY saw a new doc after 6-7 months, of course I had been in misery and she prescribed Aimovig instead of giving me my Botox. Then I had to wait months for the Aimovig. Now she's out on maternity leave, I'm on the bridge program for the Aimovig, and I'm not sure if anyone is even working on the PA, which is a requirement to keep getting it. I do ok as long as I take it but that first week is bad.... It's hard to decide whether to keep driving 2 hours where all my records are for the past 10+ years or change to a local doc. I live in a decent size city but we don't have headache specialists, just neurologists. So I'd still be getting a jack of all trades. I do know that one good doc I had at the headache clinic now has a telemedicine practice but it is only for 2nd opinions with neurologists. So even if I asked my very good PCP to take over my care and have her be the backup neuro, I'm not sure she would, though I have considered it. My PCP is the one who tried very hard to manage my migraines in the beginning before they just needed that extra punch. Ironically, the first doc I saw there is in private practice too. He does home visits as a neurologist but only within a 20 mile radius of a hospital 2 hours from my house. How progressive they are! I think there are options out there. Now that docs are doing telemedicine, if you have a comfortable relationship with your doc but you feel something isn't working, finding a headache specialist online may be an option. They may be able to share insight on med combos, issues that may be causing pain/contributing to migraines, etc. Psychiatric and "doc in a box" telemedicine are big these days, why not other specialties? And hey, if you live within 20 minutes of a major metropolitan area, perhaps there is a headache specialist willing to make house calls!
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Hi there, <inline-mention user-id="3720319" username="dfonner"/> - I had no idea that some of these specialists were offering house calls! What an absolute dream for a migraineur to have an appointment at home. So sorry to hear how you've been passed around from doc to doc over the last few years. The journey sounds like it has tested your patience not to mention your overall quality of care. I do know many patients who travel several hours in order to continue seeing the specialists with whom they have established and positive relationships who have then relocated (or the patients themselves moved). You outline all the reasons why someone would make such a trek (to avoid the wait time involved in being seen by a new doctor, coordinating new treatments, insurance limitations, and on). One side note I wanted to mention- although Aimovig has said they don't want patients to have Botox AND Aimovig, many doctors are administering both anyway. I say this just because it might be worth asking your doctor about this if you were having a good experience with Botox. You bring up a good point about the evolution in care in general toward telemedicine and how that might or might not impact migraine medicine. That will be interesting to watch. My own migraine specialist said he is noticing his practice changing with the onset of the CGRP meds as patients can self-administer those drugs. And, if effective, these patience then require dramatically fewer appointments. Thanks again for chiming in and for raising such salient and interesting points. Please stay in touch and so grateful you're a part of our community!
sanfrancisco Member
Yes! My beloved, kind, caring and compassionate pain dr retired in 2015 and I’ve never had my pain so out of control since he retired/moved. Every time I saw a new pain doc or Neurologist, they would make me try everything I’ve already tried a zillion times; things that just haven’t helped me the last 15 times! I’m not going to do that ever again. But I had horrible experiences with some dr’s bc they either wouldn’t treat migraines or they thought I was a drug seeker. It’s been a long 4 years but I found a really good pain dr at UCSF - he’s a neuro and an anesthesiologist. But it’s a long way back to getting some relief. I hope my PCP doesn’t retire - that will be another blow that I will have to overcome. It’s very worrisome to me.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 oh, <inline-mention user-id="3889038" username="sanfrancisco"/> ! You've just outlined my biggest fear/nightmare. Losing a great specialist and then having an impossible time finding a similar fit in a replacement. That idea, of having to jump through the same hoops, again and again, just to prove that we're worthy of the treatment plan on which we had previously landed with our prior specialist is ridiculous. You'd think that our specialists, prior to retirement, could provide some kind of letter illustrating the journey/process we took or trial and error that landed us with the treatment plan we have. I suppose that is ultimately what a medical chart is- but it seems every doctor wants a fresh try with the belief that they can do it better. Glad you've finally found a good pain doctor. And yes- the PCP retirement question is another worry altogether! Thanks for chiming in and sharing some of your story. Please stay in touch!
sanfrancisco Member
Honestly the worst part of having your dr retire, move, etc. is exactly that every dr wants to retry you on everything you’ve already tried/failed before. I’ve had so many rounds of the same things; and of course - they still don’t work. I guess they don’t trust that the previous dr was doing things right - I don’t know, I don’t get it. But I’ve also had pain drs disagree with what my headache clinic has prescribed. Why don’t they understand how frustrating that is? I mean what do you do? You don’t want to make one of your drs uncomfortable (or worse yet, angry).
