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gincal	Mar-16-03, 05:37 PM (CMT)
"defensive"
Does anyone else besides me feel defensive when they go to the neurologist (or any doctor who is treating you for headaches)? I feel, since I've had such unpleasant experiences with neurologists and other doctors, that when I talk about my headaches, I don't always feel I can be upfront about the amount of pain. I feel that they think I am just seeking drugs. Yes, I am seeking drugs to eliminate the horrible migraine pain. I am going back to my neurologist in Kansas City tomorrow. So far we have a good relationship and she has made me feel like I can talk to her. However, that has happened with other doctors in the beginning. Then they get frustrated with me when they can't help. I know this place is the top, the end of the line. I fear they will give up too. Also, we are coming into spring, the worst time for me for headaches. I am so bothered by weather changes, the pressure changes, etc. I have been doing pretty well with the generic Zanaflex, but I wake up so early in the morning and can't go back to sleep. I am nervous about telling her that. Anyway, anyone have any advice? I know I have to be honest with her. Thanks in advance.
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RE: defensive, lesherb, Mar-16-03, (1) RE: defensive, emme, Mar-16-03, (2) RE: defensive, sleepyhead, Mar-16-03, (3) RE: defensive, tanyawhelan, Mar-17-03, (4) RE: defensive, gincal, Mar-19-03, (5) RE: defensive, mishkyn, Mar-19-03, (6)

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lesherb	Mar-16-03, 05:43 PM (CMT)
1. "RE: defensive"
I know this is easier said than done but I suggest you tell her everything you told us. Tell her about your apprehension and worries. I know if I were a doctor I'd want to know everything. Łeslie
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emme	Mar-16-03, 07:01 PM (CMT)
2. "RE: defensive"
sleep. > I am nervous about >telling her that. Anyway, >anyone have any advice? >I know I have to >be honest with her. >Thanks in advance. I agree with Leslie, I would tell her what you've told us. Especially that other doctors have given up when they can't "cure" you. Tell, her that what you're looking for is a way of controlling them as much as possible, and of making your life more liveable and it may be necessary to take narcotics sometimes etc. to do that. I'm not sure of you're history at all, or what you take etc. Good luck. I know how you feel about the apprehension of seeing doctors, I think alot of people with chronic pain/diseases that aren't terribly validated feel that. Especially after you can mask or lose the pain behaviors, many people no longer believe/ think you can possibly be in pain. Be sure that you make it clear to her how much pain you are in and how it affects you. Maybe even take a video of your next migraine, have some one else do it, obviously, and show it to her, especially if you are vomiting etc. that is something that can be seen. Emme
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	sleepyhead	Mar-16-03, 07:38 PM (CMT)
	3. "RE: defensive"
	Well, I go to my neuro tomorrow also. I feel I can be open with him. I have to be. I have to be comfortable with him and be open. If I cannot be, then I have to find another one. There is no other way...he and I have to communicate right? I have found that if I need to communicate with him or his nurse when I am not face to face to them, I type up a letter and fax it to them. no mistakes or anything else. I am not nervous in anyway about my appointment with him. We will have to tweak my meds a little - AGAIN! but I dont mind one bit. I will feel good one day! ~~Renee'
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tanyawhelan	Mar-17-03, 06:32 PM (CMT)
4. "RE: defensive"
hi I think all of us try to be honnest with our neuro since how could they help us if they don't know what we need or feel. But at times I find myself wondering if I am really be taken seriously. And weather I am being allowed to participate in my own treatment. And weather my pain is getting to my neurologist clearly. And does he really do everything he can to make my migraines better. Right now I waiting for the relief to come. Hope everyone else feels okay! Tanya
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	gincal	Mar-19-03, 11:36 AM (CMT)
	5. "RE: defensive"
	I went to my appointment on Monday. I was completely honest with my doctor. She was great. Very kind and helpful. She doubled the dose of the Zanaflex and gave me a new script for Fioricet w/ codeine. Thanks for the advice.
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	mishkyn	Mar-19-03, 01:27 PM (CMT)
	6. "RE: defensive"
	So glad it worked out. I have not been out of pain for one second in nearly 3 decades. In the dark ages when my pain began, EVERY single dr I saw, and I saw dozens in many many states, said a daily headache had to be in my head. I was completely paranoid about complaining too much or even looking like I was in pain. I got all dolled up to see the dr so they could not say she is just depressed and letting herself go. So, guess our dx of her being nuts is okay. No matter that the drs hand-picked several shrinks to evaluate me. No matter every single one told the drs to dig deeper, that I was not crazy, but remarkably stable. No matter that several were associated with pain clinics and told them patients almost never fake pain. The drs told me they did not believe their own shrinks. For seven years I was told I was crazy until I went to a headache clinic and was told I had headaches--that was my disease. Did it get easier with other docs? NO. Not for a long time, and then with only an informed few. Most still do not believe in constant headaches. Most still look at me like I am not telling the truth. Please everyone be honest with your drs. All my friends told me I did not look like I was in pain. They all encouraged me to cry or emote some. But I was too scared I would be called even crazier by these horrid drs. Not being believed is crushing. But at least today a great many drs know more about headaches and pain. Best to all, Mishkyn
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