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 You raise a great point regarding the fact that there's no universal treatment plan that is applied for migraineurs because there is no one kind of migraine. Migraine specialists disagree widely as to which approach and medication is the best to utilize in the same situation, even- so yes- it is indeed frustrating when we are passed from doctor to doctor! The other point you raise is also important. That of making our doctor's uncomfortable or angry. What you touch upon in raising this is the power differential that exists between patient and doctor. It's an incredibly complex dynamic and can be a challenge to navigate: <a href='https://migraine.com/living-migraine/complexities-doctor-patient-relationship/' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/living-migraine/complexities-doctor-patient-relationship/</a> Really glad you chimed in! Please stay in touch.
sanfrancisco Member
I check with each of my drs about their plans so I can be proactive bc losing my one specialist was very traumatic. Good luck.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Hi <inline-mention user-id="3889038" username="sanfrancisco"/> - thanks for sharing the way you handle the potential retirement of your doctors. May I ask how you respond if you learn that someone IS planning to retire? What are the proactive steps you take or do you mean you ask them their future plans before you engage them as your physician? Thanks so much. Look forward to learning more from you!
onedayatatime Member
As a military family member, I experience this every 3 years. It took a while, but I now strongly advocate for myself. Before I took this approach, I spent nearly 2 years unmanaged, after having a solid treatment plan. I find it difficult for me to challenge a specialist but I feel I’m echoing what my previous specialist already identified. This is what I do- 1) Keep a personal folder of my records (with personal notes) and bring them to new appointments. 2) Become very well versed in what I have tried and the reason the treatment (diet, med...) did or did not work. 3) Realize new drugs and treatments get approved and one of them may be helpful. 4) Stand firm with the new Doctor, discuss concerns with my PCM, and/or look for another Neurologist that is willing to trust the treatment plan I have received from his/her colleagues This is the worst part of my struggle.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 onedayatatime - So grateful for your honesty here. It really is one of the most primary and key pieces of any migraineurs puzzles to have a functional relationship (and ideally a partnership) with their doctor. We don't always get to choose how long these relationships last. I didn't realize that being in the military automatically means a temporary relationship with your doctor. I'm thankful you took the time to share the very helpful wisdom you have earned in your journey with the rest of us and yet am so sorry you have had to learn these lessons firsthand. Thanks again for taking the time to help guide the rest of us in this important part of managing life with migraine. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
Mary contrary Member
I lost my wonderful neuro PA that had migraines so she understood very well and keep up with research since she serviced a lot of Migraine patients. She ended up leaving for medical reasons and I found out in my botox visit about a week before she left. It wouldn't surprise me if it was the combo of her migraines and compassion fatigue. I had been to the other neuro docs at the office and never felt comfortable with any of them. I tried the replacement doc for years, who was OK, but not great. He did his best. Then h Change is hard, but if have had the string of "not the right fit" doctors then you also have the expertise in knowing what feels right pretty much from the first visit. If they haven't read your file or stick to their 15 min window you pretty much know they aren't THE one. I'm thinking I should change, again, to the doctor he consulted to see if she is a better fit. I've have migraines since I was 15 (31 yrs exp.) but probably silent ones for years before. I've been chronic for at least 5 years. I have Comorbidities and aura which makes me harder to treat. 
1. Tom Picerno Moderator & Contributor
 @Mary contrary I'm sorry to hear you lost your doctor. I know how frustrating that can be. It is so hard to find a qualified. , compassionate, doctor. There is nothing worse than sitting in an appointment and being rushed through without the doctor really trying to understand YOUR version of migraine. You are exactly right if you have comorbidities to treat that makes things all the more difficult. I hope you find a doctor soon that fits your needs. Warmly, Tom <a href='http://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a> team
Mary contrary Member
There is nothing we can do when a doc leaves except change our feelings about it. It's frustrating! The thing you can do is work your medical system, as frustrating as it is and doesn't help our illness. Be prepared to interview several to find a good fit. Don't be afraid to change, and do change, if you aren't comfortable. It's our health and wellbeing and it needs to handled with care and understanding. I hope we all can find our fit and have less, preferably no pain days. 
1. Tom Picerno Moderator & Contributor
 @Mary contrary you make some excellent points! Thank you for sharing them with the community. Warmly, Cheryl <a href='http://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a> team
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Mary contrary" user-id="3835578"/> So grateful you shared your well-earned wisdom on this topic with the rest of us. I wanted to share our resource on finding migraine specialists here for those looking for new doctors- for those interested: <a href='https://migraine.com/blog/the-mrf-directory-of-headache-and-migraine-specialists' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/blog/the-mrf-directory-of-headache-and-migraine-specialists</a>, how to prepare for an appointment with a new specialist: <a href='https://migraine.com/migraine-headaches-doctors' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/migraine-headaches-doctors</a> and this piece on how migraine specialists are different from other doctors: <a href='https://migraine.com/blog/how-are-migraine-specialists-different' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/blog/how-are-migraine-specialists-different</a>. Finding the right fit is so very important. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).

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